Focus on a race

Geneva Marathon for Unicef

13 Mar, 2011 (Sun)

§staticmap(1264,5,450,250)On May 15th 2011, you’ll be organizing the Genève Marathon for Unicef. Can you tell us where it is located?

For the first time ever, the Geneva Marathon for Unicef, now in its seventh year, will provide the runners with a unique route of 42,195km including the most beautiful landmarks of the city as well as Geneva’s historical and cosmopolitan centre and its magnificent countryside surrounding it over the weekend of the 14th and 15th May 2011.

Unlike previous editions where participants had to make two loops of the same course, the 2011 route is based on one loop of the new course which for the full and half marathon courses, offers the runners a variation of vistas to help them on their way. 

This will be the 7th edition of the race. Why was it created in the first place?

The Geneva Marathon for Unicef has been created in 2005 because there are many runners in the state and in the city and because Geneva is one the most beautiful cities in the World : a perfect place for runners !

What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?

After a first part in the countryside in a stunning backdrop nestled in between the Jura’s crests and the Alpine summits, the participants will dive into the heart of the roads and discover the token monuments of Geneva (the water-jet, the flower clock, the Mont-Blanc Bridge…).

They will then run along the Rhône quays and will finally cross the finish line drawn in front of the famous Palais Wilson for a prestigious finale in the heart of the city.
 
How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?

These breathtaking running routes will be extremely enjoyable to the running enthusiasts and we expect more than 5000 runners. The new layouts are proof of our the long-term commitment : to put of the Geneva Marathon for Unicef in the top 15 of marathons in Europe.
 
Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?

This year we will be following on from the success new format of last year, which saw a 6km race for female runners : La Genevoise on Saturday followed by the Kid’s race.

There are four Kid’s Races for different age categories, ranging from 500 meters up to 3km for the eldest children. These additional races have really helped create a weekend event that appeals to all ages, running competencies and spectators.

All the money raised through the Kids Race will go straight to Unicef while 5% of the Marathon, Half Marathon and La Genevoise race will go to Unicef.
 
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?

The weather was fantastic last year with beautiful sunshine but not too hot for running. In May that is typical weather of cool sunshine and around 15 degrees…

Have you planned festivities around the marathon?

With the kid’s race, the Genevoise, the Half Marathon and the Marathon, the aim is to ensure that the whole family will be able to participate at their own pace in this great running festival.

Of course, we will have a large program of activities all weekend long with a band along the course, commentator on the start line, and race village exhibitions with our partners and suppliers.
 
The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Geneva before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?

Useful information on restaurants, hotels and what there is do in Geneva after the marathon can be found here, http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/.
 
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Genève Marathon for Unicef?

This is a truly unique running festival, which support Unicef, with something for everyone and set in the heart of lakeside Geneva near the Alps – where else can you run in such a stunning flat location with such superb spectators and entertainment? 


Benjamin Chandelier

Interview with Benjamin Chandelier
Outdoor Events Director at OC ThirdPole

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