A record number of runners at the 9th Geneva Marathon for Unicef

The Geneva Marathon Race village opened its doors to the public this afternoon in the Jardin Anglais, celebrating a record number of participants in this year's event. The organisers are expecting nearly 9000 runners to take part in 6 races taking place over the weekend. The marathon is a truly international event, with the number of different nationalities taking part now reaching 110.

Benjamin Chandelier, Event Director, stated, "We're delighted to have seen thousands of keen runners already come and collect their bibs. They've been spending time wandering around the Marathon Village, looking at all the stands, enjoying the entertainment provided by our partners and exhibitors and finding out about other International events they can take part in. Many of them have already bought their famous green laces to show support for our ‘Run for the Planet' campaign for sustainable development."

The Services Industriels de Genève (SIG) has been hosting ‘Water Day' at their tent, with a range of entertainment and fun games and activities designed to help promote the benefits of tap water.

The first races will take place from tomorrow, starting the weekend in honour of women and children. From 14h, 1400 female runners (40% more than last year) will take their place on the start line on the Pont du Berges to run the 5km ‘Genevoise', finishing in the Jardin Anglais. Following this ladies-only event, some 750 young runners (25% more than last year) aged from 6 to 13 will test themselves on routes from 1 to 3km. Flavio Calligaris, Unicef Marketing and Communications Director, will be the official starter for the children's races, offering motivational support for these young runners. 

On Sunday 5th May at 0800 the Handcycle competitors will take their place, for the first time in the event's history, on the start line of the Half Marathon in Chêne-Bourg. They will be the first to leave, followed 30 minutes later by the Half Marathon runners. The main event of the weekend, the Marathon, will start at 0930.

The Relay Marathon, new in 2013, offers a new race format, which has already proved a great success! The marathon distance is divided into 6 sections from 3.7 to 9.2km and is designed to allow families, friends, colleagues, or club members to run as a team and share the marathon distance. This ‘accessible' format means that everyone, of any age or running ability can enjoy the marathon experience.

Sunday's races will traverse the beautiful Geneva countryside before returning to the city centre and the finish line. Runners will pass several key landmarks in the City of Calvin, including the ‘Horloge Fleurie' as well as the famous Jet d'Eau. For the first time in the history of the Geneva Marathon for Unicef, the final sprint finish will take place on the Pont du Mont-Blanc, overlooking the crystal clear waters of Lake Geneva.

Follow the events live on the official Geneva Marathon website.

Stay in touch and find out the latest news via the Geneva Marathon for Unicef Facebook page or by following @genevemarathon on Twitter.

 

Geneva Marathon for Unicef Programme:

Saturday 4th May

Opening of the Marathon Village and bib collection from 0900 to 1900 in the Jardin Anglais
La Genevoise: Start Pont des Bergues 1400, finish Jardin Anglais
3km Juniors: Start Jardin Anglais at 1510, finish Jardin Anglais
2.5km Juniors: Start Jardin Anglais at 1550, finish Jardin Anglais
2km Juniors: Start Jardin Anglais at 1625, finish Jardin Anglais
1km Juniors: Start Jardin Anglais at 1655, finish Jardin Anglais

Sunday 5th May

Wheelchair & Hancycle Half Marathon: Start Chene Bourg at 0800, finish Pont du Mont-Blanc

Half Marathon: Start Chene Bourg at 0830, finish Pont du Mont-Blanc
Marathon: Start Chene Bourg at 0930, finish Pont du Mont-Blanc
Relay Marathon: Start Chene Bourg at 0930, finish Pont du Mont-Blanc