Lake Annecy Marathon

The Annecy marathon and the 10 km of the lake are major sporting events for trial enthusiasts. It is considered as one of the most beautiful in France. Its route on the shores of Lake Annecy, between the lake and the mountains, offers an ideal setting. We present you the information to allow you to participate or to encourage the riders.

Annecy: in the top 10 of French marathons

Marathon du lac d'AnnecyThe Annecy marathon has been running since 1980. Each year, it counts more and more participants (nearly 2700 in April 2019). Its organisation is recognised for its quality. The athletes’ performances have earned it a place in the top 10 marathons in France.

In addition to the marathon, the programme includes a half-marathon and races for young people aged 7 to 15. Participants can set their own records. There is also a possibility to run in pairs to encourage each other.

The course passes through the following beautiful towns on Lake Annecy: Annecy, Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt and Doussard. The runners use the road and the cycle track of Lake Annecy. The return journey is via the same route. With less than 100 m of difference in altitude, the route is flat.

The riders are French, but also international, which indicates that the level is high. Annecy is a very popular area for trail and running enthusiasts with, in particular, the Maxi-Race of Lake Annecy in May.

The Annecy Marathon courses

Le parcours du marathon d'AnnecyTwo courses are offered to adults on this Marathon. A flat 10 km course, allowing less experienced runners to discover the joys of running and a 42.2 km course with a difference in altitude of about 100 metres.

A DUO course, identical to the Marathon course, where runners complete the course in relays and each run a half marathon, i.e. approximately 22 km.

For children, two races are also proposed, depending on their age: a 1,450-metre race, including 300 metres accompanied, and an 850-metre race, also including 300 metres accompanied.

The organisation of the Lake Annecy Marathon

The organisation provided by Annecy Haute-Savoie Athlétisme is voluntary. This sporting event improves from one edition to the next, offering the following services to marathoners and half-marathoners:

  • A t-shirt for each participant
  • The presentation of trophies
  • Payment of bonuses, prizes and vouchers
  • Musical entertainment
  • The presence of pacemakers during the races
  • A photography service for the runners
  • A shuttle service
  • The guarantee of the FFA International Athletics label
  • Finisher medals
  • Provision of refreshments
  • An eco-event for waste management
  • A shower service
  • A buffet at the finish
  • Guarded changing rooms
  • A physiotherapist, osteopath and masseur service

The start and finish of the Annecy Marathon

Départ du marathon d'Annecy avenue d'AlbignyThe start and finish are in Annecy on theAvenue d’Albigny. The events and most of the services offered by the organisation take place on the Pâquier in Annecy in front of the Avenue d’Albigny. The supporters are very appreciated by the runners to support them throughout the race. You can also take the supporters’ cruise on Lake Annecy by embarking on the Quai Napoléon III.

Annecy marathon records

For the women, it is the Ethiopian Helen Bekele Tola in 2016 in 2 h 29 mn 21 sec. For the men, it is the Kenyan Benjamin BITOK in 2011 in 2 h 11 mn 33 sec.

The winners of the marathon in 2019

For men, it is the Ethiopian: Yekeber Bayabel Gesese in 2 h 16 mn 43 sec. For men, it is also an Ethiopian: Genet Habela in 2 h 29 mn 22 sec.

The 2018 marathon winners

For men, it is: Felix Kiriu in 2 h 13 mn 11 sec. For men, it is: Negasa Chaltu in 2 h 44 mn 25 sec.

The winners of the marathon in 2017

For the men, it was: Kimutai Joel Kipkogei in 2 h 12 mn 33 sec. For the men, it was: Langat Daisy Chepngeno in 2 h 36 mn 14 sec.

The 2023 edition

affiche marathon annecy 2023 ©G. GodelThe 2023 edition of the Lake Annecy International Marathon will take place on 15 and 16 April. At the beginning of February, 6,000 participants had already registered for this not-to-be-missed event in the lake city. The start will be given from the Pâquier.

Several races will take place over the weekend, such as the marathon, the half-marathon and the youth race.

Registration will close on 9 April. The poster of the 2023 edition was designed by Gary Godel.

Past editions

The 2022 edition

After two years of cancellation due to a health crisis, the Annecy 2022 marathon took place on 16 and 17 April 2022. On the programme, runners could choose between: the marathon, the half-marathon, the 10 km, the children’s races and the 10 km.

The 2021 edition

The organisers planned that the 2021 edition of the Annecy Marathon would be held in a reduced format, in order to avoid too much mixing of runners. The athletics event was due to take place on 27 June 2021. But changing health conditions have led the organisers to cancel the event.

The 2020 edition

The event was due to take place on 19 April 2020, but due to the containment situation, it was first postponed and then cancelled. The next edition should therefore take place in April 2021, health conditions permitting.

More about : Annecy 2020 Marathon

Video of the 40th anniversary of the Lake Annecy International Marathon