Zurich Marathon 2025: A Personal Race Review & Lessons

Back at Zurich for Redemption

The 2025 Zurich Marathon marked my second time running this race, and my fifth marathon overall, following Singapore, York, Vienna, and two very different editions of Zurich.

Living in Zurich, I’ve had the unique advantage of training on parts of the actual course. But that didn’t mean I could take anything for granted. Especially after last year’s hail, sleet, and freezing temps, I came into this year’s race with clear goals and an even clearer plan: run smart, stay strong, and break 4 hours.

Spoiler: mission accomplished! Barely, but proudly. I clocked 3:59:43, with the course measuring 42.5 km on my watch (official finish time around 4:01). It was a day of near-misses, smart fuelling, steady pacing, and a mental game that held strong all the way to Mythenquai. Link to my Strava activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/14163433472

Race Day Weather: Humid and Tricky, But Manageable

This year’s race started under light rain, which quickly cleared. The weather stats:

• Temperature: 12.2°C (54°F)
• Humidity: 76%
• Wind: 4 km/h from the WSW

While it wasn’t hot, that humidity had a quiet impact, especially in the later stages. Combined with drying pavement and no wind to cool you down, hydration, and focus became key.

Pre-Race Morning: A Local’s Routine

Living in Zurich meant I didn’t have to deal with travel stress. But even then, things didn’t start perfectly.

⏰ I set my alarm for 4:30 AM, but slept right through it. Thankfully, my wife woke me at 5:00 AM (lifesaver!). Still had enough time for:

• A quick breakfast: 2-egg omelette, white bread with butter & honey, banana, and coffee
• Hydration: 500ml bottle of Maurten 320 about 45–60 minutes pre-race
• A final banana 30 minutes before the start
• Then met up with two running friends and headed together to the start area

Despite the alarm mishap, everything felt calm and dialled in. Energy-wise, I felt light, focused, and ready.

The Course: Scenic, Fast, and Beginner-Friendly

Zurich offers one of the most picturesque marathon routes in Europe. The start and finish take place near Mythenquai, right on Lake Zurich, with the course looping out and back through peaceful neighborhoods and along the lakefront.

• ✅ Flat profile, ideal for pacing
• ✅ Stunning scenery: mountains in the distance, lake reflections, urban calm
• ✅ One-loop course that becomes an advantage if you're mentally prepared (back and forth to Meilen, and two small loops in the city centre at the beginning and the end)
• ✅ Well-staffed aid stations every ~4km (and they have great sens of humour when I asked them if they served beers a few times!)

Crowd Support:

• Start/Finish: Great energy and support
• Mid-race: Quieter stretches, but friendly faces and plenty of encouragement
• Atmosphere: Calm, focused, and encouraging, not overwhelming

Fuelling & Hydration Plan: Precision and Payoff

I followed a strict fuelling and hydration strategy, something I’d learned the hard way in previous marathons. Here’s how it went down:

🥤 Before the race:

• 1 x Maurten 320 (500ml) 45–60 minutes before the start
• 1 banana 30 minutes before

🍌 During the race:

• Carried 2 flasks: one water, one electrolyte
• Took all 6 energy gels exactly as planned (including 2 caffeinated late-stage ones)
• Switched to aid stations from km 15–20 onward, walking briefly to hydrate

Key numbers (from my race plan):

• 🧂 Sodium: 1,630 mg
• 🍬 Carbs: 230 g
• 🔥 Calories: ~1,824 kcal

That final caffeinated gel at 38.4 km gave me the mental and physical boost I needed to hold pace. I didn’t cramp, stayed alert, and had enough left to push through the final stretch. I remember talking to myself "this is not finished, this is not finished.." as my body was shutting down in the last few kms.

What Went Well

✅ Pacing: Controlled and Strategic

I started steady and ran by feel, avoiding the common trap of going out too fast. My legs felt strong for most of the race, even when my watch showed some late-race pace swings, I kept my head in the game.

✅ Fuelling Was Spot-On

I executed the plan perfectly: skipping early aid stations, using my flasks, and transitioning to on-course drinks when it made sense. I avoided cramping and stayed energized.

✅ Mental Focus

From km 30 onward, I felt my body trying to slow, but my mind didn’t let it. That mental strength was what ultimately helped me hit my goal time.

What Didn’t Go So Well

🚽 Pee Stop at 9K

It cost me a few seconds, and while it didn’t derail my race, it definitely reminded me that small things can add up.

⌚ Garmin Display Setup

I ran using a data screen that didn’t show real-time pace, which was not ideal. This led to inconsistent pacing in some parts. Next race, I’ll make sure my screen helps me better control effort.

🎧 Music Glitch

My music stopped around km 24, and I couldn’t get it back without digging into my race vest. I ran the rest in silence, far from ideal and I prefer to have my usual Eminem "Lose Yourself" for the last stretch. I’ll fix that setup next time.

Advice for Amateur Runners & First-Timers

💡 What You Should Do:

• Practice fuelling in training. Not just what you eat, but when
• Set your watch display smartly (real-time pace, avg lap, heart rate)
• Train for all kinds of weather
• Use a mix of your own hydration + on-course options
• Keep music/gear accessible, not buried

🙅‍♂️ What to Avoid:

• Don’t assume “cool temps” = easy running. Humidity can sneak up on you
• Don’t go out too fast (especially on a flat course, it’s very tempting)
• Don’t underestimate mental fatigue in the last 10K

Final Verdict: Would I Recommend Zurich?

Without question. For runners looking for:

• A scenic, well-organized race
• A flat, fast course
• An easy-to-navigate event in the heart of Europe
• A friendly atmosphere without overwhelming crowds

…the Zurich Marathon is a top-tier choice, especially for your first or second marathon.

What’s Next for Me?

Right now, it’s recovery mode: walking, stretching, foam rolling, and giving the legs time to reset.

But I’m already thinking about how to shave a few more minutes off next time. Smarter pacing, maybe fewer walk breaks at aid stations, and perfecting the small things.

Need a Custom Marathon Training Plan?

Inspired by this story and ready to take on your first marathon or finally break a time goal like sub-4?

I create personalized training plans for amateur runners, built around:

• Your lifestyle
• Your current fitness
• Your goals (even if it’s just “finish smiling”)

👉 Let’s get you ready for race day

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