Zurich, Switzerland 01.01.2026
Source: https://www.neujahrsmarathon.ch/en/home/
The Neujahrsmarathon Zürich (New Year’s Marathon Zurich) holds a unique place in the running world as the first officially recognized marathon of the year.
Founded in 2005, the race begins exactly at the stroke of midnight as the calendar turns to January 1st. Because it is sanctioned by the AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) and World Athletics, the winners of the race often technically hold the world-leading times for the new year for several hours or days.
🏃 Key Historical Milestones
- 2005: The Inaugural RaceThe event was founded by Roger Kaufmann and organized by the non-profit Verein Neujahrsmarathon Zürich. The first edition was held in Schlieren, a suburb of Zurich, which remains the event’s home today.
- 2014: The 10th AnniversaryBy its tenth year, the race had grown significantly, attracting over 800 runners from 36 countries. It solidified its reputation not just as a local race, but as an international destination for “marathon tourists” looking for a unique way to celebrate the holiday.
- 2025: The 20th Anniversary EditionThe most recent milestone was the 20th-anniversary run in 2025. It set a new participation record with over 1,100 runners from 51 countries. Notably, the founder Roger Kaufmann competed in the full marathon distance for the first time to celebrate the two-decade mark.
🕒 Unique Traditions & Atmosphere
The race is famous for its unconventional “party meets performance” atmosphere:
- The Midnight Start: While most of the world is watching fireworks with a glass of champagne, participants are crossing the start line under a display of fireworks over the Limmat River.
- The Indoor Element: The start and finish lines, as well as the transition area for laps, are located inside the Unterrohr Sports Hall. Runners pass through the heated hall four times (once per lap), where they are greeted by cheering crowds, music, and a DJ.
- The Course: The track consists of four 10.55 km laps along the Limmat River. Since it takes place in the dead of winter at night, the course is unlit, and runners are required to wear headlamps.
🏆 Notable Records
| Category | Athlete | Time | Year |
| Men’s Record | Nikki Johnstone (GBR) | 2:26:52 | 2019 |
| Women’s Record | Astrid Müller (SUI) | 2:59:29 | 2006 |
Astrid Müller is a legend of this race, having secured four victories (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014).
Fun Fact: Because the race starts at 00:00:00 on January 1st, the finishers often appear at the very top of the World Athletics season rankings for several weeks until the larger spring marathons take place.
