LAGO DI GARDA 2026

There are races where the backdrop carries the experience. Lago di Garda is one of those races. The starting line right on the lake shore, the Alpine wall behind you, olive groves ahead. Anyone who has run here understands why so many come back.

ARRIVAL. RIVA DEL GARDA. RACE MORNING.

Friday evening drive from Munich and straight to an Italian pasta in the old town — that's how carb loading should be done. Saturday morning a short shakeout run along the lake shore and then a cappuccino in the sun. A race weekend can't start better than that.

Sunday morning: starting area on the water, mountain panorama in the morning sun, and the excitement before a big race. Marathon runners take the ferry to Limone for the start, the half marathon starts in Riva. Runningsociety was on both courses.

Alpine wall. Lake shore. Race bib. Not a bad day.

THE COURSE.

The course runs along the lake shore, through small villages, almost the entire distance with a view of the lake. Mountains to the left, water to the right — the Gardasee Marathon is one of the most beautiful courses in Europe. But not an easy one: a few elevation metres and headwind is the price for this scenery.

What makes this race special: the combination of race atmosphere and holiday feeling. Those who run celebrate afterwards. Those who watch enjoy cappuccino and Aperol on the lake front.

AFTER THE FINISH.

Finisher area in the old town of Malcesine. Medal, sun, finding the others. Those who finish earlier wait and cheer on the rest — with the best view of the lake.

Then it's the ferry back across the lake to Riva for one last Italian lunch with a view of the water. Legs hurt after a race like this, but a short walk in the sun is still possible before the drive back to Munich.

What makes this trip so special: it's not just a race, it's a (holiday) weekend with the community.

11 April 2026