More young marathon runners

Thursday, 22 May 2025 06:30

More young adults than ever are hitting the marathon trail in Switzerland.

This year, over 43% of Zurich Marathon runners were aged 20 to 30, with similar surges in Lucerne and Lausanne.

Social media and health awareness are driving the trend, says Swiss Runners director Andreas Grüter.

Organizers like Benjamin Chandelier of the Geneva Marathon call it a “snowball effect,” with the number of young runners doubling in just five years.

But the rise isn't without risks – experts say make sure you’re ready for it.

One runner, 21-year-old Jean, collapsed near the Zurich finish line with heart inflammation.

And 23-year-old Lola struggled through her first marathon, but still calls it addictive.

Experts advise listening to your body while chasing the finish line.

More from Bitesize News

Citizenship remains one of the hardest on continent

The Council of States has rejected a popular initiative that would have let foreigners apply for citizenship after just five years, closing the parliamentary door on the biggest attempt in years to loosen one of Europe's strictest naturalisation regimes
More gun crime in Annemasse

Seven people are in French police custody after a shooting Monday evening at a drug-dealing spot in Ville-la-Grand, on the edge of Annemasse
Geneva land ownership change

The canton of Geneva is set to become the sole owner of the land beneath Stade de Genève, buying out a parcel held by federal railways CFF for CHF 15.84 million
Agriculture warning after record breaking summer

Farmers warn that another summer like this one would eat through their remaining reserves and force cuts to herds and crops
SNB interest rate stable

The Swiss National Bank has kept its key interest rate at zero, sticking with a policy that has held since June 2025 even as oil-driven inflation ticks higher
Phone company going to court

A Swisscom technician who spent 38 years at the company says he was fired for helping his 80-year-old neighbour cancel a subscription she never wanted