Course de l'Escalade 2026
Switzerland's biggest road race: tens of thousands of runners through Geneva's old town on the first weekend of December.
Location : Genève (Geneva) · Usual period : early December · Free
This edition
The Fête de l'Escalade celebrates an emblematic Genevan tradition in the Old Town. This annual event brings residents and visitors together to experience a festivity rich in history and heritage.
The festival
The Course de l'Escalade is a running event held in the Old Town of Geneva, scheduled for December 5 and 6, 2026, marking its 48th edition. It is described as the most popular footrace in Switzerland. The event takes place in the heart of the city, with the main gathering point at the Parc des Bastions. The program includes a variety of races, such as those for juniors, children, and a walking event, as well as competitive categories like Escaladélite and relay formats. There is also a specific race called the Marmite, which appears to be a central part of the festivities.
Beyond the races themselves, the weekend features entertainment for all ages, including a costume contest that follows the Marmite race, where participants can parade in their outfits. Sunday morning is dedicated to children's races through the streets of the Old Town. The Croix-Rouge genevoise provides care for children who get separated from their parents, with a designated tent at the top of the children's finish area. Baby changing and breastfeeding spaces are available under Escaladexpo. The event also relies on over 1,500 volunteers who contribute their time throughout the weekend, and there is a dedicated space for companies looking to offer a unique experience to their employees and families. The official refreshment station is provided by Sponser, along with water from SIG and support from Migros. Participants receive a souvenir prize, illustrated by the artist of the 48th edition, upon crossing the finish line, and top athletes in competitive races are recognized under Escaladexpo. Results and rankings are available online, and participants can opt to receive a text message with their time and rank. Photos are available for Swiss residents who selected that option during registration, and additional photos from volunteer photographers can be viewed online.
The event also includes various practical services, such as free massages, a bag drop service, and multiple food options in the Parc des Bastions and under Escaladexpo. The entire event uses reusable dishware without a deposit, with collection points available. An official app provides practical information and allows users to follow the progress of their loved ones during the race.
Getting there, on site
The event is located in the Parc des Bastions, in the center of Geneva. For the Walking event, participants start in Veyrier, and shuttle buses are available to take walkers from the Parc des Bastions to the starting point in Veyrier. Road closures and detour routes are communicated for the weekend. A supervised bag drop service is offered in the Parc des Bastions, with one bag per participant accepted, subject to availability. Lockers require a 2 or 5 Swiss franc coin as a deposit, which is returned when the bag is retrieved; losing the locker key results in a 40 franc fee. Walkers can leave their bags for free in a designated truck in Veyrier at Route de Veyrier 264/A. Water fountains are available in the park, and refreshments are provided after the race. Several food stalls are set up in the Parc des Bastions and under Escaladexpo. Lost and found is located at the information stand under Escaladexpo during the weekend, and at the secretariat from Monday onward.
