This edition happens on the 25 and 26 of April 2026! More info: 20 KM Lausanne

The 20KM de Lausanne is one of Switzerland’s most iconic running events, deeply rooted in the city’s sporting culture and Olympic heritage. Since its creation in the early 1980s, it has evolved from a modest local race into a major international sporting event that attracts tens of thousands of participants each year. Its history reflects not only the growth of recreational running in Switzerland but also the spirit of innovation, inclusion, and community engagement that defines Lausanne as the Olympic Capital.

The origins of the event

The 20KM de Lausanne was born in 1982, inspired by Juan-Antonio Samaranch, then President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He envisioned Lausanne not only as an administrative center for global sport but also as a city actively promoting mass participation in physical activity.

To bring this idea to life, Samaranch brought together key figures such as Jacky Delapierre, organizer of the Athletissima meeting, and Jean-François Pahud, curator of the Olympic Museum. Following discussions and planning sessions—including one memorable meeting in Rome during the World Cross Country Championships—the concept of a popular city race was developed.

The first edition took place on 6 June 1982, with approximately 1,470 participants. The event included two distances: 20 km and 4 km. The inaugural winners were Stéphane Gmünder in the men’s race and Christine Kaminski in the women’s category. From the beginning, the race combined competitive spirit with accessibility for amateurs, setting the tone for its future development.

Growth and early development

During its early years, the event quickly gained popularity. By 1986, it had already surpassed 5,000 classified runners, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for mass participation running in Switzerland.

A major milestone came in 1988, when a new 10 km race was introduced, initially reserved for women and juniors. This addition broadened participation and helped diversify the event’s audience.

In 1991, a symbolic change occurred with the introduction of a new logo designed to reflect youth, energy, and effort. The same year also marked the opening of the 10 km race to all participants, reinforcing the inclusive philosophy of the event.

Expansion in the 1990s

The 1990s marked a period of rapid expansion. In 1992, the event introduced the “Place de fête” at the Pierre-de-Coubertin stadium, creating a central gathering point for runners and spectators. That same year, the race reached 10,000 registered participants, confirming its growing popularity.

By 1995, the organizers introduced a new category: “running for pleasure,” a 4 km non-competitive race designed to make the event more accessible to casual participants. This emphasis on inclusivity continued to shape the event’s identity.

In 1999, another milestone was reached when the event surpassed 10,000 classified runners for the first time. This demonstrated not only high registration numbers but also strong participation across all race categories.

Technological and organizational innovation

The early 2000s brought significant innovation. In 2004, the race was awarded the Ecosport Prize by Swiss Olympic, recognizing its commitment to sustainability, including waste management and eco-friendly materials.

In 2006, a major technological upgrade introduced timing chips embedded in race bibs. This allowed for real-time tracking and ensured that timing started when runners crossed the start line, significantly improving accuracy and fairness.

At the same time, pacemakers were introduced for the 20 km race, helping participants of different levels achieve their personal goals.

Major changes in the 2010s

The 2010s marked a period of modernization and large-scale growth. In 2011, the 30th anniversary edition was celebrated with a circus theme and included a large temporary circus tent at the stadium, emphasizing the festive and community-oriented nature of the event.

In 2012, the race crossed a symbolic threshold by surpassing 20,000 registered participants, becoming one of the largest running events in Switzerland.

In 2016, the format changed significantly: the event was extended over two days for the first time. Saturday became dedicated to children’s and fun runs, while Sunday hosted the 10 km and 20 km races. This change improved organization and reduced pressure on the city infrastructure.

The following year, in 2017, free public transport for participants was introduced across Switzerland, making the event more accessible and environmentally friendly.

Challenges and adaptation in recent years

Like many global sporting events, the 20KM de Lausanne faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the race was cancelled entirely due to health restrictions.

In 2021, the event returned in an adapted format. Instead of a single weekend, it was spread over two weeks, with start and finish areas relocated to Bellerive beach rather than the traditional stadium. The course was also adjusted to follow the lakeside, ensuring safety while maintaining the spirit of the race.

These adaptations demonstrated the flexibility and resilience of the organizers in preserving the continuity of the event despite unprecedented circumstances.

A modern sporting tradition

Today, the 20KM de Lausanne is far more than a running competition. It is a city-wide celebration of sport, health, and community. With tens of thousands of participants of all ages and abilities, it combines elite competition with recreational participation, making it one of Switzerland’s most inclusive sporting events.

The race continues to evolve, introducing new formats, sustainability initiatives, and community programs. At its core, however, it remains true to its original mission: to promote sport for everyone and to celebrate Lausanne’s unique identity as a global sports capital.