7.3
Course de l'Escalade
The Course de l'Escalade is a Geneva tradition on the first weekend of December, tied to the Escalade festival that marks the repelling of the Savoyard night attack in 1602; in 2026 it is held for the 48th time and draws tens of thousands of participants. The courses wind through the Old Town, from the Parc des Bastions up the steep Promenade de la Treille and over the cobbles to St Pierre Cathedral, and these short but nasty climbs make even modest distances a real test. The pride of the event is the Marmite race, run in fancy dress, alongside kids', junior and relay races, walking events and an elite race. Over the same days Geneva celebrates the Escalade with historical costume parades and chocolate 'marmites', and the rest of the year it offers the lakeside promenades, the Jet d'Eau and the Palais des Nations.
Course records
Weather in December
Starter pack 2025
- bib with timing chip
- medal
- technical t-shirt