3Länderlauf

The 3Länderlauf Half Marathon is one of Europe's most distinctive urban races, offering runners the rare experience of crossing three countries in a single event. The race begins in front of the historic Rathaus on Basel's Marktplatz, before setting off on a flat, fast course with Rhine bridge crossings as the main climbs. From the start, runners head down to cross the oldest existing Rhine bridge, then follow the east bank of the Rhine to the two-level Dreirosenbrücke. After crossing to the west bank, the route passes through Basel's vibrant Voltaplatz and heads along the Elsässerstrasse toward the French border at Zoll Lysbüchel. On the French side, the course grazes the city of Saint-Louis before reaching Huningue, where runners cross the longest free-spanning pedestrian arch bridge into Germany. The route winds through a tree-lined park before crossing back into Switzerland and into the Lange Erlen nature reserve. The course crosses all three national borders and features four Rhine crossings in total, with start and finish both in Basel. While predominantly flat, the bridge crossings and a few overpasses add some gentle undulation. Total elevation gain for the half marathon sits at around 120 meters, making it a course well-suited for those chasing a fast time without sacrificing scenery.