Lake Garda 42 Marathon

Why this race belongs on a competitive runner's shortlist

Lake Garda 42 suits runners who want a scenic road marathon with a competitive classification. The Limone start and Malcesine finish face the lake, while Arco adds an inland orchard stretch. The organizer provides pacemakers and a FIDAL-measured course. Approximately 180 m of climbing gives the route a manageable but meaningful pacing task. The tradeoff is point-to-point travel and exposed shoreline running; book the participant ferry connection when registering rather than leaving start access to race morning.

Course overview

Point-to-point road marathon around the northern lake, with an inland extension to Arco. The start is Limone and the finish is Malcesine. The route takes in Limone, Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole, Navene, Malcesine. Low lakeside rolling road surrounds a gradual inland climb to Arco; the closing Malcesine approach rises again.

0 to 10 km: Limone and the western shore

The 0 to 10 km interval includes Limone, Riva del Garda. The organizer-linked profile begins near 65 m, rises slightly on the tunnel road, and returns near 65 m at Riva del Garda, 10 km. These are approximate graph readings. The organizer lists a feeding zone at 4.5 km; the next is 10.3 km, just beyond this interval. The map denotes drinks and banana/food symbols rather than a named sports drink. Hold effort along the early tunnel road rather than letting the lake view pull you into a fast opening.

10 to 21.1 km: Riva orchards to Arco

The 10 to 21.1 km interval includes Riva del Garda, Arco. From Riva at about 65 m, the published profile climbs gradually through the orchards to Arco at roughly 94 m near 21.1 km. Feeding zones fall at 10.3, 15.5 and 21.1 km. Drink and use practiced fuel before the gradual inland rise. Keep the orchard climb controlled; a few seconds of slower pace cost less than forcing effort before halfway.

21.1 to 32.5 km: Arco and Torbole

The 21.1 to 32.5 km interval includes Arco, Torbole. The profile descends from Arco near 94 m toward Torbole at about 65 m by 28.3 km, then follows the eastern shoreline. Feeding zones at 24.1, 28.3 and 32.5 km offer the map's drink and food provision. Carry any specific gel product you require. Let the descent restore rhythm without a surge; Torbole opens the long lakeside return.

32.5 to 42.195 km: Navene to Malcesine

The 32.5 to 42.195 km interval includes Navene, Malcesine. The profile stays near lake level through Navene, then rises in the last kilometers to the Malcesine finish at approximately 85 m. The last published on-course drink and food zone is 36.8 km. Substantial finish catering is provided in Malcesine. Save a controlled push for the closing shore, with enough reserve for the final rising approach.

Elevation checkpoints and how to read them

Total ascent is 180 m. Organizer approximation for the currently linked LG42 route; FIDAL wheel-measured course distance. GPS distance and elevation are unreliable in the tunnels, so the organizer's approximately 180 m gain is preferred. Profile heights are approximate visual readings, not segment ascent totals. Gradual climb from Riva del Garda near 10 km to Arco near 21.1 km; descent toward Torbole by 28.3 km; final rise to Malcesine.

Aid stations and race-day logistics

4.5, 10.3, 15.5, 21.1, 24.1, 28.3, 32.5 and 36.8 km: Feeding zones; official map depicts drink and banana/food symbols. Specific drink brand or gel allocation is not published on the inspected pages. The start is Limone lakefront. Start 09:00 on 11 April 2027. Participants who booked a shuttle at registration can take a morning ferry from Riva or Malcesine to Limone; show bib and event bracelet. Riva ferry departs from Piazza Catena, Malcesine from Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, and Limone arrival is Piazzale Carlo Gerardi; check the final timetable. SS45bis between Limone and Riva closes 08:30 to 10:30. Collect your bib in Arco on Friday or Saturday; no race-day pickup.

Practical pacing plan

Hold effort along the early tunnel road rather than letting the lake view pull you into a fast opening. Keep the orchard climb controlled; a few seconds of slower pace cost less than forcing effort before halfway. Let the descent restore rhythm without a surge; Torbole opens the long lakeside return. Save a controlled push for the closing shore, with enough reserve for the final rising approach. Wind can change effort on the open shore near Torbole and Navene; rain reduces confidence through the road turns. Adjust pace to the race-week forecast.

Historical weather pattern

April history for Malcesine, Lake Garda gives a typical daily temperature range of 45.2 to 73.5 degrees Fahrenheit, daily maximum sustained winds of 3.7 to 6.3 mph, and at least 1 mm of rain on 48 percent of days. Historical conditions can change, so check the race-week forecast before travel and again on race morning.

Edition history