The figures speak for themselves – with 3681 participants, and a new race record set by Tadesse Abraham in 59’55, the Geneva 20km by Geneva Airport has proved a hit with autumn runners. By adding the shorter distance of 10km (run, walk and nordic walking) to the existing individual, duo and trio 20km, the event has doubled the number of participants compared to its first few years.
This enthusiasm can also be explained by the the new route along the right bank of the lake. After the 9.30 start this morning, the runners streamed along the Quai du Mont-Blanc before crossing Geneva’s international quarter and running through the gates of the Palais des Nations, specially opened for the occasion. Then the race took them through the autumnal Geneva countryside and the villages of Pregny-Chambésy, Le Grand-Saconnex, Bellevue and Genthod. Spectacular views of the Jura, Mont-Blanc and Lake Geneva rewarded all the athletes, from first- timers to returning visitors.
There was a festive atmosphere on the Quai du Mont-Blanc this November morning. Benjamin Chandelier, the race director, was delighted with how the race had gone and the sporting performances achieved. He said, « In the name of the organising Committee, I would like to thank the local authorities of the canton and the city of Geneva for their unwavering support, all the villages on the race route (Pregny-Chambésy, Le Grand-Saconnex, Bellevue and Genthod), as well as Geneva Airport and all our other partners for their help and their confidence in us. And of course, our 300 precious volunteers who have given up several days of their time in order to help make this event a success. »
So make a note of the 1st November 2020 for the 4th edition of the Geneva 20km by Geneva Airport. Pre-registration is already open for 2020 so that you can be the first to get the news: click here.
The top winners
The great victory of Tadesse Abraham who breaked the record of the 20km race distance of the event by winning in 59min55 will be remembered.
On the women’s side, the ethiopian Geletu Israel won the 20km in 1h14min28.
Earlier, the Spanish Robles del morale Diego wins the new 10 KM race format in 33min22sec while on the women’s side, it is Recalde Martina who gets on the top of the podium finishing in 40min19sec.
