It’s marathon weekend, and people come from all over the world to run the demanding course from Interlaken up to Eigergletscher. It’s not all about the full marathon though, as there are lots of other races going on. One of the most popular is the mini marathon, which took place yesterday evening. We have a team of four, and we’re off to the casino to collect our start numbers and timing chips.

Here are my team mates.

On the starting line. Many of the runners are kids from the local school. Fancy dress is encouraged, but most people wear the t-shirt that we all get for participating. Many of the youngsters are armed with water pistols.

We all had a good race, with some fast times recorded. Running in front of a few thousand enthusiastic spectators is quite an experience. As this is a fun race, there are no prizes, and nobody knows or cares who won. As she was nearing the end of the last lap, a spectator handed Ali a beer.

We followed the race with a splendid dinner at the Brasserie, before heading home.

This morning it’s the marathon proper. Wengen is packed with spectators.

By the time the runners get to Wengen they’ve already done the steepest part of the course, which is the climb up here from Lauterbrunnen. One of the few flat sections is along our main street.

4000 runners started the marathon this morning, and the winner completed the course in a little under 3 hours.