The Geneva 20km by Genève Aéroport takes flight

Uniting on the Quai du Mont-Blanc this morning, the 2200 participants taking part in the inaugural edition of the Geneva 20km by Genève Aéroport set off at 9:30am. Conditions were perfect for running on the day, with slightly overcast skies and clement temperatures ideal for fast times.

Having run the first kilometre along the lake the runners entered the international district of Geneva, running through the Place des Nations on their way out of the city centre. Exiting the city runners were greeted with breath-taking views over the Geneva countryside and a few snow capped peaks discernable in the background before turning back towards the lake and returning to the finish line on the Quai du Mont-Blanc.

A smiling but tired Pierre Carrez was one of the many happy runners to receive his finisher’s medal from this first edition. He shared his experience from the race: “I loved the course in the countryside with the beautiful views,” he said, “I’d never done a 20km race before so I didn’t have any time to aim for, I’m very happy with my result though today. A huge thanks to the organisers as well, it was great!”

The winner of this inaugural edition was Alemayehu Waodajo in a time of 1h04m24s in front of Thomas Huwiler of Stade Genève and Piero Panozzo. Alemayehu made the difference in the final 5km, having run the first 15km side by side with Thomas Huwiler before dropping him to seal the victory.

Very pleased with his victory, he shared his impressions of the race after catching his breath at the finish: “I’m very happy to have won this first edition today,” he said, “I was able to run the race at a comfortable pace for me, and finish the last 5km by myself to win. The course is great as well with some really beautiful views throughout”.

In the women’s race Victoria Crawford took the win in a time of 1h18m46s in a tightly fought race in front of Maya Cholet, Samantha Woodward completed the podium in third place.

Alongside the individual runners, 300 teams of two runners also took part in the 20km DUO. With the first team member running 11.5km to Genthod, and passing the baton to their teammate to complete the final 8.5km to the finish line on the Quai du Mont Blanc.

Reuniting on the Quai du Mont-Blanc, many of the Duo teams were able to cross the finish line together, hand in hand to celebrate their achievement together! “I loved the course,” declared one member of team Visilab Balexert 2, “it was beautiful, and to have the airplanes going right over our heads was a bit different! I’m really happy with my time, and my teammate did brilliant as well, she ran really well on the second leg”. Event director Benjamin Chandelier expressed his delight about the success of this first edition: “We achieved the goals we had set out for ourselves on this first edition. The beautiful course designed entirely on the right hand side of the lake and the two race formats allowed everyone to enjoy themselves today, and I think the emotions we witnessed on the finish line were testament to this,” he said, “I want to congratulate wholeheartedly all the trailblazing runners who have marked this first edition of the event with their collective achievements out on the course today”.

“On behalf of the entire organising committee I also want to thank the local authorities and staff from the Canton and City of Geneva for their unwavering support, as well as each of the communes traversed during the race (Pregny-Chambesy, Grand Saconnex, Bellevue and Genthod) for their support in organising this first edition,” he added. “Obviously a huge thank you also goes to Genève Aéroport and all our other partners for helping us get this event off the ground. Finally, we musn’t forget the 300 precious volunteers mobilised across the weekend without whom this event would not be possible”.

As a major actor in the Canton of Geneva, Genève Aéroport associated itself with this event as Title Partner with the aim of bringing to the fore a sporting event that allows runners to discover the Canton from a new angle whilst remaining at one with the city and with nature. Director General of Genève Aéroport, André Schneider spoke ahead of the race this morning: “I wanted to wish good luck to all the runners, and I hope they will enjoy this brand new course on the right hand side of the lake which is a bit different to the races we are used to in Geneva. On my way in this morning I got the impression everyone was heading to the start line of the 20km, it’s very impressive for a first edition!”

Following the success of this inaugural edition, the 20km of Geneva by Genève Aéroport will take place for the second time in 2018, on the Sunday 7th of October. Further information and registrations will be available soon on 20kmgeneveaeroport.ch

Results

20km Men

1. Alemayehu Wodajo - 1:04:23

2. Thomas Huwiler - 1:04:57

3. Piero Panozzo - 1:08:39

20km Women

1. Victoria Crawford - 1:18:45

2. Maya Cholet - 1:20:16

3. Samantha Woodward- 1:23:59

20km Duo Scratch

1. Team Puplinge - 1:11:44

2. Grangettes Running - 1:14:38