Behind the race - An insight into the X-Bionic Lake Garda 42 with Jan Bruns
The X-Bionic Lake Garda 42 attracts 2,000+ runners from across the globe
In this interview series, Ahotu will be speaking with the people behind some of the most unique races across the globe. We’ll be discussing the history of the event, challenges and how to overcome them, attracting sponsors, reaching new runners and more!
Thanks for joining us Jan. Could you please introduce yourself and the race for those who aren’t familiar?
Thank you for having me, my name is Jan Bruns and I’m the race lead for the X-Bionic Lake Garda 42. I have been organising sporting events since the beginning of my professional career and I’m always motivated and inspired by the happy faces of the participants.
When we came up with the idea of organising a marathon at Lake Garda, I was immediately hooked. I've always been active in sport myself and have taken part in many races, whether triathlons, runs or bike races. The X-Bionic Lake Garda 42 is an event that takes place in spring on the shores of the beautiful Lake Garda in Italy. A running event, which allows participants to run a marathon or half-marathon along the shores of the lake. Not only a race but a pure running experience with side events, expo, gastro area and cheering zone.
How long have you been organising the X-Bionic Lake Garda 42?
In 2020, our event agency took over the traditional "Lake Garda Marathon" event to revive the marathon with passion, innovation and with a renewed focus on sustainability. Due to the pandemic we were forced to cancel the 2021 edition of the race, but that didn’t stop us and in fact we managed to organise a special edition Lake Garda 42 - EditionZero! in view of the first official edition of Lake Garda 42 which took place in April 2022. The first edition of Lake Garda 42, with its side events, attracted 2,000 runners, from 37 countries. We were proud to have almost half of our LG21 race were women and we hope to continue to grow female representation at our races.
Which countries do your runners come from and how many do you typically get for each distance?
During the 2023 edition 62 nationalities were represented, with runners arriving from 50 countries across all continents. Specifically, the country with the greatest number of participants was Italy (34%), followed by Germany (21%), and a strong British presence (6%). The events international reputation was further underlined by the fact that 62 athletes from the United States and 51 from Israel came halfway across the globe to enjoy the breathtaking charm of northern Lake Garda.
In the 2023 edition we had 1,000 runners for the LG42 marathon, 1,640 runners for the LG21 half marathon and 60 young runners for the LG Kids run. We are optimistic that for the 2024 edition participation across all distances will increase significantly and we look forward to welcoming more runners from across Europe and the globe.
What makes the race unique?
The course in the extraordinary setting of Lake Garda makes it unique for sure. Participants run on the cycle/pedestrian alongside the shores of the lake, through the streets of charming towns, all set amongst a breathtaking landscape where the mountains meet the lake.
Our event doesn’t start at the start line and doesn’t end at the finish line. It’s a weekend filled with side events and a range of elements which make it a unique race, including the ferry which transports participants across the Lake for the race start!
The X-Bionic Lake Garda 42 allows runners to enjoy a stunning lakeside course
What are the challenges with organising the race in such a popular location?
In my view there are two main challenges. The first one involves co-ordinating the infrastructure across four different locations during the event. The challenge to get both participants as well as race supples and equipment to the different start lines in Limone sul Garda (for the marathon) and Arco (for the half-marathon) and then back to the accommodation after the finish in Malcesine requires a lot of planning and coordination during the race weekend.
The second one is all around the safety for our participants on the course. We have to close two main roads and the event requires hundreds of volunteers to prepare the course with feeding zones as well as to handle the traffic and road closures.
Our team and our volunteers do a fantastic job in creating a well organised event with a great atmosphere.
Runners passing through one of the cheer-zones on course
What does the course offer participants?
A lot, for sure the lake view for around 2/3 of the marathon course is spectacular. But also, the combination of grand snowcapped mountains during Spring and the atmosphere in and around the race.
For me, a personal highlight is always when the race passes the narrow streets in the old city centre of Limone and Malcesine and the agricultural roads near to Arco. The race is designed not around securing a PB, but to allow participants to enjoy a unique running experience combined with Italian dolce vita.
What is your favourite thing about putting on the event?
I’m always motivated and inspired by the happy faces of the participants. One of my favourite things is to see our runners excited and the sense of pride at the finish-line. Knowing that our hard work made it possible for people from all over the world to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy is a very satisfying feeling!
Runners passing the Scaliger castle of Arco
What are your main marketing channels to promote the race and reach more runners in Italy and overseas?
We use different channels to promote the race and to reach passionate runners. Our first line of engagement is through social media through our Facebook and Instagram accounts. We send regular email newsletters to keep our community informed and engaged and we also place flyers and billboards in local hotspots to create a buzz within the community.
Of course on the international side we work with Ahotu and World’s Marathons to reach runners from overseas. We also partner with PR agencies to ensure widespread coverage and to enhance our visibility, as well as collaborating with partners, exhibitors, sponsors and other running events.
Are you taking any measures to improve the sustainability of the event?
We aim to be as sustainable as possible not only during the race weekend but all year round. Where possible we work with local suppliers to strengthen the region, offer free shuttle services (including ferries) to reduce car use and minimise the impact on the roads during the race weekend. Going forward we are always looking at ways we can reduce our impact on the environment.
Are there any partners / sponsors you would like to shout out?
Since the beginning, a very important partnership has been and still is with our host regions and municipalities; Garda Trentino, Limone, Malcesine and Trentino, without their cooperation and support the race wouldn’t be possible.
Of course our title partner X-Bionic, a global brand that’s renowned as an innovator in the world of sport and that shares many of our values in terms of quality, our international outlook and the desire to achieve maximum performance. All of our partners play a role in making the race what is it, it wouldn’t be possible to organise a race like this without their support and likewise that of our volunteers and the local communities where the race takes place.
Mountains and lake views are on offer throughout the course
When is the next edition of the X-Bionic Lake Garda 42 and where can participants go to find out more?
The next edition is from the 12th to the 14th of April 2024, check out our Instagram for regular updates on the race @LakeGarda42
Interested in taking part? You can register for the 2024 edition of the X-Bionic Lake Garda 42 on Ahotu - https://www.ahotu.com/event/lake-garda-42
To feature in our interview series you can drop us an email on blog@worldsmarathons.com
Interested in promoting your race with World’s Marathons or Ahotu Marathons? Contact us on partners@worldsmarathons.com
