Inspired by the rare starting opportunities this season and ideal weather conditions, a very animated race developed right from the start. A leading group with all the favorites formed as early as the climb to Lütholdsmatt. Time and again, riders tried to bring about a preliminary decision by stepping up the pace. But as in previous years, it was the final climb to the Ächerli Pass that proved to be the executioner. Swiss champion Urs Huber, Marc Stutzmann, who had won the race in 2017, and the surprising David Gysling were able to easily pull away from the rest. Gysling lost contact on the descent to the airfield in Alpnach. Martin Fanger, on the other hand, was able to close the gap to the leading duo. The three of them took on the last two kilometers. It came down to a sprint, which was won by Martin Fanger, who was born in Obwalden and lives in Geneva. Last year's winner Huber came second ahead of Stutzmann.

Fanger was visibly moved that eleven years after his success in the half marathon, he was now able to win the 86 km marathon for the first time. He said: "Until now, I had always lacked the strength to keep up with the best on the final climb to Ächerli. This time, however, I was able to limit the gap and regain contact on the descent." The final was a real tough nut to crack. It wasn't until he crossed the finish line that he knew he had enough to win. "That closes a circle," said the man from Kägiswil, visibly moved.Urs Huber, on the other hand, was annoyed. "I slipped off the pedal at the stupidest moment. I was in a good position for the final sprint and pretty sure that I could win." However, Fanger rode a strong finale, said the rider from Mettmenstetten approvingly. Stutzmann added: "After Gysling left, we had already prepared ourselves for a second sprint. Then Fanger suddenly appeared and fired up again. A strong piece."

Swiss champion Ariane Lüthi took it easy in the women's race and only picked up the pace on the climb to Richmettlen. From then on, her companions Esther Süss and Andrea Ming concentrated on their own rhythm, while Lüthi continuously extended her lead and won by 5:30 minutes. "I felt very good today and am delighted with this victory. But I was also on my guard. You never know with Esther Süss." Esther Süss was not dissatisfied with her second place: "In contrast to last year, when it snowed on the Glaubenberg, I was able to enjoy the race this time. But it wasn't easy. As a woman, you're always on your own." Third-placed Andrea Ming, who grew up in Sachseln, was delighted with her third place. She said: "It was close at the end. I had problems with the gears and the next rival was already able to make up ground."

The new OC president Marion Imfeld had a good start, and was delighted with the record-breaking 849 participants. Meanwhile, her predecessor Karl Langensand tried his hand at racing for the first time in years. He finished the half marathon in 182nd place, or 61st in his age category Fun 3.

Results

Men (86 km): 1. Martin Fanger (Geneva) 3:40:12. 2. Urs Huber (Mettmenstetten) 0:01. 3. Marc Stutzmann (Belp) gl. 4. Frans Claes (Be) 0:24. 5. Casey South (Matzingen) 0:42. 6. Sascha Weber (De) 0:43. 7. David Gysling (Marin) 1:41. 8. Markus Kaufmann (De) 2:54. 9. Simon Schneller (De) 3:13. 10 Martin Frey (De) 6:47.

Women (86 km): 1. Ariane Lüthi (Gunten) 4:37:15. 2. Esther Süss (Küttigen) 5:33. 3. Andrea Ming (Edlibach) 17:25. 4. Antonia Bünter (Bern) 19:48. 5. Veronika Weiss (De).

Men (45 km): 1. Roman Holzer (Ennetmoos) 2:04:01. 2. Manfred Steinbacher (Bad Ragaz) 1:28. 3. Dominik Bollhalder (Alt St. Johann) 5:35. 4. Adrian Jäggi (Lohn-Ammansegg) 5:47. 5. Fabian Heinzer (Schwyz) 5:48.

Women (45 km): 1. Janina Wüst (Lupfig) 2:33:35. 2. Melandie Tresch (Silenen) 6:56. 3. Anna Weinbeer (Binningen) 7:24. 4. Margrit Abächerli (Erstfeld) 15:49.

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