Running A Whole Country: Marathon Training Adventure in Liechtenstein
If you haven’t noticed by now, I love giving myself challenges. There’s something about setting a finite goal that makes the work seem more purposeful. I find that mapping out the steps I need to take toward that end goal helps me focus more on the process and get into a headspace of right now. And this, my friends, is how my running buddy and I ended up running an entire country in one day.
After running my first marathon (and having a great experience), I vowed that whenever a friend was ready to take the plunge, I’d join them. Running can be a solo sport, but racing alongside someone gives a sense of community and shared motivation. So when my running buddy mentioned she wanted to run a marathon before moving back to the States, we picked the Prague Marathon in May—close to our home in Stuttgart, and more importantly, allowed headphones and had a generous cutoff time.
Why We Ran Across Liechtenstein
Naturally, we wanted to spice up our training. We’d previously traveled to Rome together and decided it would be fun to run the entire perimeter of the Vatican since it’s considered its own country. The run was barely 5K, but we loved telling everyone we woke up and ran a whole country before breakfast. That got us thinking: could we repeat this challenge somewhere else in Europe?
A quick look at Google Maps revealed Liechtenstein was just a three-hour drive away from our home in Germany. Drawing a line from north to south, we saw it was about 25K (16 miles). Perfect for a weekend long run that fit into our marathon training plan. Neither of us had ever visited Liechtenstein before, so we thought this would be the perfect way to satisfy our need for epic running and to add another proverbially stamp to the passports.
If you’re unfamiliar with it, Liechtenstein is a tiny German-speaking nation sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland in the Alps. It’s Europe’s fourth smallest country (about 62 square miles) with around 40,000 people—and, until recently, was known as a tax haven for the ultra-rich. A small place, yes, but scenic enough to promise a memorable run.
Planning & Logistics for Running Liechtenstein’s Borders
We pinpointed mid-March—St. Patrick’s Day weekend—as our best opportunity to tackle this challenge, since both our schedules and training mileage lined up. Our route was roughly 17 miles, close enough to the distance we needed for our respective training plans. I’m a big fan of the Hal Higdon plans, so this was what I counted for Week 11 of the Novice 1 Marathon Training Plan.
We booked hotels in Vaduz, the largest town in Liechtenstein, which is located in the southern half. Before we left for the weekend, I mapped out our route using the Garmin course planning tool since both of us have Forerunner 955s. Because we planned to run north to south, we needed transportation from our finish line near the Swiss border back up to the hotel. Luckily, our spouses agreed to be our run sherpas. To save money, we woke up early on Saturday and had our partners drop us off at the start. Since neither of us are fast runners, our partners had plenty of time to check us into the hotel and grab some lifesaving water (more on that later) while we were running the course.
Our Starting Point: We were dropped off in Ruggell, near the Austrian border, and walked about a mile to the official country marker. This is the shortest and most efficient way to get there since there are no drivable roads to the border. If you do the Liechtenstein run from north to south, your elevation gain is 450 feet (135 meters) for the whole run. If you run in the opposite direction (south to north), you’ll be running slightly downhill the whole way, but it’s negligible since the loss is spread evenly across 17 miles (roughly 27.3 kilometers).
Marathon Training & Preparation for Liechtenstein
Since we were both training for the Prague Marathon, the mileage felt manageable—17 miles is a standard long run at that stage of a marathon plan. We each wore our usual hydration systems and packed our go-to nutrition (Clif Shot Bloks for me). Because it was mid-March, I assumed I wouldn’t need a ton of water, but the day ended up much warmer than expected. For reference, when we did the run it was 58° F (14.5° C) and our training run just two days prior had been 41° F (5° C).
Unfortunately, we discovered zero water fountains along our riverside path, despite the route being a popular biking and exercise route. Both of us ran out of water with about four miles to go, which made for a rough finish. If you do this run in warmer conditions, plan to deviate into Vaduz or a nearby convenience store to replenish.
Route Segments: Liechtenstein’s Rhine River Run
The path follows the Rhine River the whole time, providing lovely alpine views the entire way. It’s fully paved and free of vehicle traffic, so you can zone out to music or an audiobook without worrying about cars or road crossings. One of the main landmarks is the Alte Rheinbrücke, a wooden bridge connecting Liechtenstein to Switzerland. It’s a great photo op—arguably the best place to show the divide between the two countries, since there’s not a big sign marking the end of Liechtenstein farther south. There is more of marker to designate the crossing into Austria, but I think the bridge really highlights how epic the run is.
Highs & Lows: Lessons from Our Liechtenstein Run
Despite the gorgeous scenery, the unseasonable heat took its toll. My heart rate was already abnormally high within the first two miles, but I stubbornly pressed on without adjusting my pace. By the time I passed the Alte Rheinbrücke (with about 6 miles to go), I bonked and had to switch to walk/run intervals. The last two miles felt like an eternity, as I kept checking Google Maps to see how much farther I had left.
In retrospect, I wish I’d taken it easier early on. Hydration was also a major factor—both of us drained our water supplies long before we finished. Overall, it was still a scenic, memorable experience, just more grueling than I’d expected.
Running Liechtenstein with a Friend
Though we start and finish together, my running buddy and I don’t actually run side by side. She’s typically a bit faster, so we each keep our own paces. Sometimes one of us might have an off day and we’ll meet up again on the route, but we never force ourselves to match speed. We usually finish within about ten minutes of each other, so it’s not like anyone is waiting too long.
Since we don’t run together, we decided to revisit the Alte Rheinbrücke the following day to get our photo together to capture the moment. It was perfect as a quick recovery walk from our hotels back to the bridge!
Reflections: Completing Our Liechtenstein Long Run
This run fell toward the tail end of our training block before the taper, so physically it wasn’t outside our comfort zone. Mentally, though, the heat and dehydration made it tough. In fact, I would say that this run ended up being tougher than the marathon itself simply because of these factors. In a way, I was glad to have this not so great run (purely from a physical standpoint; the views were worth it) during training and not during the race.
I would love to revisit this challenge again now, as I’m in a much better place fitness-wise. I’ve put on more lean mass, done more speed-work, and have a better sense of pacing and fueling strategies.
If you plan on tackling this route, be honest about your own limits. If it’s too intense, do you have someone who can pick you up halfway? Are you prepared for walk/run intervals? I would also recommend running with your passport. We didn’t encounter anyone who asked to see them, but I’d rather be safe than sorry on this one.
Practical Tips: How to Run Across Liechtenstein
Route Access & Navigation
Garmin Course: If you own a Garmin device, download the public course I created for a ready-to-go map. Otherwise, you can plot your own route using apps like Strava, Komoot, or Google Maps.
River Path: The route along the Rhine River is mostly straightforward—stick to the paved trail, and you won’t need to navigate.
Offline Maps: Cell coverage is generally reliable, but consider downloading an offline map of Liechtenstein and adjacent Swiss/Austrian borders, just in case you lose signal.
Best Seasons & Weather
Spring or Fall: Temperatures are usually mild, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion or frozen toes.
Altitude & Climate: Liechtenstein isn’t extremely high altitude compared to other Alpine regions, but the weather can change quickly depending on the season. Keep an eye on the forecast and pack layers if you plan to run near a seasonal change.
Summer Challenges: Running in July or August could be hot and humid, making for a long day with no water sources along the path.
Hydration & Fueling
Carry Extra Water: You’ll likely need more water than you think. If you can’t carry enough, plan a mid-route water break in Vaduz or another small town. The path is rarely more than a short distance from civilization, but every detour adds extra mileage to your course.
Nutrition: Bring your usual quick-fuel snacks like gels or energy chews.
Passport & Border Crossings
Carry ID: Although neither of us were asked for passports, it’s best to have yours on hand. Border checks are unlikely but not impossible.
Austria vs. Switzerland Endpoints: Know in advance which border you plan to finish at. There is space to park relatively nearby on either end.
Backup Plans & Safety
Support Crew: If you have friends or partners willing to “sherpa,” it can save you big headaches if you bonk early or if the weather shifts. It also makes it easier at the end of the run since both sides of the border are fairly rural with zero transport options.
Phone & Emergency Contacts: Always carry a charged phone. Program local emergency numbers and share your live location with at least one friend or family member.
Cultural Etiquette & Local Considerations
Local Language: German is the primary language, but English is often understood in tourist areas. A simple “Hallo” goes a long way if you need help.
Shops & Hours: Town stores might close early on weekends, especially if it’s a Sunday. Check opening times before you start if you’re planning pit stops.
Respect Private Land: Most of the route along the river is public, but if you venture off to find water or a restroom, be mindful of private properties.
Gear & What to Wear
Footwear & Clothing: Road-running shoes are sufficient since the path is paved. Dress in layers if you’re running early or in variable weather.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen or a cap is wise, especially since you’re in a river valley with few shaded spots.
Tech Tools: GPS watch, an app with offline maps, and a small portable charger are nice to have if you’re tracking your route and taking photos.
By keeping these points in mind—weather, hydration, passport, and a solid support plan—you’ll be better prepared for your own “run a country” adventure in Liechtenstein. It might sound daunting, but with the right prep and mindset, you’ll create memories as epic as the view of the Alps on your horizon.
Running the length of Liechtenstein turned out to be equal parts scenic adventure and humbling test of endurance—one that challenged my assumptions about just how “easy” a long run could be. Yet crossing that final border was a reminder that with the right prep, even our biggest goals are within reach. If you ever find yourself craving a truly unique long run (and an epic story for your race buddies), I can’t recommend this micro-nation challenge enough. It’s also just a fun way to visit this tiny country.
What about you? Have you tackled a boundary-pushing run or dreamed up your own “run a country” plan? If you’ve run a micro-country (or are inspired to do so), tag me on social media or drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your adventure!
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Ever dreamed of running across an entire country? As part of our marathon training, we ran the full length of Liechtenstein—here’s how we planned it, what we learned, and tips if you want to try it yourself!