Do, Apr 27th 2023
For me, nothing compares to a blistering trail race: Standing nervously at the start line amidst a rainbow of neon-clad running fanatics, trepidation building as the mountains loom imperiously in the distance, GPS watches at the ready, muscles warmed-up (but never really prepared) for the searing climb ahead, and the impatient wait for the bellow of the klaxon horn… it’s a truly addictive experience.
And that’s before the almost meditative state takes over once you reach open terrain, where it’s nothing but you, the other runners, and the mountains.
With trail running, nature leads the way, and it’s a constant battle of mind over matter as your body reacts to the terrain of grinding uphill, soaring downhill, and all the bits in between. The solitude, the freedom, the adventure, and the views are what keep people coming back to this glorious sport, where true communion with nature is just one of its many benefits.
Now imagine doing all this in one of the most glaciated regions in the world; in a place where 4000m peaks define the landscape; in a country where the diverse terrain of forests, glaciers, mountains, lakes, secluded villages, and alpine pastures can all be compacted into one single trail race.
Running the trails in Switzerland can make or break you, and it’s this heady mixture of both chaos and bliss that has created some of the best trail-running races in the world. With registration now open for Switzerland’s biggest and boldest trail races, read on for the ones that you simply won’t want to miss.
Race: Trail des Dents du Midi
Date: September 16th, 2023
Location: Valais
Distance: 57km/32km/13km
Elevation: 3700m/2100m/500m
Try this race for a slice of history, as it’s the oldest in Europe, with its first official occurrence way back in 1964. Beginning and ending in the stunningly beautiful village of Champéry, at the foot of the Dents du Midi and the Dents Blanches, this one will see you pound the peaks through alpine pastures, bucolic villages, and staggering glaciers. The 57km ultra starts at 6am, and it’s a true joy to wake for sunrise and watch the gentle morning light hit the chalets and alleys of Champéry as the start-line adrenaline kicks in. If the 57km is a bit much, the far more palatable 32km and 13km are also wonderful. Registration for these races is still open, and there are plenty of spots left, so get going!
Race: Aletsch Half Marathon
Date: June 18th, 2023
Location: Valais
Distance: 21.1km
Elevation: 1148m
If running through a UNESCO World Heritage Site sounds like a treat, then this is the race for you. The Aletsch Half Marathon takes place amidst the Aletsch Glacier and the Jungfrau Aletsch-Bietschhorn region, and when the starting point is 1950m above sea level, you know the views are going to be good. This is one of the most beautiful mountain runs in Europe, and the challenge of the elevation might just be forgotten as the 4000m peaks of Valais greet you at every turn. Registration is still open for this one, and with around two months until the klaxon sounds, you’ve plenty of time to get excited (and prepared).
Race: Zermatt Marathon
Date: July 1st, 2023
Location: Valais
Distance: 45.5km/41.5km/21.1km
Elevation: 2458m/1944m/1336m
If the elevation of this race ever becomes too much, just remember the twenty-nine 4000m peaks that are visible from the highest-altitude finish line in Europe, as well as the heaped plates of pasta provided to all finishers (carb-loading will never be more necessary). This race, known as ‘The King’s Way Through the Mountains’, promises panoramic views of one of Europe’s most famous mountains: the iconic Matterhorn (of Toblerone fame). The route also passes through the storybook village of Zermatt, and registration for this event gets you free transportation through the Zermatt area. While registration for the half marathon is full, you can still sign up for the full and ultra marathons.
Race: Jungfrau Marathon
Date: September 9th, 2023
Location: Bern
Distance: 41.5km
Elevation: 1953m
From the trio of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, to the stunning waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen, to the 4000 entries that sell out every year, as well as the Pasta Party at the finish line, the Jungfrau Marathon is truly an experience. This is a punishing route that’s not for the faint-hearted, with a grinding ascent that will pose a mental and physical challenge to even the most experienced of runners. However, the stunning backdrop of the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, the jovial atmosphere along the route, and the serenades of the alp-horn players in the mountains, all serve to elevate an already incredible race into an experience you’ll never forget. So get registering now, before those 4000 slots fill up.
Race: Davos X-Trails
Date: July 29th, 2023
Location: Graubünden
Distance: 68km/43km/23km/10km
Elevation: 2980m/1424m/631m/163m
There is something for every trail-runner at Davos X-Trails: free-flowing hills that will have you feeling like you’re flying, steep technical trails that will need every ounce of willpower and grit, and wide-open expanses with alpine valleys, larch forests, and jagged peaks. The town of Davos also becomes something of a trail-running mecca during this time, with lots of festivities and celebrations before and after the races. Sign up for any one of these races, and that runner’s high is guaranteed.
Race: Engadin Ultra Trail
Date: July 15th, 2023
Location: Graubünden
Distance: 102km/53km/23km/16km
Elevation: 5677m/2639m/1064m/791m
Die Engadin Ultra Trail traverses the high Alpine valley of the Engadin, renowned for its pristine nature and crisp mountain air. This race brings you through sleepy historic villages and breathtaking ascents that will make the sky feel close enough to touch. The technical downhills, rolling meadows, and glittery lakes mean the views will (hopefully) distract you from the exhaustion, and the UTMB qualifier point will make finishing this race all the sweeter. Take your pick of the four races on offer and get signing up.
Race: Sierre Zinal
Date: August 12th, 2023
Location: Valais
Distance: 31km
Elevation: 2100m
Regarded as one of the best trail races in the world, the Sierre Zinal draws the biggest names in trail running, including Killian Jornet and Megan Lund-Lizotte. Known as ‘The Race of the Five 4000s’ because of the five peaks over 4000m that are visible along the route, it brings you up close to some of the most famous mountains in the world: the Weisshorn, the Zinalrothorn, the Obergabelhorn, the Matterhornund die Dent Blanche. Because of its fame, this race draws the most enthusiastic crowds, the best runners (both elite and recreational), and the most stunning views. The fact that the recreational runners start the race three hours before the elites means you get to watch some of the greats cross the finish line of a race you’ve already run. Pretty sweet. This race sells out in a heartbeat, and unfortunately registration is closed for this year, but mark it in your calendar as a sure bet for 2024.
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