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Sierre-Zinal is an iconic 31 km mountain race in the Swiss Alps, famously known as the ‘Race of the Five 4,000s’ for its views of five legendary peaks. It attracts elite athletes and amateurs alike for its challenging elevation and breathtaking scenery.
Course Highlights
Known as the “Race of the Five 4,000s,” Sierre-Zinal offers some of the most spectacular views in the trail running world. The point-to-point course stretches 31 kilometers through the heart of the Swiss Valais Alps, connecting the town of Sierre to the mountain village of Zinal. Along the way, runners are treated to panoramic views of five legendary 4,000-meter peaks: the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, Matterhorn, and Dent Blanche. The route is famous for its initial, punishing climb from Sierre, followed by a fast, scenic traverse across high-altitude alpine meadows and a technical descent into Zinal. Landmarks like the Hotel Weisshorn provide iconic cheering points for spectators and historic markers for participants.
Race Details
The Sierre-Zinal race is a test of both climbing prowess and raw speed, featuring 2,200 meters of elevation gain and 1,100 meters of descent. The event is uniquely structured into two main categories: the “Tourist” category and the “Runner” category. The Tourist category, designed for amateur enthusiasts, starts early in the morning (between 04:45 and 06:15), allowing participants to experience the sunrise over the Alps. The “Runner” category, which includes elite athletes and those aiming for competitive times, starts later at 11:00. In addition to the main 31 km event, the “Junior” race offers a 19 km course starting from Chandolin, while younger children can participate in the “Course des Cinq Obstacles” in Sierre. The 53rd edition is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Why Runners Love It
Sierre-Zinal is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious mountain races in the world, often cited as a must-do event for any serious trail runner. Its reputation stems from a perfect blend of challenging terrain, world-class competition, and a deep sense of tradition that has been cultivated since its inception in 1974. Runners love the inclusive atmosphere that welcomes both elite professionals and passionate amateurs on the same day. The course is remarkably runnable for a mountain race, allowing for blistering speeds that have seen legends like Kilian Jornet set incredible records. The local support is unmatched, with the entire Val d’Anniviers community coming together to create a festive, welcoming environment for participants from over 60 nationalities.
Experience the magic of the Swiss Alps by registering for the next edition. Visit the official website for registration details and race updates: Sierre-Zinal Official Website.
At a Glance
- Location: Sierre, Valais — Switzerland
- Next Date: 2026-08-08
- Distances: [’31 km’, ’19 km’]
- Start Time: 04:45
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.sierre-zinal.com/en/homepage.html
Sierre-Zinal is an iconic 31 km mountain race in the Swiss Alps, famously known as the ‘Race of the Five 4,000s’ for its views of five legendary peaks. It attracts elite athletes and amateurs alike for its challenging elevation and breathtaking scenery.
Course Highlights
Known as the “Race of the Five 4,000s,” Sierre-Zinal offers some of the most spectacular views in the trail running world. The point-to-point course stretches 31 kilometers through the heart of the Swiss Valais Alps, connecting the town of Sierre to the mountain village of Zinal. Along the way, runners are treated to panoramic views of five legendary 4,000-meter peaks: the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, Matterhorn, and Dent Blanche. The route is famous for its initial, punishing climb from Sierre, followed by a fast, scenic traverse across high-altitude alpine meadows and a technical descent into Zinal. Landmarks like the Hotel Weisshorn provide iconic cheering points for spectators and historic markers for participants.
Race Details
The Sierre-Zinal race is a test of both climbing prowess and raw speed, featuring 2,200 meters of elevation gain and 1,100 meters of descent. The event is uniquely structured into two main categories: the “Tourist” category and the “Runner” category. The Tourist category, designed for amateur enthusiasts, starts early in the morning (between 04:45 and 06:15), allowing participants to experience the sunrise over the Alps. The “Runner” category, which includes elite athletes and those aiming for competitive times, starts later at 11:00. In addition to the main 31 km event, the “Junior” race offers a 19 km course starting from Chandolin, while younger children can participate in the “Course des Cinq Obstacles” in Sierre. The 53rd edition is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Why Runners Love It
Sierre-Zinal is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious mountain races in the world, often cited as a must-do event for any serious trail runner. Its reputation stems from a perfect blend of challenging terrain, world-class competition, and a deep sense of tradition that has been cultivated since its inception in 1974. Runners love the inclusive atmosphere that welcomes both elite professionals and passionate amateurs on the same day. The course is remarkably runnable for a mountain race, allowing for blistering speeds that have seen legends like Kilian Jornet set incredible records. The local support is unmatched, with the entire Val d’Anniviers community coming together to create a festive, welcoming environment for participants from over 60 nationalities.
Experience the magic of the Swiss Alps by registering for the next edition. Visit the official website for registration details and race updates: Sierre-Zinal Official Website.
At a Glance
- Location: Sierre, Valais — Switzerland
- Next Date: 2026-08-08
- Distances: [’31 km’, ’19 km’]
- Start Time: 04:45
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.sierre-zinal.com/en/homepage.html