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The Zermatt Marathon is a world-class mountain race in the Swiss Alps, featuring a grueling ascent from St. Niklaus to the Riffelberg or Gornergrat with iconic views of the Matterhorn.
Course Highlights
The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful yet challenging mountain races in Europe. The course begins in the picturesque village of St. Niklaus, located in the deepest valley of Switzerland. From there, runners embark on a journey that ascends through the breathtaking landscapes of the Valais region. A major highlight is the stretch through the car-free village of Zermatt, where the iconic pyramid of the Matterhorn first comes into full view. As the race progresses, the trail transitions from paved paths to rugged mountain tracks, leading participants toward the Sunnegga plateau. The final, most demanding segment climbs steeply to the Riffelberg, situated at 2,585 meters above sea level. For those competing in the Ultra-Marathon, the challenge continues even further up to the Gornergrat summit at an astounding 3,089 meters. Throughout the course, athletes are treated to panoramas of 29 peaks exceeding 4,000 meters, making it a visual masterpiece as much as a physical test.
Race Details
The next edition of the Zermatt Marathon is scheduled for July 4, 2026. The event offers several distances to cater to different levels of endurance: the Ultra-Marathon (approx. 45.6 km), the classic Marathon (42.195 km), and the Half Marathon (21.1 km). The Marathon and Ultra distances start in St. Niklaus at 1,116 meters above sea level, while the Half Marathon begins in Zermatt at 1,616 meters. The finish line for the Marathon and Half Marathon is located at Riffelberg, whereas the Ultra-Marathon finishes at the Gornergrat summit. Elevation gain is a defining feature, with the Marathon involving over 1,900 meters of ascent and the Ultra exceeding 2,400 meters. Runners must reach specific checkpoints within designated time limits to continue the race. Registration typically includes a high-quality finisher shirt, a medal, and a “Swiss Runners Ticket” providing free public transport to and from the event within Switzerland.
Why Runners Love It
Runners are drawn to the Zermatt Marathon for its unparalleled alpine atmosphere and the legendary hospitality of the Valais people. The race has a rich history, having been a fixture in the mountain running calendar for over two decades. It is not just a competition but a celebration of nature and human spirit. Participants often mention the incredible support from spectators in Zermatt and the unique “moving grandstand” on the Gornergrat railway, where fans can cheer for runners from the train. The event also emphasizes sustainability and respect for the mountain environment. Whether it’s the challenge of the “Sunnegga Wall” or the emotional finish under the shadow of the Matterhorn, the race provides memories that last a lifetime. The combination of professional organization, challenging terrain, and the sheer majesty of the Swiss Alps makes it a “bucket list” race for trail enthusiasts worldwide.
Register for the Zermatt Marathon
At a Glance
- Location: St. Niklaus, Valais — Switzerland
- Next Date: 2026-07-04
- Distances: Ultra-Marathon (45.6 km), Marathon (42.195 km), Half marathon (21.1 km), TOP20RUN (20 km)
- Start Time: 08:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.zermattmarathon.ch/en
St. Niklaus, Valais CH-3924 Switzerland
The Zermatt Marathon is a world-class mountain race in the Swiss Alps, featuring a grueling ascent from St. Niklaus to the Riffelberg or Gornergrat with iconic views of the Matterhorn.
Course Highlights
The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful yet challenging mountain races in Europe. The course begins in the picturesque village of St. Niklaus, located in the deepest valley of Switzerland. From there, runners embark on a journey that ascends through the breathtaking landscapes of the Valais region. A major highlight is the stretch through the car-free village of Zermatt, where the iconic pyramid of the Matterhorn first comes into full view. As the race progresses, the trail transitions from paved paths to rugged mountain tracks, leading participants toward the Sunnegga plateau. The final, most demanding segment climbs steeply to the Riffelberg, situated at 2,585 meters above sea level. For those competing in the Ultra-Marathon, the challenge continues even further up to the Gornergrat summit at an astounding 3,089 meters. Throughout the course, athletes are treated to panoramas of 29 peaks exceeding 4,000 meters, making it a visual masterpiece as much as a physical test.
Race Details
The next edition of the Zermatt Marathon is scheduled for July 4, 2026. The event offers several distances to cater to different levels of endurance: the Ultra-Marathon (approx. 45.6 km), the classic Marathon (42.195 km), and the Half Marathon (21.1 km). The Marathon and Ultra distances start in St. Niklaus at 1,116 meters above sea level, while the Half Marathon begins in Zermatt at 1,616 meters. The finish line for the Marathon and Half Marathon is located at Riffelberg, whereas the Ultra-Marathon finishes at the Gornergrat summit. Elevation gain is a defining feature, with the Marathon involving over 1,900 meters of ascent and the Ultra exceeding 2,400 meters. Runners must reach specific checkpoints within designated time limits to continue the race. Registration typically includes a high-quality finisher shirt, a medal, and a “Swiss Runners Ticket” providing free public transport to and from the event within Switzerland.
Why Runners Love It
Runners are drawn to the Zermatt Marathon for its unparalleled alpine atmosphere and the legendary hospitality of the Valais people. The race has a rich history, having been a fixture in the mountain running calendar for over two decades. It is not just a competition but a celebration of nature and human spirit. Participants often mention the incredible support from spectators in Zermatt and the unique “moving grandstand” on the Gornergrat railway, where fans can cheer for runners from the train. The event also emphasizes sustainability and respect for the mountain environment. Whether it’s the challenge of the “Sunnegga Wall” or the emotional finish under the shadow of the Matterhorn, the race provides memories that last a lifetime. The combination of professional organization, challenging terrain, and the sheer majesty of the Swiss Alps makes it a “bucket list” race for trail enthusiasts worldwide.
Register for the Zermatt Marathon
At a Glance
- Location: St. Niklaus, Valais — Switzerland
- Next Date: 2026-07-04
- Distances: Ultra-Marathon (45.6 km), Marathon (42.195 km), Half marathon (21.1 km), TOP20RUN (20 km)
- Start Time: 08:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.zermattmarathon.ch/en