Matterhorn Ultraks 2026

As a long-distance mountain race, the Matterhorn Ultraks is an integral part of the international racing calendar and an attractive challenge for endurance athletes. It has been held annually at the end of August since 2013. The idea behind the Matterhorn Ultraks is to offer runners exceptional race routes with different distances and levels of difficulty in order to appeal to all runners - regardless of their personal ability or level of training.

Audience

The Matterhorn Ultraks embodies an experience that is exceptional not only for the runners, but also for accompanying persons and spectators. The start and finish for all distances (except VERTICAL) is in the middle of the village at the “Ultraks Plaza”. Thanks to the impressive network of the Zermatt mountain railroads, spectators can also cheer on their favorites on the course without any problems.

Trails

Zermatt offers beautiful trails that invite you to escape from everyday life and meander through small hamlets and forests as well as past various lakes. Different routes appeal to different runners. The EXTREME race has been part of the Skyrunning® World Series since 2019. The Matterhorn Ultraks is therefore the focus of the world's best skyrunning athletes.

ACTIVE

Length: 19 km

D+: 1'150 m | D-: 1'150 m

Start time: Sunday, 8:30 a.m.

ACTIVE is ideal for you if you opt for a shorter trail and never want to lose sight of the Matterhorn.

MOUNTAIN

Length: 32 km

D+: 2,000 m | D-: 2,000 m

Start time: Saturday, 9:30 a.m.

MOUNTAIN is a medium-length route that takes you through magical places in Zermatt. Among other things, you will cross the suspension bridge over the Gorner Gorge - an impressive moment!

SKY

Length: 49 km

D+: 3,600 m | D-: 3,600 m

Start time: Saturday, 7:00 a.m.

SKY is an enchanting route with a unique landscape that demands speed and technique. The ascent to the Gornergrat at 3,100 meters is just one of many challenges. A run for true champions!

VERTINIGHT

Length : 4.9 km

D+ : 691 m | D- : 9 m

Start time: Friday, 20:45

The VERTINIGHT has a very special charm. The night-time start allows participants to run the 4.9 km up Sunnegga in the light of their headlamps.

EXTREME

Length : 27 km

D+: 3'175 m | D-: 3'175 m

Start time: Friday, 8:00 am

EXTREME is the highlight of the Matterhorn Ultraks - a challenging route that requires proven mountain and altitude experience. The course leads through mountain lakes, along rocks and over the glacier. The race is part of the Skyrunner® World Series.

RELAY by Loyco

Length: 32 km

D+: 2'000 m | D-: 2'000 m

Start time: Saturday, 9:30 am

Do you want to increase your team spirit? Then take part in the RELAY by Loyco relay. The three of you will complete the MOUNTAIN course.

CHILDREN'S RACE

The little ones are really big here. On two different courses, the children can show who is the fastest to reach the finish line with Wolli, depending on their age.

WOLLI

Length: 900m

HM+/-: 17m

Start time: Friday, 17:30

SUPERWOLLI

Length: 2.6km

HM+/-: 151m

Start time: Friday, 17:45