Procedure & Schedule
The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon will start in several waves and starting blocks. The grouping is based on the disciplines (Marathon, Ultra, Half Marathon, TOP20RUN), the respective starting locations of St. Niklaus and Zermatt, and the estimated finishing time.
This starting system ensures an orderly process, prevents crowding, and allows all participants to get off to a smooth start in their race. Thanks to the staggered starts, there is enough space on the course to relax and enjoy the experience against the backdrop of the unique mountain scenery. At the same time, the numerous spectators lining the route contribute to a motivating and exhilarating atmosphere—from the villages in the valley all the way to the finish line at Riffelberg or Gornergrat.
Start Times and Blocks
On race day, the start will take place in several waves to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that there is sufficient space on the course. The fastest runners will start alongside the elite athletes, followed by the other groups for the marathon and the ultra-marathon. The following overview shows the scheduled start times:
| Time | Start Group / Category | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Elite Runners & Wave 1 (Marathon & Ultra) | Joint Start for Marathon & Ultra |
| Starting at 8:33 a.m. | Block starts for the Marathon & Ultra | Net running time starts when crossing the starting line |
| 9:30 a.m. | TOP20RUN (Start in Zermatt) | Special category starting from Zermatt |
| 10:12 a.m. | Half Marathon Block 1 | Half Marathon starts in blocks of 100 |
| 10:15 a.m. | Half Marathon Block 2 | – |
| 10:21 a.m. | Half Marathon Block 3 | – |
| 10:27 a.m. | Half Marathon Block 4 | – |
Awards Ceremonies
| Awards Ceremonies at Riffelberg | ||
| 1:00 p.m. | Marathon Overall | 1st–3rd place |
| 2:00 p.m. | Half Marathon Overall All Half Marathon Categories |
1st–3rd place 1st–3rd place |
| 2:30 p.m. | Marathon, all categories | 1st–3rd place |
| Awards Ceremony at the “Obere Matten” Festival Tent | ||
| 5:30 p.m. | Top 20 Run | 1st–3rd place |
| 6:00 p.m. | Ultra Overall All Categories |
1st–3rd place 1st–3rd place |
| 6:30 p.m. | Awards Ceremony: 10x Finishers | |
*Only those present at the awards ceremony are eligible for prizes. No prizes or prize money will be mailed.
Friday's Schedule
Schedule
| Starting at 1:00 p.m. | Face painting for kids with Dolores |
| 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Race number pickup for the Hörnli Kids Run, Obere Matten festival tent (late registrations only available online) |
| 3:00 – 3:20 p.m. | Warm-up and course walk with Jael Lorenz and Chiara Truffer |
| 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Hörnli Kids Run Start & Finish at Obere Matten |
| Following that | Awards ceremony for the Hörnli Kids Run in the Obere Matten festival tent |
Categories
| ELKI (child and one parent) born in 2021 or later | 420 meters (1 lap) | Start at 3:30 p.m. |
| Pupils D (born in 2019 and 2020) | 420 meters (1 lap) | Start at 3:45 p.m. |
| Girls’ D (born in 2019 and 2020) | 420 meters (1 lap) | Start at 3:45 p.m. |
| Boys’ C (2017–2018) | 420 meters (1 lap) | Start at 4:00 p.m. |
| Girls’ C (2017–2018) | 420 meters (1 lap) | Start at 4:00 p.m. |
| Boys’ B (2015–2016) | 840 meters (2 laps) | Start at 4:15 p.m. |
| Girls’ B (2015–2016) | 840 meters (2 laps) | Start at 4:15 p.m. |
| Boys (2013–2014) | 1,260 meters (3 laps) | Start at 4:30 p.m. |
| Girls’ Category A (2013–2014) | 1,260 meters (3 laps) | Start at 4:30 p.m. |