Start and Finish Area
From the starting line in St. Niklaus, in Switzerland’s deepest valley, all the way up to the Riffelberg or the Gornergrat, the Zermatt Marathon is the ultimate alpine running challenge and ranks among the most demanding marathon courses in Europe.
Starting area in St. Niklaus
Start
St. Niklaus, one of the birthplaces of alpinism, can look back on a long tradition of outstanding mountaineers. Many four-thousand-meter peaks were first conquered by a “Zaniglaser.” It is the ideal starting point for modern summit conquerors of a somewhat different kind—marathon runners.
St. Niklaus Bypass Road
The overview map shows the starting area of the Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon in St. Niklaus and helps you find your way around easily. Key locations such as the race office, the train station, parking areas, and the baggage drop-off point (by 8:15 a.m. at the latest) are marked. The bypass road ensures smooth traffic flow, while the footpath to the start is clearly marked.
Start Times
The race starts in several waves: Elite and Block 1 runners. The remaining participants will start in block starts. To ensure a fair and smooth race, all runners are asked to line up in the designated areas about 15 minutes before their start time.
Timing
Timing is handled via the chip integrated into the race number, which records the net time when the runner crosses the starting line. Except for the Elite and Block 1 categories, the gross running time is recorded.
Starting area in Zermatt
Start or Halftime
Zermatt—the quintessential world-class resort, with a breathtaking view of arguably the world’s most famous mountain—the Matterhorn. The route through the Bahnhofstrasse in sophisticated Zermatt brings the athletes back into the hustle and bustle of civilization one last time before the power of nature draws them back in on the ascent to Sunnegga.
Information Booth
Pick up race numbers for the half marathon and TOP20RUN on Saturday starting at 7:30 a.m.
Baggage Check-in
For the Half Marathon and TOP20RUN, baggage may only be dropped off in the original runner bags by 10:00 a.m.
Gathering
Half Marathon runners must gather at the starting area on the Upper Matten by 9:55 a.m. at the latest. The race will then start in waves. The meeting point for the TOP20RUN start is by 9:10 a.m. at the latest.
Finish Area at Riffelberg
We did it!
After climbing 1,469 meters in elevation, all marathon and half-marathon runners have made it. The pain is forgotten, and breathing comes more easily. Twenty-nine four-thousand-meter peaks greet everyone who crosses the finish line, because anyone who makes it up here is a winner.
Awards Ceremony at Riffelberg
| 1:00 p.m. | Marathon (Women & Men) | Overall 1–3 |
| 2:00 p.m. | Half Marathon (Women & Men) | Overall 1–3 |
| 2:15 p.m. | Half Marathon (all other categories) | 1st–3rd place |
| 2:30 p.m. | Marathon (all other categories) | 1st–3rd place |
Awards ceremony at the “Obere Matten” festival tent
| 5:30 p.m. | TOP20RUN (all categories) | 1st–3rd place |
| 6:00 p.m. | ULTRA Marathon (Women & Men) | Overall 1–3 |
| 6:15 p.m. | ULTRA Marathon (all other categories) | 1st–3rd place |
| 6:30 p.m. | Awards Ceremony for 10- and 20-time finishers |
*Only participants present at the awards ceremony are eligible for prizes. No prizes or prize money will be mailed.
Finish area on the Gornergrat
We did it! *
After climbing 1,953 meters in elevation , all ULTRA marathon runners have made it. The pain is forgotten, and breathing comes more easily. Twenty-nine four-thousand-meter peaks greet everyone who crosses the finish line, because anyone who makes it up here is a winner. The runners in the TOP20Run can also celebrate themselves as winners after climbing 1,453 meters in elevation .
Finish Line: Gornergrat
Upon crossing the finish line on the Gornergrat, all finishers receive a thermal blanket to protect them from the wind and cold. Shuttle buses transport runners every 12 minutes from the Gornergrat to the Riffelberg, where they can pick up their luggage and take a warm shower.
*Relocation of the ULTRA + TOP20RUN Finish Line
In the event of unfavorable weather conditions, the organizing committee reserves the right to relocate the finish line from Gornergrat to Riffelberg at short notice. Participants will still be ranked separately.