Starting in the deepest valley in Switzerland in St. Niklaus and finishing on the Riffelberg or Gornergrat, the Zermatt Marathon is the alpine running challenge par excellence and one of the most demanding marathon routes in Europe.
The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon is considered one of the most beautiful and challenging mountain marathons in the world. On July 4, 2026, the route leads from St. Niklaus in the Mattertal valley up to the Riffelberg at 2,585 m above sea level - always with a view of the majestic Matterhorn in Zermatt.
Over 42.195 kilometers, the Zermatt Marathon connects the valley floor of the Mattertal with the high alpine world of the Riffelberg. Several sections of the route lead through traditional villages, along mountain streams and along paths with stunning views. Year after year, the event attracts running enthusiasts from all over the world.
1'116 m
2'585 m
Upper mats
with doctor
with doctor
Hot showers
A start in the marathon distance is possible from the age of 18.
| Age | Year of birth | Category Women | Category men |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-29 | 1997-2008 | F18 | M18 |
| 30-39 | 1987-1996 | F30 | M30 |
| 40-44 | 1982-1986 | F40 | M40 |
| 45-49 | 1977-1981 | F45 | M45 |
| 50-54 | 1972-1976 | F50 | M50 |
| 55-59 | 1967-1971 | F55 | M55 |
| 60-64 | 1962-1966 | F60 | M60 |
| 65-69 | 1957-1961 | F65 | M65 |
| 70+ | 1956 and older | F70+ | M70+ |
| Where | Dorfstrasse 17, CH-3924 St. Niklaus | |
| When |
Thursday July 2, 15:00-19:00 |
|
| Categories |
Thursday July 2 , all categories |
* Please note that start numbers will not be sent out. These can be collected in person in St. Niklaus on Thursday evening, Friday all day and Saturday morning (Marathon & Ultra only).
** Late registrations for the marathon and the ultramarathon are possible on Thursday and Friday at the start number distribution in St. Niklaus (plus CHF 20).
Saturday, July 4, 2026
| 8:30 a.m. | Elite runners and block 1 for marathon + ULTRA |
| from 8:33 am | Block starts Marathon + ULTRA |
