4,000 barrier broken: Matterhorn Ultraks thrills with record participation

Rotkreuz, 24 August 2025 – A total of 4,088 runners from around the world took part in the 13th edition of the Matterhorn Ultraks in Zermatt from 22 – 24 August 2025 – more than ever before. Thrilling duels, emotional finishes, and high-alpine challenges shaped the race weekend at the foot of the Matterhorn. At the center of attention were the victories of William Boffelli and Anastasia Rubtsova in the EXTREME race.

The 13th edition of the Matterhorn Ultraks once again had plenty to offer. An international field of athletes provided exciting competitions. With over 4,000 starters, the trail running event set a new participation record, 500 more than the previous year.

“That 4,000 runners from around the globe travel to Zermatt shows the fascination of the Matterhorn Ultraks. The mix of sporting challenge and unique mountain scenery creates an experience that connects people and stays in memory for a long time,” reflects Carole Dossetto-Julen, Project Manager of Human Sports Management AG, on a highly successful race weekend at the foot of the Matterhorn.

EXTREME: The royal discipline at the foot of the Matterhorn

The highlight of the event was once again the spectacular EXTREME race. Victory went to Italian runner William Boffelli, already a well-known name in Zermatt. After his triumph in 2021 and a second place two years ago, he once again climbed to the top of the podium. With a strong start, he quickly pulled away from the competition and maintained his lead all the way to the finish. “The EXTREME race in Zermatt is, for me, the best race in the world,” Boffelli enthused at the finish line, visibly moved by his success. Among the women, the tension remained high until the end, with Anastasia Rubtsova once again coming out on top. Rubtsova, who had already dominated in previous years, wrote another chapter in her impressive success story at the Matterhorn Ultraks with her third consecutive victory.

Highlights across all distances

Matterhorn Ultraks impresses with seven different categories, offering the right challenge for every level – from family-friendly runs to high-alpine adventures. One of the most atmospheric experiences is the VERTINIGHT, a night race where participants, equipped with headlamps, set off at dusk and battle their way up almost five kilometers and about 700 meters of elevation gain.

On the medium-distance MOUNTAIN course, spectators celebrated a Swiss victory: Maxime Pellouchoud claimed the men’s race, while French athlete Anne-Lise Rousset won the women’s race. The SKY course also proved demanding, stretching nearly 50 kilometers and 3,600

meters of elevation gain up to the Gornergrat. The high-alpine terrain required not only endurance but also speed and technical precision from the athletes.

The weekend concluded with the ACTIVE category on Sunday – a course designed especially for those who want to experience the fascination of the Matterhorn Ultraks in a shorter but equally intense format.

Informationen about Matterhorn Ultraks:

https://www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch/home

Free-to-use images:

https://www.swisstransfer.com/d/79c7fe02-3297-410c-8cb5-28800b6d7cfa

For further information, please contact:

Carole Dossetto
Project Leader / PR Matterhorn Ultraks
+41 76 336 14 12
cd@humansports.ch