Alex Oberbacher wins shortened EXTREME after thrilling duel
Normally, the EXTREME covers 26 kilometres and more than 3,000 metres of elevation gain through technically demanding high-alpine terrain. Due to the difficult weather conditions, race management was forced to react on Friday. Heavy rain and sections of the course close to the snow line made it impossible to hold the race on the original route.
The safety of the 197 runners was the top priority in making the decision. The alternative course covered 15.6 kilometres with 1,485 metres of elevation gain. However, this did not make the EXTREME any easier. The shorter distance, high pace and challenging conditions demanded everything from the athletes right from the start.
Oberbacher wins duel with Anthamatten
In the men’s race, a thrilling head-to-head battle developed at the front between Italy’s Alex Oberbacher and Zermatt local Martin Anthamatten. The two remained close together for large parts of the course. The decisive move came only on the final downhill from Trift, when Oberbacher managed to pull clear of Anthamatten.
The Italian reached the finish at the Ultraks Plaza in Zermatt in 1:39:52 to claim victory. “For me, the course was perfect. The whole race was a very, very strong battle with Martin Anthamatten,” Oberbacher said after his win.
Just 37 seconds later, Martin Anthamatten crossed the finish line in 1:40:29. Despite narrowly missing out on a home victory, the local favourite was satisfied: “It was a hard race. You had to give everything throughout the entire course. I’m very happy with second place.” At the same time, Anthamatten admitted that the original route would have suited him better: “For me, the original course would have been better. It would have been more technical, and I could have made more use of my home advantage.” France’s Louis Dumas completed the podium in 1:41:08.
Dragomir wins highly intense women’s race
The women’s race was equally exciting. Romania’s Denisa Dragomir claimed victory in 2:00:23. “The race really was an EXTREME. It was short and very intense. It was super hard,” Dragomir said at the finish. Just 55 seconds behind the winner, France’s Perrine Abadie finished second in 2:01:18. Third place went to Poland’s Patrycja Stanek, who crossed the finish line in 2:03:05. Zermatt local Myrielle Weingand made a strong statement with an impressive performance, finishing in an excellent eighth place.
More races to follow on Saturday and Sunday
The EXTREME marked the sporting start of the 14th edition of the TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks. On Saturday, the SKY, MOUNTAIN and RELAY by Loyco races will take place, before the runners in the ACTIVE category line up at the start on Sunday.
About Matterhorn Ultraks
Founded in 2013, Matterhorn Ultraks delights runners every summer with breathtaking scenery at the foot of the Matterhorn, the world's most photographed mountain. Since its first edition, the event has been part of the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series, attracting the world's skyrunning elite and reinforcing its reputation as one of the most important races on the skyrunning circuit. Matterhorn Ultraks has become a true classic, popular among both elite athletes and amateur runners who appreciate the diversity of its courses and its high-quality organisation.
About Human Sports Management AG (HSM)
Human Sports Management AG (HSM) is one of the leading agencies in the DACH region for the marketing and organisation of premium mass-participation sporting events. HSM develops regional events in running, cycling and trail running into nationally and internationally recognised participation platforms. Founded in 2015, the agency inspires thousands of people to embrace sport through professionally organised events. HSM's portfolio includes the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup, Cyclotour du Léman, Sarnersee Lauf, Aargau Half Marathon, OCHSNER SPORT Zurich Marathon and Matterhorn Ultraks. Since 2025, HSM has been part of the Belgian sports and health company Golazo.
Information about TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks:
https://www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch/home
Results
https://my.raceresult.com/407733/results
Image material available for free use:
https://www.swisstransfer.com/d/d83ec801-2e16-4355-8076-653e048bfd8d
Copyright Up to You / Guaresti
For further information, please contact:
Carole Dossetto
Project Leader / PR TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks
+41 76 336 14 12
