Three days of trail running and emotion at the TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks 2026

Zermatt, 23 August 2026 – 4,130 runners, thrilling head-to-head battles, glowing headlamps on the mountainside and a freshly snow-covered Matterhorn as a backdrop: the 14th edition of the TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks, held from 21 to 23 August 2026, was a resounding success in many respects. Never before had so many participants taken to the start line. The weekend also demonstrated that the appeal of the trail running event extends far beyond the races themselves. Those who were not running could experience the emotions just as intensely at the start, along the course and at the finish.

The 14th edition of the TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks will be remembered as a very special weekend. With 4,130 runners taking part, the event set a new participation record. Once again, the field was exceptionally international: trail runners from more than 60 countries travelled to Zermatt to compete on the various courses through the spectacular Alpine landscape.

At the same time, the TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks is deeply rooted in Zermatt. Numerous locals were also among those on the start line. For many of them, the races have long since become a personal challenge for which they prepare over weeks and months. This combination of an international sporting event and locally shared enthusiasm is a defining feature of the TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks.

And those who were not wearing a race bib could enjoy the weekend just as intensely. Families, friends, locals and visitors cheered on the athletes at the start, along the courses and as they crossed the finish line on the Ultraks Plaza. In this way, the weekend became a shared experience for everyone.

EXTREME puts athletes to the test
The weekend got underway on Friday with the EXTREME. Rain and snow at higher altitudes forced the organisers to postpone the start and stage the race on a shortened 15-kilometre course. The revised conditions produced a fast and highly intense race.

In the men’s race, a thrilling battle developed between Italy’s Alex Oberbacher and Zermatt local Martin Anthamatten. It was only in the decisive phase of the race that Oberbacher managed to break clear and secure victory ahead of the local favourite. In the women’s race, Romania’s Denisa Dragomir took the win.

The VERTINIGHT later that evening had a very different, yet no less spectacular character. Equipped with headlamps, the participants set off from Zermatt towards Sunnegga, climbing almost 700 vertical metres. In the darkness, the long line of headlamps stretched across the mountainside like a chain of lights. By the time they reached the finish at Sunnegga, it was clear once again that the TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks is about more than times and rankings. It is also about shared emotions.

Spectacular backdrop for MOUNTAIN and SKY
On Saturday and Sunday, Zermatt’s mountain scenery was at its most impressive. The freshly snow-covered Matterhorn towered above the courses, providing a backdrop that participants and spectators could hardly have wished to be more spectacular.

On the 32-kilometre MOUNTAIN course, featuring around 2,000 metres of elevation gain, Italy’s Alessandro Riva claimed victory in the men’s race. He crossed the finish line in 2:48:30. France’s Anne-Lise Rousset was the fastest woman, finishing in 3:20:27.

There were Swiss victories on the longest distance of the weekend. The SKY covered 49 kilometres and around 3,600 metres of elevation gain through the high-Alpine landscape surrounding Zermatt. Samuel Ruffieux won the men’s race in 5:09:24, while Laura Dozier took victory in the women’s race in 6:12:45.

A weekend for the entire trail-running community
The TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks weekend was rounded off on Sunday by the ACTIVE category. The course is aimed at everyone who wants to experience the unique atmosphere and fascination of the TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks without taking on one of the longer high-Alpine distances.

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/b6d89c9e-ad79-4de7-af2e-79e7d58a116c

For further information, please contact:

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