One weekend, eight races and thousands of emotional moments
The spectacular mountain scenery surrounding the Matterhorn, varied race courses and a unique atmosphere make the TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks one of the most beautiful trail running events in the Alps. With distances suited to every ability level, the event welcomes first-time trail runners, experienced athletes and the international elite alike.
Friday: World-class athletes, young talent and night trail running
The weekend kicks off on Friday, 21 August, at 8:00 a.m. with the EXTREME – the ultimate discipline of the weekend. This technically demanding race is part of the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series and attracts the international skyrunning elite to Zermatt every year. Local hero and course designer Martin Anthamatten (adidas Terrex) will face strong competition from international top athletes such as defending champion William Boffelli (Kailas), Alex Oberbacher (La Sportiva) and Nico Molina (Scott Running).
In the women’s race, this year’s field will be missing Anastasia Rubtsova, winner of the past three editions. The exceptional athlete is taking a break due to maternity leave. Nevertheless, a high-calibre race is guaranteed, with athletes such as Swiss runner and last year’s runner-up Maria Christen (Scott Running), as well as international stars including Denise Dragomir (Merrell), Takako Takamura (Nike ACG) and Elise Poncet (Nnormal).
In the afternoon, the spotlight shifts to the youngest trail runners. The popular WOLLI and SUPERWOLLI children's races start at 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. respectively. For many local residents, these races are among the most emotional moments of the weekend, with enthusiastic spectators lining the course to cheer the children on.
The first day concludes with the spectacular VERTINIGHT. Starting at 8:45 p.m., participants set off from Obere Matten as dusk falls, climbing 4.9 kilometres to Sunnegga by headlamp. The unique atmosphere of this night race has made the VERTINIGHT a favourite among both runners and spectators.
Saturday: The ultimate mountain challenges
Saturday's action begins early, with the SKY race starting at 7:00 a.m. Around 1,000 runners will tackle the demanding 49-kilometre course featuring 3,600 metres of elevation gain through the spectacular mountains surrounding Zermatt. Those taking on this challenge will experience one of the Alps' most breathtaking trail running routes.
At 9:30 a.m., the MOUNTAIN race and the corporate relay RELAY by Loyco get underway, both sharing the same course. While the elite athletes battle for podium places, many participants simply enjoy a memorable day immersed in the magnificent alpine landscape. Runners will remain out on the trails until 7:30 p.m., and even the final finishers are welcomed across the finish line with enthusiastic applause.
Sunday: The perfect introduction to trail running
The weekend concludes on Sunday with the ACTIVE, covering 19 kilometres and 1,150 metres of elevation gain. This race is ideal for runners looking to gain their first trail running experience or for those who have already completed road half marathons and are ready to take on the mountains.
Limited entries still available
Those who decide to take part at short notice still have the opportunity to register. Places are still available for the Kids Races, VERTINIGHT, SKY and ACTIVE. Online registration is open until Thursday, 20 August 2026, at 12:00 noon via this link. After that, last-minute participants can register on site from 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 20 August, subject to availability.
Fabrizio Gull, Head of Destination Services and Member of the Executive Board of Zermatt Tourism: "The TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks is far more than a trail running event. It combines world-class sporting performances with unforgettable mountain experiences and transforms Zermatt into a meeting point for the international trail running community every year. We look forward to welcoming athletes, their families and friends to an unforgettable weekend set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Matterhorn."
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
Image material available for free use:
https://www.swisstransfer.com/d/686ff8b7-531b-4726-98ad-60f43f25a47
Copyright Michael Portmann
For further information, please contact:
Carole Dossetto
Project Leader / PR TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks
+41 76 336 14 12
