William Boffelli wins the EXTREME at Matterhorn Ultraks: “The best race in the world.”
The EXTREME, covering a distance of 26 kilometers with an elevation gain of over 3,000 meters, is considered the centerpiece of Matterhorn Ultraks and is part of the prestigious Merrell Skyrunner® World Series. The technically demanding course leads past mountain lakes, over rocks, and even across a glacier. It is a race that only experienced mountain runners can master.
William Boffelli triumphs with an impressive performance
Italian runner William Boffelli showed his top form early in the race, breaking away clearly from the competition. On Ultraks Plaza in Zermatt, he celebrated his victory with a spontaneous extra lap among the enthusiastic fans. “The EXTREME at Matterhorn Ultraks is, for me, the best race in the world,” said Boffelli. “This year was especially tough; a lot of rock, a lot of ice,” explained the beaming winner at the finish. With a time of 3:25:06 hours, Boffelli left his competitors behind. He pushed Spaniard Manuel Merillas (3:30:06) and Frenchman Lucien Mermillion (3:31:19) into second and third place. For Boffelli, this was already his second victory in Zermatt after 2021. In 2023, he had finished runner-up.
Strong performance from the local hero
Particular attention was on Martin Anthamatten. The local hero is not only one of Switzerland’s most successful mountain runners, but also co-designer of the EXTREME course. As last year’s winner, he started with high expectations and faced the international top field. From the beginning, Anthamatten ran a spirited race and was able to hold his ground among the best athletes. In the end, he secured an excellent 6th place. “That was an incredibly exciting race. So many strong athletes came to Zermatt. Any one of them could have won today. The level was extremely high. I’m satisfied with my performance,” said the Zermatt native at the finish.
Rubtsova wins for the third time in a row
In the women’s race, Anastasia Rubtsova claimed victory for the third consecutive time. Overwhelmed by her success, she broke into tears at the finish line - a highly emotional moment: “I didn’t feel good during parts of the race, I was plagued by cramps. But once again, I made it,” explained a visibly moved Rubtsova at the finish. In the overall standings, Rubtsova underlined her class with a strong 20th place (4:14:59). Particularly pleasing from a Swiss perspective: Maria Christen delivered a strong performance and secured second place in 4:23:26. She was followed in third place by Frenchwoman Lucille Germain (4:23:48).
A weekend full of trail running in Zermatt
With the EXTREME, the starting signal has been given for a weekend full of trail running. On Saturday, the SKY, MOUNTAIN, and RELAY by Loyco races will follow, before on Sunday the runners of the ACTIVE category line up at the start.
Matterhorn Ultraks, EXTREME, 26 km, 3,066 meters elevation gain
Results, Men:
- William Boffelli (Italy) 3:25:06
- Manuel Merillas (Spain) 3:30:06
- Lucien Merillion (France) 3:31:19
- Frederic Tranchand (France) 3:33:08
- Daniel Antonioli (Italy) 3:35:04
Results, Women:
- Anastasia Rubtsova 4:14:59
- Maria Christen (Switzerland) 4:23:26
- Lucille Germain (France) 4:23:48
- Kalie McCrystal (Canada) 4:40:01
- Roberta Jacquin (Switzerland) 4:46:52
Information about Matterhorn Ultraks:
https://www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch/home
Image material available for free use:
https://www.swisstransfer.com/d/b28427bc-86f7-4810-8252-0a5506d5c562
© Copyright by Merrell Skyrunner World Series // Louis Down and Antton Guaresti
For further information, please contact:
Carole Dossetto
Project Leader / PR Matterhorn Ultraks
+41 76 336 14 12
cd@humansports.ch
