Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon

🏃 Distance: 45.595 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1,953 m

📍 Start: St. Niklaus, 1,116 m above sea level
🏁 Finish: Gornergrat, 3,089 m above sea level

For the boldest runners: While marathon participants finish on Riffelberg, ultra runners continue for another 3.4 km and 514 additional metres of elevation gain. The breathtaking panorama from Gornergrat makes every step worthwhile.

👉 More About the Ultra Marathon

🏃 Distance: 42.195 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1,944 m

📍 Start: St. Niklaus, 1,116 m above sea level
🏁 Finish: Riffelberg, 2,585 m above sea level

The classic marathon route leads from St. Niklaus through Randa and Täsch to Zermatt, before climbing via Sunnegga and Riffelalp to Riffelberg. It is an official Boston Qualifier and one of Europe’s most demanding marathon courses.

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🏃 Distance: 21.0975 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1,336 m

📍 Start: Zermatt, 1,620 m above sea level
🏁 Finish: Riffelberg, 2,585 m above sea level

Perfect for runners seeking the mountain marathon experience over a shorter distance. The course follows the most scenic and challenging section of the route, with spectacular Matterhorn views throughout.

👉 More About the Half Marathon

🏃 Distance: 22 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1,850 m up | 360 m down

📍 Start: Zermatt
🏁 Finish: Gornergrat, 3,089 m above sea level

A direct ascent to Gornergrat. This race is designed for mountain runners seeking a demanding challenge and the unique experience of racing above 3,000 metres.

👉 More About the TOP20RUN-Gornergrat

👧 Category: Age-appropriate distances

📍 Start: Zermatt
🏁 Finish: Zermatt

The youngest runners take centre stage at the start of the marathon weekend. The Hörnli Kids Run offers age-appropriate distances and introduces children to the excitement of race day in Zermatt.

👉 More About the Hörnli Kids Run

The Moving Grandstand is a special Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train that runs alongside the marathon course on race day. Spectators can follow the runners at various points along the route while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Reservation required.

New from 2026: the Swiss Runners Ticket is included in the entry fee. It allows free travel on public transport throughout Switzerland and is valid five days before and after the event.

👉 More about the Swiss Runners Ticket

Every participant receives a finisher shirt, a finisher medal and personal race photos – the perfect keepsake from an unforgettable race experience.

Several locations along the course offer excellent opportunities to cheer on the runners. Popular viewing points include Zermatt, Sunnegga, Riffelalp and the finish area at Riffelberg.

The festival tent is a meeting place for runners, supporters and guests. It creates a vibrant atmosphere that extends beyond race day itself.

The entry fee includes participation in the selected race, the Swiss Runners Ticket for free travel on public transport within Switzerland, a finisher shirt, a finisher medal and personal race photos.

The Swiss Runners Ticket is included in the entry fee and allows free travel on public transport throughout Switzerland. It is valid from five days before until five days after the event.

An organised return transport service is available from the finish areas to Zermatt and St. Niklaus.

Yes. Several refreshment stations are located along the routes. Detailed information can be found in the event guide and on the official website.

Several spectator hotspots are located along the course. In addition, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn's moving grandstand offers a unique way to follow the runners throughout the race.

The Moving Grandstand is a special Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train operating alongside the marathon course on race day. Reservation is required.

With distances ranging from the Hörnli Kids Run to the half marathon and ultra marathon, the event offers challenges for a variety of fitness levels. Adequate preparation is nevertheless recommended.