Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon
The Lowdown
The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon is one of Europe's classic alpine mountain marathons, first held in 2002 and quickly becoming a highlight of the Swiss mountain running calendar. Set against the iconic Matterhorn, the race links the valley village of St. Niklaus with high alpine scenery around Riffelberg/Gornergrat near Zermatt. It attracts a mix of elite mountain runners, international trail enthusiasts, and recreational athletes seeking a uniquely Swiss mountain marathon experience. Over the years the event has grown in prestige for its challenging elevation gain, impeccable organization, and the spectacular backdrop of glaciated peaks and alpine meadows. The course delivers dramatic variety: fast road and village sections early on, transitioning to steep forested climbs, high-alpine switchbacks, rocky trails and exposed ridges as runners ascend to Riffelberg/Gornergrat with panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the Gorner Glacier. Aid stations, enthusiastic local supporters in mountain huts, and alpine cowbells create a festive, communal atmosphere despite the demanding terrain. Runners can expect rapidly changing weather, stunning photo opportunities, and a strong sense of achievement at the high-altitude finish. The race is AIMS-affiliated and the course is officially measured for distance; due to its mountain profile it is not a World Athletics label road race nor certified as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Challenging elevation
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Moderate spectator support
St. Niklaus
Historic mountain village and official race start in the Törbel valley, known for alpine architecture and lively local support
Visp/Stalden valley stretch
Scenic valley descent/passage with views of the Rhone valley and typical Valais villages
Zermatt village
Car-free alpine resort where runners pass through the heart of town beneath the Matterhorn before the final climb
Zermatt Bahnhofplatz and Bahnhofstrasse
Main train station and pedestrian avenue, busy spectator area and access point for support crews
Riffelalp
High alpine meadows and historic hotel area offering panoramic views and the first true alpine environment on the ascent
Riffelberg
Mountain ridge and official marathon midpoint viewpoint with commanding panoramas of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks
Gornergrat
Race finish area and scenic ridge served by the Gornergrat railway, final panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Gorner Glacier and iconic Matterhorn
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Zermatt, Switzerland
CH
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Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old on race day
- All participants must be physically fit to complete 42.195 km in high‑altitude mountain terrain
- Prior experience in mountain or trail running recommended
- Online registration and payment required before the stated deadline
- Runners with known cardiovascular or serious medical conditions must provide medical clearance if requested
- Organizers may refuse entry for safety reasons or non-compliance with race rules
- Entrants must agree to and comply with the official race rules and marshal instructions
Required Documents
- Photo ID
- Medical certificate (issued within 12 months)
- Race waiver/health declaration
- Parental consent (if under 18)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Tour Operator
- Travel Package
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No reimbursement of entry fee
Cancellation insurance available during registration
The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon is a high-alpine mountain marathon with roughly 1,400–1,600 m of net climb, finishing above Zermatt with iconic views of the Matterhorn and the Gorner Glacier.
The event weekend typically includes a race expo, a pasta party for runners the evening before, and a children’s mini-run / running events for families.
Finishers receive a technical race shirt and a custom finisher medal, and there are overall and age-group prizes for top finishers.
Zermatt is car-free—most participants park in Täsch and take the frequent shuttle train to Zermatt, and plentiful aid stations are spaced along the course (about every 3–6 km) offering water, sports drink, and snacks.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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