Start and finish area
From the start in Switzerland's deepest valley in St. Niklaus up to the Riffelberg or Gornergrat, the Zermatt Marathon is the alpine running challenge par excellence and is one of the most demanding marathon routes in Europe.
Starting area in St. Niklaus
Start
St. Niklaus, one of the birthplaces of alpinism, can look back on a long tradition of outstanding mountaineers. Many four-thousanders were the first to be conquered by a "Zaniglaser". It is the ideal starting point for modern summiteers of a different kind - marathon runners.
St. Niklaus bypass road
The overview map shows the starting area of the Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon in St. Niklaus and helps you to find your way around. Important points such as the race office, the train station, parking facilities and the bag drop-off point (by 08:15 at the latest) are marked. The bypass road ensures smooth traffic flow, while the footpath to the start is marked.
Start times
The start will take place in several waves: elite and block 1 runners. The remaining participants will start in block starts. To ensure a fair and smooth process, all runners are asked to line up in the marked areas about 15 minutes before their start time.
Timekeeping
The time is measured using the chip integrated in the start number, which triggers the net time when crossing the start line. With the exception of Elite and Block 1, the gross running time counts.
Starting area in Zermatt
Start or half-time
Zermatt - the world health resort par excellence, with a breathtaking view of the most famous mountain in the world - the Matterhorn. The route through the Bahnhofstrasse in fashionable Zermatt brings the athletes back into the concentrated mass of civilization one last time before the power of nature captivates them again on the ascent to Sunnegga.
Finish area on the Riffelberg
You made it!
After 1469 meters in altitude, all marathon and half-marathon runners have made it. The pain is forgotten, breathing is easier. 29 four-thousand-meter peaks greet everyone who crosses the finish line, because whoever reaches the top here is a winner.
Riffelberg award ceremonies
| 13:00 hrs | Marathon (women & men) | Overall 1-5 |
| 14:00 hrs | Half marathon (women & men) | Overall 1-3 |
| 14:15 | Half marathon (all other categories) | Rank 1-3 |
| 2:30 pm | Marathon (all other categories) | Rank 1-3 |
Award ceremony in the "Obere Matten" marquee
| 5:30 pm | TOP20RUN (all categories) | Rank 1-3 |
| 18:00 hrs | ULTRA-Marathon (women & men) | Overall 1-3 |
| 18:15 | ULTRA Marathon (all other categories) | Rank 1-3 |
| 6:30 pm | Honoring 10 & 20 x finishers |
*Only persons who are present at the award ceremony are entitled to prizes. No prizes / prize money will be sent out.
Finish area on the Gornergrat
Done! *
After 1953 meters of altitude , all ULTRA marathon runners have made it. The pain is forgotten, breathing is easier. 29 four-thousand-metre peaks greet everyone who crosses the finish line, because whoever reaches the top is a winner. The runners of the TOP20Run can also be celebrated as winners after 1453 meters of altitude .
Gornergrat finish
At the finish on the Gornergrat, all finishers receive a thermal wrap to protect them from the wind and cold. Pen del trains take the runners from the Gornergrat to the Riffelberg every 12 minutes, where their luggage can be collected and warm showers are available.
*Relocation of the ULTRA + TOP20RUN finish line
In the event of unfavorable weather conditions, the board reserves the right to move the finish from the Gornergrat to the Riffelberg at short notice. Participants will still be ranked separately.