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trail ultra

Sierre-Zinal

Sierre, Valais, Switzerland
Sierre-Zinal Countdown
120
Days
18
Hrs
05
Min
50
Sec
Next Race
August 8, 2026
121
days to go

The legendary race of the five 4,000ers in the Swiss Valais. The 31km course from Sierre to Zinal climbs 2,200m through forests and alpine meadows with five peaks over 4,000m visible along the way: Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, Matterhorn, and Dent Blanche.

ITRA 2 Endurance Points
Est.
1974
Distance
31km / 19mi
Course
Point-to-Point
Surface
Mountain Trail
Elev. Gain
2200m
Elev. Loss
1100m
Field Size
~5,000
When
August
Time Limit
7h

THE COURSE

Gain
+2200m
Loss
-1100m
MI 5
KM 8
Chandolin Climb
The relentless opening ascent from the Rhone Valley floor at 533m through vineyards and forest to the village of Chandolin, gaining over 1,500m of elevation.
ELEV: 1950ft
MI 8
KM 12.9
Ponchette Ridge
A high-altitude ridgeline traverse at over 2,400m where all five 4,000m peaks become visible, creating one of the most spectacular panoramas in Alpine running.
ELEV: 2420ft
MI 11
KM 17.7
Hotel Weisshorn
The iconic mountaineering hotel perched at 2,337m on a narrow ridge, marking the highest point of the course and the turnaround into the descent phase.
ELEV: 2337ft
MI 15
KM 24.1
Barneuza Descent
A technical, rocky descent through alpine pastures and moraine fields, where the race is often decided as fast descenders make their moves.
ELEV: 1800ft
MI 19
KM 31
Zinal Village Finish
The final descent into the charming mountain village of Zinal at 1,675m in the Val d'Anniviers, where spectators line the narrow streets for the dramatic finish.
ELEV: 1675ft

COURSE RECORDS

2:25:34
Men
2:25:34
Kilian Jornet
Set in 2024
2:46:03
Women
2:46:03
Maude Mathys
Set in 2021

PAST CHAMPIONS

Men
2025
Philemon Kiriago
2:28:45
2024
Kilian Jornet
2:25:34
2023
Philemon Kiriago
2:27:27
2022
Andreu Blanes
2:29:19
2021
Kilian Jornet
2:31:44
2020
Kilian Jornet
2:31:39
2019
Kilian Jornet
2:25:35
2018
Kilian Jornet
2:33:06
2017
Kilian Jornet
2:33:38
2016
Petro Mamu
2:33:14
2015
Kilian Jornet
2:31:54
Women
2024
Joyline Chepngeno
2:54:06
2023
Sophia Laukli
2:53:17
2022
Maude Mathys
2:52:32
2021
Maude Mathys
2:46:03
2020
Maude Mathys
2:48:48
2019
Maude Mathys
2:49:20
2018
Lucy Murigi
2:57:54
2017
Lucy Murigi
2:58:40
2016
Michelle Maier
2:58:41
2015
Lucy Murigi
2:56:41
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