Races
Swiss Alps
Switzerland, August. Alpine trails. 100 mi. Cutoff 50 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.
- Start3,327 ft
- High3,451 ft
- Low3,113 ft
- Finish3,451 ft
Geometryderived
The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 65)
Course DNA
The Course
Swiss Alps runs 100 mi through Switzerland. +10,171 ft gain and -10,047 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 3,451 ft. Low near 3,113 ft. August temps run 32°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.
The Work
Train for 10,171 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 50 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.
Kit
August in Switzerland: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 50 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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