Races
Swiss Alps
Switzerland, August. Alpine trails. 100 km. Cutoff 25 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.
- Start3,327 ft
- High3,449 ft
- Low3,115 ft
- Finish3,297 ft
Geometryderived
The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 40)
Course DNA
The Course
Swiss Alps runs 100 km through Switzerland. +7,805 ft gain and -7,835 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 3,449 ft. Low near 3,115 ft. August temps run 32°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 31.
The Work
Train for 7,805 feet of climbing across 100 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 25 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 40.
Kit
August in Switzerland: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 25 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 31.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 31. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents near mile 40 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 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Official siteBack to racesPredict your timeTrain for this raceCheck readinessFoot care plan