Races
SwissPeaks
Switzerland, September. Alpine trails. 100 km. Cutoff 28 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.
100 km+8,862 ft-6,554 ft28 hours2,146 ft to 7,964 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierSeptemberRunning Stones · 3 stones
Distance100 km
Gain+8,862 ft
Loss-6,554 ft
Altitude2,146 ft to 7,964 ft
Technicality5/10
Air32°F to 75°F
- Start2,146 ft
- High7,964 ft
- Low2,146 ft
- Finish4,454 ft
Geometryderived
Steepest drop1,253 ft-10.9% over 2.2 mi
Night miles17 misunset near 19:00 local
Longest climb2,306 ft62 mi at 0.7%
The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 40)
Course DNA
The Course
SwissPeaks runs 100 km through Switzerland. +8,862 ft gain and -6,554 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 7,964 ft. Low near 2,146 ft. September temps run 32°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 31.
The Work
Train for 8,862 feet of climbing across 100 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 28 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
September in Switzerland: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 28 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.
Results
SwissPeaks finish lines.
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Sources (1)
- Qualifier: utmb_stones: https://utmb.world/utmb-world-series