Races
SwissPeaks
Switzerland, September. Alpine trails. 360 km. Cutoff 156 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.
- Start2,146 ft
- High9,081 ft
- Low2,146 ft
- Finish8,641 ft
Geometryderived
The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 145)
Course DNA
The Course
SwissPeaks runs 360 km through Switzerland. +38,365 ft gain and -31,870 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 9,081 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 112.
The Work
Train for 38,365 feet of climbing across 360 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 156 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 145.
Kit
September in Switzerland: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 156 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 56. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 112.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 56. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 112. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents near mile 145 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 74 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