Zermatt, 16 August 2024 – The Matterhorn Ultraks in Zermatt, taking place from 23 – 25 August 2024, is growing in popularity: Over 4,100 registrations set a record for the 12th edition. The EXTREME and MOUNTAIN routes have been sold out for a long time. The trail races in a breathtaking high-alpine setting offer varying levels of difficulty for all abilities. Thanks to the impressive network of mountain railways, spectators can cheer on the runners from anywhere.
The idyllic mountain village of Zermatt, surrounded by 38 peaks over 4,000 meters and connected to the highest mountain station in Europe, becomes a magnet for the international mountain running community every August. Since its inception, the event has been part of the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series and is one of the most important races in the skyrunning scene.
The EXTREME race is the highlight of the three-day event, covering 27 kilometers and 3,175 meters of elevation gain. The course passes through mountain lakes, steep rocks, and glaciers, requiring proven mountain and altitude experience due to its challenging terrain.
LAST YEAR'S WINNER AT THE START
This year’s field is also strong. Among the women, Anastasia Rubtsova is registered; she celebrated her first victory in the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series last year in Zermatt. Rubtsova praises the Matterhorn Ultraks, saying the course at the Matterhorn is the most challenging she has ever completed. Most recently, she won the Skyrace Kaiserkrone in Austria at the end of June and is clearly in excellent form.
Her strongest competitor is likely to be the multi-sport woman Iris Pessey (SCOTT Running). Pessey, who works as a junior coach for the British national biathlon team, finished third overall in last year's Merrell Skyrunner® World Series.
DUEL OF LOCAL HEROES
For the men, it could be a close race. Among the favorites are the two Italians, Luca Del Pero (Scarpa) and Gianluca Ghiano (Brooks).
There is also high anticipation for the duel between locals Martin Anthamatten (adidas TERREX) and Andreas Steindl (Dynafit). Anthamatten, who won the Patrouille des Glaciers in 2022, knows every meter of the race as he is the EXTREME course designer. Likewise, Andreas Steindl set a new record on the Spaghetti Tour on July 19 of this year. In just 7 hours and 45 minutes, he covered 30 kilometers, 4,400 meters of elevation gain, and 18 peaks above 4,000 meters, demonstrating that he is also in excellent form.
WIDE OFFERING, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION
The professionally organized Matterhorn Ultraks has become a classic, increasingly popular among amateur athletes as well.
The ACTIVE route (19 km / 1,150 meters of elevation) is a shorter trail with constant views of the imposing Matterhorn.
MOUNTAIN (32 km / 2,000 meters of elevation) is a medium-length route that passes through magical locations in Zermatt, including crossing the suspension bridge over the Gornerschlucht – an impressive moment!
The SKY route (49 km / 3,600 meters of elevation) is a run through a unique landscape that requires speed and technique. The ascent to the Gornergrat at 3,100 meters is just one of many challenges.
The VERTINIGHT (4.9 km / 691 meters of elevation) has a special charm due to its nighttime start and the sea of headlamps.
There are also opportunities to start in 3-person teams in the RELAY by Loyco and for the youngest participants in the children's races.
The registration portal is still open until midnight on 16 August: www.goactive.ch/event/marathon-ultraks-2024-47
For the VERTINIGHT and children's races, registration is still possible after this date, but personalized names can no longer be printed on the race numbers. As mentioned, EXTREME and MOUNTAIN are sold out.
