Press Release – 21 AUG 23
FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE MATTERHORN ULTRAKS
Less than a week to go until both elite athletes and amateur runners lace their shoes again to experience an incomparable race experience in Zermatt
More than 3’500 registrations
Local heroes and international athletes running in Zermatt
Photographer: David Carlier, www.davidcarlierphotography.com
ZERMATT, AUGUST 21, 2023 – Being in the middle of the current Skyrunning season, one major highlight is still to be expected: The Matterhorn Ultraks.
From 25 until 27 August 2023 approximately 3’000 runners from around the world are expected in the famous mountain village Zermatt. Fifty elite runners have signed up for the race weekend – including various big names in Skyrunning.
What makes the « EXTREME » race different from other races is that international athletes love to come back to Zermatt. So, the field will include this year the first winner in 2019, the Italian Daniel Antonioli (Team Scarpa-Karpos) and his fellow countryman, the double winner William Boffelli (ITA).
On the women’s side, Hillary Gerardi (USA-Black Diamond Scarpa) will try to clinch the victory after finishing three times second.
Swiss athletes will also be well represented with their leader Martin Anthamatten (adidas Terrex), who designed the course, and the 2022 World Skyrunning Champion Roberto Delorenzi (Brooks Trailrunners) .
Photographer: David Carlier, www.davidcarlierphotography.com
A DEFINITE HIT
Since its creation in 2013, the hype around the Matterhorn Ultraks has grown steadily. The « EXTREME » course can be understood literally – it is a very challenging course (25km, 2860m D+) that requires mountain and altitude experience, and runners must certify that they are used to alpine terrain.
Nevertheless, there are still many opportunities to take part in the Matterhorn Ultraks. The « ACTIVE » is ideal for those who wish to try competitive trail in full view of the Matterhorn throughout the race (19km, 1150m). The « MOUNTAIN » encompass the « RELAY by Loyco » for Companies willing to enhance their team spirit by running at the Ultraks.
With the iconic “VERTINIGHT“ starting at night, the charm of running by the light of the headlamps is added. Finally, the “SKY” race – 49km and 3’600m – requires combining speed and technique, without fearing the climb to 3’100m to Gornergrat.
Photographer: David Carlier, www.davidcarlierphotography.com
THE PROGRAMME
Friday 25 August 2023
08h 00 « EXTREME »
17h 30 « KIDS RACES »
20h30 « VERTINIGHT »
Saturday 26 August 2023
07h00 « SKY »
09h30 « MOUNTAIN » and « RELAY »
Sunday 27 August 2023
08h 30 « ACTIVE »
THE MATTHERHORN ULTRAKS
Created in 2013, the Matterhon Ultraks thrills the Zermatt Valley every summer and delivers a tremendous scenery over the Alps to its participants who run at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world.
A part of the Skyrunner® World Series since its first edition, the Matterhorn Ultraks attracts the skyrunning elite and strengthens its reputation as one of the main events of the skyrunning scene.
The Matterhorn Ultraks has become a classic, sought after by the elite as much as by amateurs, who value the diversity of the routes and the top-quality organisation. Each year, more than 3’500 runners take part in one of the Matterhorn Ultraks’ races. The event is sponsored by Scott, NORQAIN and Compressport.
