"COME TOGETHER"
REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN
Crossing Switzerland EKIDEN 駅伝
400 KILOMETRES WITH 25'000 M D+
Gathered at the starting line, a determined team of trail runners stands ready for an extraordinary journey - an ultra trail run ekiden. A celebration of both camaraderie and individual resilience, this unique race format weaves together the threads of teamwork and personal fortitude.
An ultra trail run ekiden is not merely a race; it's a symphony of endurance, unity, and the indomitable human spirit. Each runner contributes a note to this melodic tapestry, crafting a story of perseverance etched into the very fabric of nature.
Ekiden: Unleashing Human Endurance in Nature's Embrace
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
DEPARTURE
ARRIVAL
PODIUM
Sunday 19 July 2026 - Bad Ragaz - 08:00
Montreux, Switzerland until Sunday July 26, 2026, 14h00*
TBD
MINIMAL
MAXIMAL
EKIDEN TEAM SIZE
MINIMAL
MAXIMAL
3 runners (18 years or older)
5 runners (18 years or older)
RACE BIB
DISTRIBUTION
Only at the start location
Coming soon
REFRESHMENT POSTS
There will be approximate 5 base camps and 15 refreshment posts. Based upon our experience at our first edition in 2022 we might make some changes to the number of base camps and refreshment posts. We will update this information as soon as we have more details.
MAXIMUM TIME
Montreux finish line: 184 hours total time.
The other barriers will be communicated asap.
MANDATORY EQUIPEMENT
Water reserve (1 litre minimum), waterproof jacket with a hood (10’000 mm/h), headlamp with spare batteries, spare headlamp, personal beaker, survival blanket, whistle, food reserve, long running trousers (leggings or a combination of leggings and long socks allowed), warm long-sleeved shirt (arm sleeves allowed), mobile phone working in Switzerland turned on.
The organization reserves the right to add equipment depending on weather conditions
If you choose to be accompagnied by a person/team please note that all mandatory items need to be with you at all times during your race. Additional items like spare shoes, clothes, towels, etc. can be given to you only at the designated locations. In case you run completely solo, the organisation will transport your additional items to the next base-camp.
STAGES
STAGES 2026
STAGE
Stage 1 : Bad Ragaz - Rüti
Stage 2 : Rüti - Altdorf
Stage 3 : Altdorf -Engelberg
Stage 4 : Engelberg- Meiringen
Stage 5 : Meiringen - Lauterbrunnen
Stage 6 : Lauterbrunnen - Kandersteg
Stage 7 : Kandersteg - Adelboden
Stage 8 : Adelboden- Leysin
Stage 9 : Leysin- Caux
Stage 10 : Caux - Montreux
*Team stage
D+
5170
3165
2194
1650
2792
3089
1343
4480
1988
42
KM
70
49
31
35
43
37
17
76
30
7
D-
5024
3359
1367
2343
2594
2713
1167
4444
2221
822
RECOMMENDED EQUIPEMENT
Spare T-shirt, gloves and shoes, cap or bandana, sunglasses, sun cream
CAR PARK &
TRANSPORTATION
More information coming soon
In Montreux we have a parking zone nearby (free of charge) for the runners that want to leave their car the whole week of the event (from Friday 19th onwards. More information in the roadbook.
FEES
Team min 3, max 5 runners:
PER TEAM
1'200 CHF
1'500 CHF
01.09.2025 - 30.06.2026
01.07.2026 - 14.07.2026
DIFFICULTY
★ ★ ★ ★ ★: Difficulty obviously depends on the section covered and, in particular, its distance. However, the route takes place on the number 1 long-distance hiking trail (Via Alpina) and is therefore generally well-maintained and of limited technical difficulty.
ROADBOOK
The version of the roadbook 2024 is available for reference
Date : 16 July 2024
