Swiss Alpine Marathon is a 78km ultra marathon in Davos, Switzerland. Distance: 78km. Elevation: 2,260m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 38/100). DNF rate: 12%. Time limit: 14h. Surface: trail. Established 1986.
Swiss Alpine Marathon
Davos, Graubünden, Switzerland
"One of the world's oldest mountain ultras through the stunning Swiss Alps from Davos."
A legendary 78km mountain race through the Graubünden Alps — running since 1986 with classic Swiss alpine terrain.
The Course
One of the oldest mountain ultras in the world, from Davos through the Sertig valley, over the Sertig Pass and Keschhütte, to the Engadin valley. Classic Swiss mountain terrain with exposed alpine passes and stunning Graubünden scenery.
mountainous
point-to-point
7
2,632m
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Swiss Alpine Marathon is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
14°C
5° – 22°
60%
35%
Summer alpine conditions in the Swiss Alps. Generally pleasant but can change rapidly at altitude. Cool mornings and evenings.
Stats & Records
1986
1,200
11:30:00
6:22:48
Jonathan Wyatt (2003)
7:31:26
Andrea Mayr (2017)
Entry
CHF 190
January
months
Lore & Trivia
The Swiss Alpine Marathon from Davos is one of the oldest mountain ultras in Europe — running since 1986 through the Graubünden Alps. The course loops from Davos over high passes and through the Sertig Valley, a landscape of Alpine meadows, glacial streams, and stone-built mountain huts. The race predates the trail running boom and carries a tradition that newer events aspire to match.
- ▸ Founded in 1986, it's one of the oldest mountain ultras in the world and predates the modern trail running boom.
- ▸ The race was inspired by the Swiss tradition of long mountain routes and originally billed as the world's toughest marathon distance.
- ▸ Jonathan Wyatt's 2003 course record has stood for over 20 years, testament to the demanding nature of the course.
- ▸ The Sertig Pass section at 2632m is fully exposed and can experience rapid weather changes.
- ▸ Established in 1986.
Davos to Davos over the Sertig and Scaletta passes — Swiss Alpine running in its purest form since 1986.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Swiss Alpine Marathon? +
Swiss Alpine Marathon is a 78km (78km) ultra marathon with 2,260m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is Swiss Alpine Marathon? +
Swiss Alpine Marathon is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 38/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 12%. Runners have 14 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Swiss Alpine Marathon? +
Average temperature is 14°C (range 5°C to 22°C) with 60% humidity and a 35% chance of rain. Summer alpine conditions in the Swiss Alps. Generally pleasant but can change rapidly at altitude. Cool mornings and evenings.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Swiss Alpine Marathon? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Swiss Alpine Marathon? +
The men's course record is 6:22:48 set by Jonathan Wyatt in 2003. The women's course record is 7:31:26 set by Andrea Mayr in 2017.
What is the average finish time for Swiss Alpine Marathon? +
The average finish time is 11:30:00. About 1,200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 12%.
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