Wild Glacier Marathon Lenk
The Alpine Marathon offers a breathtaking journey from the Simmental to Valais, linking Lenk to Crans-Montana across glaciers, ancient mountain passes, and the iconic landscapes of the Wildhorn massif.
Amid the glaciers of the Wildhorn massif
A 42 km course with 2,700 m of elevation gain for a unique Alpine adventure between Lenk and Crans-Montana. The start in the heart of Lenk immediately immerses you in the majestic landscapes of the Simmental, with peaceful alpine meadows and the Simmenfälle, spectacular glacial waterfalls that mark the beginning of the route. The first kilometers offer a journey into local heritage, with alpine pastures such as Langermatte, where artisanal products accompany your effort, and Iffigenalp, the site of the first aid station.
The climb to the ridges leads to the summit of Iffighorn (2,378 m) and the Wildhorn hut (2,303 m) at the foot of the glacier, offering breathtaking views of the seracs and high mountains. The Wildhorn hut also serves as a liquid refreshment point. Crossing the Schnidejoch (2,756 m), a millenary pass and archaeological site, allows you to admire the iconic glaciers Wildhorngletscher, Turnengletscher, and the Schnidejoch pass itself.
The descent into Valais passes Lake Ténéhet and Lake Tseuzier, which serves as the last aid station and the only point where assistance is allowed, before following the Bisse du Ro, a suspended trail above the Rhône Valley, to reach the finish in Crans-Montana. The variety of landscapes encountered - glaciers, lakes, ridges, alpine pastures, and historic sites - makes this Alpine marathon a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Discover the trail route
Practical Information
BEFORE THE EVENT
BY TRAIN: From the Valais or Berne Canton : timetable
BY CAR:
From the Valais:
Sierre : approx. 20min
Genève : approx. 2h15
Lausanne : approx. 1h30
Chamonix : 1h45
From Bern Canton:
Bern: approx. 2h
Brig: approx. 1h
Lenk, Volksschule
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FWKhSwv8iR8gLymC7
- Thursday, 10th of September 2026 : From 6 pm to 9 pm
- Friday, 11th of September, 2026 : From 6 am to 7:30 am
To collect your bib you need to present:
- your ID
- QR code (will be sent by e-mail a few weeks before the event)
- your race bag (need to be marked)
To ensure runners' safety, no bib may be collected by anyone other than the runner.
Before the race, a transport service will be organised on Thursday afternoon to take the runners and supporters from Crans-Montana to Lenk.
For logistical reasons, there will be no transport on the morning of the race.
After the race, a bus service will also be organised to take runners and supporters from Crans-Montana to Lenk.
During the race, a bus service will be organised for your supporters to cheer you up at the start, on the finish line.
More info and timetables soon on the transport page.
Mandatory shuttle reservations on your dashboard, available in July
Find out the full list of mandatory equipment HERE.
DURING THE EVENT
Friday, 11th September 2026
Kronenplatz, 3775 Lenk im Simmental
https://maps.app.goo.gl/d5UMzUzyE3Fy7f766
To avoid trafic jam, you'll be assigned a starting time according to your general UTMB index.
It's possible to start in a later wave, but not in an earlier one.
Runners starting earlier than expected will receive a 2 hours penalty.
- Wave 1 : 8:00 am (Bib number ...)
- Wave 2 ? : 8:10 am (Bib number )
Note: Elite women with a UTMB general index above 680 will have their index increased by 14% to allow them to start in the first wave.
When collecting their number, each participant receives a 30-litre bag.
After having filled it with the items of their choice and closed it, they can deposit it at the start in the space dedicated to it. The bag will be transported to Crans-Montana place Ycoor for the finish.
If needed, runners can deposit a personal bag together with the 30-litre bag received at the bib collection. For logistical reasons, we highly recommend runners to keep the personal bag as small as possible.
Assitance at Aid Stations:
Only one person per runner is allowed to enter the aid stations at the following point:
- Tseuzier
Supporters may still access the following points and encourage their runner, but no assistance may be provided at the points identified as "without assistance".
- Iffigenalp, Berghaus, Iffigenalpstrasse 207E, 3975 Lenk
Bus : Lenk-Iffigenalp :
https://afabus.ch/fahrplane/lenk-iffigenalp/
- Cabane Wildhorn :
The organisation will provide shuttles to bring the runners back to Crans-Montana in case of withdrawal or if the time limits are exceeded.
For logistical or traffic reasons, buses may be subject to delays.
Withdrawals can be made at the following points:
- Iffigenalp
- Tseuzier
Outside these points, no shuttle service can be guaranteed.
AFTER THE EVENT
To support the athletes, race prizes are awarded equitably, respecting equality between men and women and parity across all distances.
TOP 3 Overall Men and Women:
1st: CHF 1,500 cash
2nd: CHF 700 cash
3rd: CHF 300 cash
*For non-residents of Switzerland, a withholding tax of approximately 15-21% is deducted from the prize. The prize is paid via bank transfer.
Top 5 Overall Men and Women: A trophy and a prize in kind
Top 3 in each category, Men and Women:
1st: A trophy and a prize in kind
2nd and 3rd: A prize in kind
All the following post-race services are available in the Ycoor square, just a few metres from the finish arch:
- Men's and women's showers/changing rooms
- Rest room
- Finisher's prizes
- Runners' bags
- Massage service
- Post-race meals, refreshment stands
- Awards ceremony
- Entertainment
- Men's and women's WC
You can find the detailed map here
Around the race
Plan your stay and check out all the tourist activities and experiences around the Wildstrubel massif.
