If you love trail running then Zermatt is a great destination to visit.

Not only does this Swiss resort host the Matterhorn Marathon and Ultraks trail running events, but this winter from 09 January to 31 March 2021, runners can compete against each other virtually in the first Zermatt Winter Run.

What is the Zermatt Winter Run?

The Zermatt Winter Run is a new format of competition created for the ‘new normal’ and means runners can compete with each other, but practice social distancing.

The course covers a challenging 8.7km route in and around the village. It starts from the Tourist Office in the centre of Zermatt and forms a loop that goes via Blatten to the Furi lift station at 1862m. At this point you will have climbed 311m and the route then returns to the start through the forest.

The organisers anticipate that it will take 45 to 75 minutes to complete.

How does it work?

To take part, runners need to register on the Strava fitness app, using a QR. Once you’ve registered, participants can then use the app to see the Winter Run route and track their time.

On finishing the run, every runner will be able to see their ranking on the app and see how they’ve got on against other competitors.

All finisher will be able to collect a goody bag from the tourism office at the end of their run.

Find out more about the Zermatt Winter Run here.