RUNNERS’ GUIDE 2026 ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND
21/08/ - 23/08/2026
CONTENTS 03 Foreword 04 Start Times 06 Distances 06 EXTREME 08 KIDS RACE 10 VERTINIGHT 12 SKY 14 MOUNTAIN 16 RELAY BY LOYCO
26 During the Race 26 Equipment 26 Start Procedure 27 Course Markings 28 Aid Station Plan 29 Nutrition Partner 30 Race Withdrawal & Emergency
20 ACTIVE
22 Before the Race
32 After the Race
22 22 23 23 23
32 Finish Area 33 Afterparty 34 Spectators 34 Cable Car Discount 34 Live Tracking 35 Catering 35 Restaurant Offers 36 Sponsors
Getting There Site Map Bib Number Pickup Luggage WC
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FOREWORD It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 14th edition of TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks in Zermatt. What began years ago as an ambitious trail running event has grown into one of the Alps’ premier mountain running races, bringing together the local community and trail runners from around the world. TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks stands for athletic excellence, breathtaking alpine landscapes and the unique spirit of Zermatt. We are proud to welcome around 4,000 runners and countless supporters from across the globe to our destination for this special race weekend. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Matterhorn, challenging courses, unforgettable moments and spectacular mountain scenery await you. We would like to thank all athletes, volunteers, partners and spectators who make this event possible year after year. We wish you a successful, safe and unforgettable race. Enjoy every climb, every descent and every moment on the trails. Embrace the unique atmosphere of TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks and become one with the spectacular mountains and nature surrounding Zermatt. Good luck, and welcome to Zermatt!
Fabrizio Gull Head of Destination Services | Member of the Executive Management, Zermatt Tourism
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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START TIMES FRIDAY
SATURDAY
21 AUGUST 2026
22 AUGUST 2026
08:00 EXTREME
07:00 SKY
17:30 WOLLI
09:30 MOUNTAIN & RELAY
17:45 SUPERWOLLI
SUNDAY
20:45 VERTINIGHT
08:30 ACTIVE
23 AUGUST 2026
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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trek
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DISTANCES: EXTREME BIB PICKUP Thursday, 20 August 2026 | 16:00–20:00 Friday, 21 August 2026 | 06:30–07:45 Location: Ultraks Plaza, Obere Matten, Zermatt RACE BRIEFING & ATHLETE PRESENTATION Thursday, 20 August 2026 | 18:30 Location: Ultraks Plaza, Obere Matten, Zermatt Highly recommended for all EXTREME runners. MANDATORY EQUIPMENT Windproof jacket with long sleeves (waterproof in case of rain)
Emergency blanket Micro Crampons
The micro-crampons section is clearly marked and monitored by guides. Micro crampons are available at Bayard Sport in Zermatt.
START 21 August 2026 | 08:00
Obere Matten, Zermatt
COURSE MAP You can find the course map HERE.
MARKINGS ORANGE General Course EXTREME BLACK
FINISH Obere Matten, Zermatt
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: EXTREME TIME LIMITS
HOHBALM 09:30 | 4.5 km | elev.+ 1,060 m
ROTHORN-HÜTTE 12:00 | 12.75 km | elev.+ 2,220 m
FINISH 16:00 | 26 km | elev.+ 3,066 m
These times are estimates and are not exact.
AWARD CEREMONY From 14:15 at Obere Matten, Zermatt. As EXTREME is part of the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series, results are shared with the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) for their rankings.
LIVETRAIL https://my.raceresult.com/407733/live
MORE INFORMATION Aid Stations Bib Pickup Equipment Start Procedure Course Markings www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: KIDS RACE BIB PICKUP Friday, 21 August 2026 | 14:30–16:30 Location: Ultraks Plaza, Obere Matten, Zermatt
START / FINISH Mass start WOLLI (born 2018–2021) at 17:30 at Obere Matten. Mass start SUPERWOLLI (born 2012–2017) at 17:45. Children may be accompanied by an adult on the WOLLI course. More information under START BEHAVIOR.
COURSE MAP You can find the course map HERE.
MARKINGS ORANGE General course
AWARD CEREMONY From 18:15 at Obere Matten, Zermatt.
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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EVERY LINE TELLS A STORY. WRITE YOURS.
There are lines to cross, adventures to explore and paths which challenge us to grow. Some lines inspire us, others test us, but all lead to stories waiting to be told.
DISTANCES: VERTINIGHT BIB PICKUP Friday, 21 August 2026 | 14:30–20:15 Location: Ultraks Plaza, Obere Matten, Zermatt START 21 August 2026 | 20:45 Obere Matten, Zermatt
EQUIPMENT A headlamp with sufficient battery capacity is mandatory.
LUGGAGE Luggage drop-off until 20:30 in the start area. Only one piece of luggage can be dropped off. Pickup at Sunnegga.
ORANGE General course VIOLET VERTINIGHT
COURSE MAP The majority of the course is on a single trail. Make sure faster runners can overtake.
AWARD CEREMONY From 22:00 on the terrace of Restaurant Buffet Bar Sunnegga. The top three men and women overall and the first in each category will be awarded.
LIVETRAIL https://my.raceresult.com/ 407733/live
TIME LIMIT FINISH 22:00 | 4.9 km | elev+ 691
FINISH Sunnegga
MARKINGS
MORE INFORMATION Aid Stations Bib Pickup Equipment Start Procedure Course Markings www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: VERTINIGHT
CABLE CARS
ATMOSPHERE
All runners can enjoy a free descent after the race. All accompanying persons also ride the cable car to Sunnegga and back for free. The turnstiles are open during the corresponding times; no ticket is needed.
Restaurant Buffet Bar Sunnegga remains open and offers drinks and snacks. To give as many fans as possible the opportunity to celebrate our finishers in the finish area, we have organized extra rides: • 9:00–9:15 PM: Ascent rides to Sunnegga • 10:00–11:00 PM: Descent rides back to Zermatt We look forward to a great atmosphere and many spectators celebrating the runners’ achievements together with us!
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: SKY BIB PICKUP Friday, 21 August 2026 | 10:30 –12:30 & 17:45–20:45 Saturday, 22 August 2026 | 6:00–6:45 Location: Ultraks Plaza, Obere Matten, Zermatt
START 22 August 2026 | 07:00 Obere Matten, Zermatt
MARKINGS ORANGE General course BLUE SKY
LIVETRAIL https://my.raceresult.com/407733/live
FINISH Obere Matten, Zermatt
COURSE MAP You can find the course map HERE.
AWARD CEREMONY From 15:30 at Obere Matten, Zermatt.
TIME LIMITS SCHWARZSEE 15:00 | 30 km | elev+ 2550 m
FINISH 19:30 | 49 km | elev+ 3,600 m
MORE INFORMATION Aid Stations Bib Pickup Equipment Start Procedure Course Markings
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: SKY SAFETY INFO
Suspension Bridge: KM 25.4 Multiple people on the bridge can cause strong vibrations. WALKING PACE Cross the bridge at walking pace. NO RUNNING Do not run or overtake on the bridge. COURSE MARSHALS Follow the instructions of the course marshals.
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: MOUNTAIN BIB PICKUP Friday, 21 August 2026 | 10:30–13:30 & 17:45–20:45 Saturday, 22 August 2026 | 07:00–09:15 Location: Ultraks Plaza, Obere Matten, Zermatt
START 22 August 2026 | 09:30 Obere Matten, Zermatt
MARKINGS ORANGE General course RED
LIVETRAIL https://my.raceresult.com/407733/live
MOUNTAIN
FINISH Obere Matten, Zermatt
COURSE MAP You can find the course map HERE.
AWARD CEREMONY From 15:30 at Obere Matten, Zermatt.
TIME LIMITS RIFFELALP 13:00 | 13 km | elev.+ 900 m
FINISH 19:30 | 32 km | elev.+ 2,000 m
MORE INFORMATION Aid Stations Bib Pickup Equipment Start Procedure Course Markings
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: MOUNTAIN SAFETY INFO
Railway Crossing: KM 12
Suspension Bridge: KM 25.4
CROSSING Only cross the tracks at the designated crossing point.
WALKING PACE Cross the bridge at walking pace.
STOP FOR TRAINS Stop before the tracks when a train is approaching.
NO RUNNING Do not run or overtake on the bridge.
COURSE MARSHALS Follow the instructions of the course marshals.
COURSE MARSHALS Follow the instructions of the course marshals.
Multiple people on the bridge can cause strong vibrations.
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: RELAY BY LOYCO BIB PICKUP Friday, 21 August 2026 | 17:45–20:45 Saturday, 22 August 2026 | 07:00–09:15 Location: Ultraks Plaza, Obere Matten, Zermatt
For the RELAY by Loyco, your team receives ONE bib number with the timing transponder. Additionally, each runner receives an individual bib number without a timing transponder, showing personal information such as name, T-shirt size, or luggage tag.
START 22 August 2026 | 09:30 Obere Matten, Zermatt Participants are assigned to block 'C' in the MOUNTAIN category.
MARKINGS ORANGE General course RED
RELAY BY LOYCO / MOUNTAIN
FINISH Obere Matten, Zermatt COURSE MAP You can find the course map HERE.
LUGGAGE STORAGE Luggage storage is available at the start area. Pickup is upon presentation of your bib number. Runners are responsible for personal belongings at the transition zones.
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: RELAY BY LOYCO TRANSITION ZONES The transition zones are marked with Loyco flags. The handover is done by passing the team bib number with the timing transponder. Each team receives a belt for easy bib handover. Please return the belt at the finish after the race. Belts not returned will be charged. TRANSPORT TO TRANSITION ZONES Runner 2 and 3 travel independently to the transition zones. With the yellow wristband given at bib pickup, the Sunnegga and Furi cable cars can be used free of charge. Return transport for runner 1 and 2 follows the same principle.
TIME LIMITS RIFFELALP 13:30 | 13 km | elev.+ 900 m
FINISH 19:30 | 32 km | elev.+ 2000 m
AWARD CEREMONY From 15:30 at Obere Matten, Zermatt. Only the team time counts.
MORE INFORMATION Aid Stations Bib Pickup Equipment Start Procedure Course Markings
LIVETRAIL https://my.raceresult.com/407733/live
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: RELAY BY LOYCO SAFETY INFO
Railway Crossing: KM 12
Suspension Bridge: KM 25.4
CROSSING Only cross the tracks at the designated crossing point.
WALKING PACE Cross the bridge at walking pace.
STOP FOR TRAINS Stop before the tracks when a train is approaching.
NO RUNNING Do not run or overtake on the bridge.
COURSE MARSHALS Follow the instructions of the course marshals.
COURSE MARSHALS Follow the instructions of the course marshals.
Multiple people on the bridge can cause strong vibrations.
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: ACTIVE BIB PICKUP Friday, 21 August 2026 | 10:30– 13:30 Saturday, 22 August 2026 | 7:00–10:30 & 14:30–19:30 Sunday, 23 August 2026 | 7:00–8:15 Location: Ultraks Plaza, Obere Matten, Zermatt
START 23 August 2026 | 08:30 AM Obere Matten, Zermatt FINISH Obere Matten, Zermatt
MARKINGS ORANGE General course GREEN
ACTIVE
COURSE MAP You can find the course map HERE.
AWARD CEREMONY
From 12:30 at Obere Matten, Zermatt. LIVETRAIL https://my.raceresult.com/ 407733/live
TIME LIMITS FINISH 14:30 | 19 km | elev. gain 1,150 m MORE INFORMATION Aid Stations Bib Pickup Equipment Start Procedure Course Markings www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DISTANCES: ACTIVE SAFETY INFO
Railway Crossing: KM 12 CROSSING Only cross the tracks at the designated crossing point. STOP FOR TRAINS Stop before the tracks when a train is approaching. COURSE MARSHALS Follow the instructions of the course marshals.
Multiple people on the bridge can cause strong vibrations.
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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BEFORE THE RACE GETTING THERE Zermatt is car-free and easily accessible by train. If arriving by car, drive to Täsch. From there, you can reach Zermatt by train in about 12 minutes or by taxi. Various parking options are available in Täsch. More information on our website.
SITE MAP ULTRAKS PLAZA The Ultraks Plaza is located at Obere Matten. All activities related to the TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks take place there (except for finish VERTINIGHT).
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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BEFORE THE RACE BIB PICKUP Please stick to the recommended pickup times for your distance to avoid waiting and ensure a smooth process. Bib numbers must be picked up at least 15 minutes before your race start.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS To pick up your bib number, you need an ID or the Race Mail, which you will receive by email in the week before the event. Pickup by a third party is possible with the Race Mail and a copy of your ID. Bib numbers are personalized and non-transferable. Participants with someone else’s bib will be disqualified.
LUGGAGE A luggage storage area is available near the start zone. Please attach the luggage tag visibly to your bag. Return is upon showing your bib number. Only one piece of luggage can be stored. Luggage storage closing times: FRIDAY 17:00
SATURDAY 20:00
SUNDAY 15:00
WC Mobile toilets are located near the start area. Additional toilets are available at the Triftbachhalle (550 m away). On the course, there are portable toilets at Furi. The cable car station restrooms at Sunnegga and Schwarzsee are also open. Please do not use the toilets of nearby hotels or restaurants! www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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peaq
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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GOLDENE MOMENTE AM MATTERHORN Der Herbst in Zermatt zeigt sich von seiner eindrucksvollsten Seite: leuchtende Lärchen, klare Bergluft und eine ganz besondere Ruhe. Unsere Herbstpauschalen schaffen Raum für entschleunigte Tage und genussvolle Erlebnisse inmitten der alpinen Natur.
Entdecke jetzt den goldenen Herbst!
zermatt.swiss
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DURING THE RACE EQUIPMENT At TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks, we rely on personal responsibility. Equipment depends on weather and conditions – please check the weather forecast before the race.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Windproof Jacket / Rain Jacket
Emergency Blanket
Phone with Emergency Number
Tape
Cup
Drinks
Poles are allowed on all courses and must be carried from start to finish. Please refrain from using poles in the first 500 meters through the village. For EXTREME and VERTINIGHT, additional special equipment is required.
START PROCEDURE Without Start Blocks: EXTREME, VERTINIGHT and the kids' races start together. Timing begins with the starting signal. With Start Blocks: All other races start in waves with a maximum of 200 runners per block. Assignment is based on the stated target time. For Block A, timing begins with the starting signal; for all other blocks, timing starts when crossing the start line. Only runners from Block A can win the race. The start blocks line up along the tennis courts next to Ultraks Plaza. Please look for the block flags on site and follow the instructions of the volunteers. www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DURING THE RACE COURSE MARKINGS The general color for course signage is Orange. For the first event, we have put together these short explanatory videos for better orientation:
Explainer Video German
Explainer Video English Explainer Video French
FLAGS
FLAGS WITH DISTANCE TO FINISH
GATES
SIGNS FOR DIRECTION CHANGES
KILOMETER MARKER FLAGS
DANGER OR SPECIAL NOTICE
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VERTINIGHT FINISH
SUNNEGGA
GORNERGRAT
RIFFELALP
FURI
SCHWARZSEE
TRIFT
FINISH ZERMATT
ROTHORNHÜTTE EXTREME
DURING THE RACE
WATER
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
TEA
X
X
X
X
VEGETABLE BROTH COCA-COLA
X
SQUEEZY ENERGY DRINK SQUEEZY ENERGY DRINK WITH ELECTROLYTES
X X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
SQUEEZY ENERGY GELS
X
X
X
X
X
TREK PROTEIN BARS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
CHOCOLATE
X
X
X
X
X
GLUEN FREE BREAD
X
X
X
X
X
TUC BISCUITS
X
X
X
X
X
X
PRETZEL
X
X
X
X
X
X
ORANGES
X
CAKE
X
CHEESE
X
DRIED MEAT
X
X
Please note that there are no cups at the aid stations (except at the VERTINIGHT finish and the kids' races). At bib pickup you will receive a cup as a gift.
X X X
X www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DURING THE RACE Nutrition stations offer a selection of solid and liquid energy products depending on their location. The available products may vary from one nutrition station to another. A detailed overview can be found on the previous page.
https://www.squeezy.ch/
SQUEEZY ENERGY GEL Lemon / Caffeine
https://www.trekbars.com/en
SQUEEZY Liquid Energy Gel Watermelon
SQUEEZY Energy Drink Orange
TREK PROTEIN OAT BAR
SQUEEZY Energy Drink + Electrolytes
SQUEEZY Energy Drink Basic Formula www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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DURING THE RACE RACE WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURE INCL. EMERGENCY NUMBER If you withdraw from the race, please immediately send the following information to race management (+41 75 402 70 00) via SMS or WhatsApp: Your Bib Number Your Name Your Location Alternatively, you can also inform one of the course marshals (recognizable by their orange vests).
After withdrawing, please remove your bib number and put it in your pocket, so as not to confuse the organizers.
EMERGENCY NUMBER: +41 75 402 70 00 IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY: ALWAYS CALL 144!
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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AFTER THE RACE FINISHER SHIRT
SHOWERS
Upon arrival at the finish line, you will immediately receive our beautiful finisher t-shirt. The size handed out corresponds to the size printed on your bib number. Trying on or exchanging is not possible.
In the Triftbachhalle there are permanently installed toilets and showers that can be used after the race.
MEDALS
MASSAGE
At the finish line, all runners will receive their welldeserved finisher medal.
REFRESHMENTS At the finish line, you will be offered a small snack and water.
POST-RACE MEAL In the large tent at Ultraks Plaza, a warm meal awaits you after crossing the finish line. Show your meal voucher, which you receive at bib number pickup, and enjoy your meal for free. (Valid for all participants except VERTINIGHT and kids race).
In the Triftbachhalle you have the opportunity to get a free massage (on the condition that you shower first). First come, first served. The massage service is available at the following times: • Friday, 21 August from 12:00 – approx. 14:00 • Saturday, 22 August from 13:00 until the last participant • Sunday, 23 August from 11:00 until the last participant
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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AFTER THE RACE
R E T F A RTY PA 2-FOR-1 DRINKS for all runners in the areas LOFT & PINK at Unique Hotel Post (Beer, Wine, Prosecco & Soft Drinks)
SATURDAY
22 AUGUST 2026
FROM 21:00
Bring your voucher for access & Special Offer
Important: Capacity is limited! Once the location is full, there will be no further entry – not even for TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks runners. Arriving early is worth it!
Open for everyone: Broken Club Brown Cow Pub Papa Caesar Cocktail Bar www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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SPECTATORS MOUNTAIN RAILWAY DISCOUNT To make the most of your TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks weekend, runners and accompanying persons can once again benefit from an attractive offer from Zermatt Bergbahnen this year IMPORTANT: Early bird discount: only bookable online until 20 August Valid during the event weekend (21-23 August 2026) Regular ticket prices apply on site No additional discount for GA or Half Fare card holders
THANK YOU Your support, your applause, and your energy make TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks an unforgettable experience.
https://www.matterhornparadise.ch/en/ultraks
FOLLOW THE RACE LIVE Friends and family can follow the race live via the following link: https://my.raceresult.com/407733/live
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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SPECTATORS RESTAURANT OFFERS
CATERING This year, Restaurant Pavillon once again supports us as the official catering partner. Early in the morning – before the start of each race – the restaurant is open, offering all runners and spectators the chance to fuel up with a fresh coffee to go. With a hot coffee in hand, getting up early is much easier.
RESTAURANT OFFERS For dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, TREK® Matterhorn Ultraks runners have the opportunity to enjoy a meal at special prices at the following restaurants. Please note that reservations are required. When making your reservation, mention that you would like to take advantage of the special offer.
Hotel Excelsior
Ribis & Stibis (Täsch)
info@excelsior-zermatt.ch www.excelsior-zermatt.com
info@matterhorn-inn.com www.ribis-stibis.ch
Walliserkanne
Da Vinci (Täsch)
info@walliserkanne.ch www.walliserkanne.ch
info@davinci-eat.ch www.davinci-eat.ch
La Mazot
The Dude
info@mazot-zermatt.ch www.mazot-zermatt.ch/de
hey@dude.ch www.dude.ch
Hotel Silvana
Peakfine
info@hotelsilvana.ch www.hotelsilvana.ch
info@alpenresort.com www.alpenresort.com
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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SPONSORS
PARTNER PHOTO SERVICE
SOCIAL MEDIA TAKE-OVER
Sportograf is on site with numerous photographers capturing you on the course. The photos will be available on the Sportograf website shortly after the event: sportograf.com/event/20077
Our partner agency UP TO YOU will do a Social Media Take-Over during the event weekend.
www.matterhorn-ultraks.ch
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