Everything for runners
Tip
The original route of the Aletsch Half-Marathon is permanently signposted and GPS referenced. This means it can be used for training purposes and is also highly recommended as a hiking route.
Important
A mountain run like the Aletsch Half-Marathon makes greater demands on the body than a half-marathon in lowland areas. The thin mountain air and the cooler temperatures in the mountains cause a rapid loss of fluids.
So make sure you drink lots of fluids and eat solid food very early on!
Information on the route
In preparation for the Aletsch Half-Marathon, you will need to familiarise yourself with the course and profile of the route as well as the location of the refreshment stations and first aid posts.
Facts and Figures
| Distance | 21.1 km |
| Start line | 1,950 m above sea level |
| Finish line | 2,650 m above sea level |
| Difference in altitude | 700 m |
| Uphill | 1,148 m |
| Downhill | 432 m |
| Max. no. of participants | 2,700 |
| Volunteers | 150 |
The course
From 1,950 m to an altitude of 2,650 m, these are the numbers behind the Aletsch Half-Marathon. The route is a real treat for marathon runners. And what’s more, the alpine mountain running trail is located in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site with superlative views of the Great Aletsch Glacier and the four thousand metre peaks of the Valais region.
The 21.1 km long route can roughly be divided into four sections:
- The start is located at the upper station of the Bettmeralp aerial cable car (1,950 m). The route follows a tarmacked road through the village of Bettmeralp for one kilometre. At the end of the village, the route turns onto a track. You then embark on the first uphill stretch towards lake Bettmersee.
- From lake Bettmersee, the route then continues to Riederalp and from there to Riederfurka. The route then goes once round the Riederhorn mountain without any significant increase in altitude. This section of the route offers fantastic panoramic views of the Rhone valley and the four thousand metre peaks of the Valais Alps.
- Back to Riederfurka and the route goes along the ridge above Hohfluh and Moosfluh towards the Bettmerhorn. Always in view is the massive Great Aletsch Glacier, the largest ice flow in the Alps.
- Then the final spurt towards the finish line: the route leads up a long, steep, two-kilometre climb along the ridge of the Bettmerhorn to the finish line of the Aletsch Half-Marathon on the Bettmerhorn (2,650 m).
Here the GPS data of the running course can be called up via Outdooractive.
Route profile
The participants must cope with an impressive altitude difference of 1,050 m in alpine terrain to complete the Aletsch Half-Marathon. The route profile is varied: gentle uphill stretches and level sections for you to enjoy the panoramic views as you run. And as a finale, a steep climb up the Bettmerhorn towards the finish line.
Refreshments and first-aid service
The health and safety of the participants is an absolute priority for the Aletsch Half-Marathon. Runners receive the best possible care at the refreshment stations and first-aid posts along the route. Fast medical care is guaranteed if required. Our professional partner in the refreshments area is the Swiss company Sponser. This company specialises in high-quality sports foods which provide the body with everything it needs for a mountain run at this altitude. There are seven refreshments stations along the route. There is also a first-aid post at each of these stations.
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