Hot spots along the route

Start line at Bettmeralp upper station

This really is something you need to experience at least once in your lifetime! The very special atmosphere before the start of the Aletsch Half-Marathon when 2,700 participants are getting ready to run the most beautiful mountain run in Europe. You’ll see more and more enthusiastic runners arriving at the start line. Even the spectators can sense the rising anticipation among the participants as they prepare themselves for the start of the marathon. And the excitement mounts with every passing minute.

Where:

Start area, at km 0

First runners:

from 9.45 a.m. – Start of Marmot race, “Gletschi” race
from 10 a.m. – Start of main categories

Lake Bettmersee 

And there it is, lake Bettmersee nestling amidst this idyllic landscape. The fascinating mountain peaks are reflected on the smooth surface of the water. And during the Aletsch Half-Marathon, you will see the runners reflected on it, too. Just beyond the start line, the starting field is still bunched together on the first stage of the run. The sight looks like a colourful caravan moving past the lake towards Riederalp. 

Where:

Lake Bettmersee, first refreshment station, at km 5

First runners:

from approx. 10.20 a.m. 

Riederfurka

The magnificent panoramic views over the Rhone valley and the mountains of the Valais region make Riederfurka a particularly impressive place. You have two opportunities to see the runners here. First, when they start uphill from lake Bettmersee to begin their circuit of the Riederhorn mountain. And second, when they are at the end of this relatively flat section and tackle the next climb towards Hohfluh. 

Where:

Riederfurka, at km 14.2 

First runners:

from approx. 10.45 a.m. 

Moosfluh

At an impressive altitude of 2,333 m and blessed with breathtaking panoramic views of the Great Aletsch Glacier lies Moosfluh, one of the Aletsch Arena’s three viewpoints. If you can drag yourself away from the views of the massive ice flow, this is a good place to cheer on the runners. Because the Aletsch Half-Marathon passes directly over the Moosfluh. By now, the runners will be feeling the metres they have already climbed in their legs and will appreciate some cheers and encouragement for the next section over the ridge. 

Where:

Moosfluh, at km 17.5

First runners:

from approx. 11.10 a.m.

Highlight:

from 10 a.m. event catering and musical entertainment

Climb to the Bettmerhorn

The finish line is not far now. But the final uphill stretch is really tough. Spectators choosing this spot will get a real feel for the challenge presented by this mountain run! Because the last two kilometres of this 21.1 km route take the runners over the steep ridge on the Bettmerhorn.  Here, you will see all sorts go past: seasoned mountain runners who can really put their form and experience to the test here and runners that need to muster all their strength one last time to tackle this final climb at a suitably swift pace.  And then there are the participants who struggle up the final uphill section at walking pace but who are nonetheless proud and happy that they will soon have successfully mastered the incredible 1,050 metre altitude difference. 

Where:

Climb to the Bettmerhorn, at km 20

First runners:

from approx. 11.15 a.m.

Highlight:

from 10 a.m. event catering and musical entertainment

Finish line on the Bettmerhorn

The participants have made it! And all of them are winners – every single runner that crosses the finish line on the Bettmerhorn. Beaming faces. Relief. But also exhaustion. The unbelievable feeling of a truly outstanding achievement. A feeling that almost rubs off on the spectators as they rejoice along with them, share in their happiness and sit back to enjoy the incredible panoramic views… now that the excitement of the race is dying down. There’s no doubt about it, the hot spot at the finish line has a lot to offer spectators and a running commentary keeps them up to date on the progress of the run. 

Where:

Before the finish line, at km 21.1

First runners:

from approx. 11.40 a.m.

Highlight:

from 10 a.m. event catering and musical entertainment

Bachtla Sports Centre

The pulse rates of the runners have long since stabilised. Now, they feel the overriding joy of having mastered the Aletsch Half-Marathon, the most beautiful mountain run in Europe. An achievement which is then suitably honoured at the award ceremony at the Bachtla Sports Centre: with prizes for the race and category runners and a finisher shirt for all those who crossed the finish line on the Bettmerhorn before it closed. You simply cannot miss the fantastic atmosphere at this hot spot.

Where:

Right next to the lower station of the Bettmeralp-Bettmerhorn gondola 

Award ceremony:

3 p.m.

Highlight:

from 2.30 p.m. event catering and musical entertainment