Sierre Zinal is regarded as the “New York Marathon” of mountain running. And certainly can be considered one of the most beautiful and challenging trail races, attracting top athletes from around the globe. The race covers a distance of 31 kilometers and includes a total ascent of 2200 meters, with the highest point reaching an altitude of 2425 meters.
The Sierre-Zinal race has a rich history, with the first edition taking place in 1974. Since then, it has grown in popularity and now attracts thousands of participants each year. The race is open to both professional and amateur runners, with several categories for different age groups and abilities.
The course of the Sierre-Zinal race takes runners through stunning alpine scenery, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The route starts in the town of Sierre and finishes in the village of Zinal, passing through forests, meadows, and rocky terrain along the way.
In the 50th edition of the Sierre Zinal race, was held on August 20, 2023. Philemon Kiriago from Kenya won the men’s race with a time of 2:27:27, followed by Patrick Kipngeno, also from Kenya, with a time of 2:28:50. In the women’s race, American runner Sophia Laukli claimed victory with a time of 2:53:17, finishing 4:02 ahead of runner-up Njeru. Laukli’s win marked the first victory for the US at Sierre Zinal since 2014, when Stevie Kremer also won the women’s race.
A Prestigious Event in Trail Running
Over the years, the Sierre Zinal race has attracted top international runners, with many returning year after year in pursuit of one of the biggest accolades in mountain running. Stunning scenery and its challenging course, and open to all types of runners due to its unique characteristics, making it a popular event among short and long-distance runners, roadies, trail-philes, climbers, and speedsters.
In recent years, the Sierre Zinal has become a part of the Golden Trail World Series, a series of mountain running races held around the world.
The Sierre Zinal is a challenging but rewarding race. It is a great test of endurance and determination, and it is a race that will stay with you long after you finish.
