We do not allow people to sleep in the gym before, during, or after the race. Runners are responsible for making their own sleeping arrangements in case they drop out of the race.
Why do you have a website, Facebook Page and Instagram account for the event?
The race web site contains all the information you should need to properly prepare for the event. PLEASE take the time to thoroughly review every page of the web site. Facebook is used to communicate with other runners to share important information so please join us there. Instagram will be used to post pictures once the race happens.
Will there be a pre-race meeting on Friday and Saturday prior race start?
There will be no formal pre-race meeting for any of the distances due to the many languages spoken by the runners. We strongly recommend that you do your homework before race weekend. You can find all information you need on this website.
Are the mandatory cut-off times at aid stations strictly enforced?
Yes, the runner must leave the aid station at or before the mandatory cut-off time. This is non-negotiable. Failure to abide by this rule will result in disqualification and will result in the runner being banned from all future Swiss Alps 100 events.
What are we doing for race safety and runner tracking?
Each runner (except Vertical and Kids Run) will receive a GPS tracker which has to be carried at all times. That way we always know the exact location of each runner at any time. Family and friends will be able to track their runners with a special app. Check out the tracking page for more info.
What is the average temperature for Swiss Alps 100?
Typically for August the average temperature range is from the low 10 (50's) to the mid 26 Grad Celsius (80's). However, due to the exposure on some sections and the ever possible strong winds, be prepared for near freezing wind chill factors at night and hot day time heat indexes. At the 2017 race we started with mild weather and 10 hours later a strong snowstorm has build with temperatures so low some runners shows signs of frostbites and tense fog. You never know, what weather you'll get in the mountains and for that reason, we have a mandatory material list for all runners.
Can 160km, 100km, 50km, and Vertical have a pacer?
160km and 100km runners are allowed to have a pacer starting at the Reckingen aid station all the way to the finish line. Pacers can be changed at all aid stations after Reckingen except Breithorn and Grengiols. 50km and Vertical runners cannot have a pacer. No more than one pacer can join a runner on the course.
What are the rules for pacers?
Pacers do not have to wear any bibs when they run with their runners. Pacers do not have to pay anything and they have full access to any items on any aid stations.
Can I meet my runner at other than crew access aid stations?
No, crews are strictly limited to meeting their runner at the crew access stations only. Failure to abide by this rule risks a disqualification of the crew's runner.
Is there a formal awards ceremony?
No, all Vertical, 50km, and 100km finishers will receive their finisher's medal shortly after crossing the finish line. 160km runners also will get their belt buckle. All age group awards are also handed out right away. However, we highly encourage finishers, crews, and family to stick around at the finish line and enjoy watching others finish. We will have food and drinks for purchase available.
What is your pregnancy entry deferral policy?
Any woman who is or becomes pregnant between the time she registers for the race and the start of the race or has recently given birth or is breastfeeding may request a race entry deferral to up to 2 years.
In order to receive a pregnancy deferral, a female racer must provide written confirmation of pregnancy signed by a physician, certified nurse midwife or other medical professional, or proof of birth to rd@swissalps100.com. The race reserves the right to request additional proof of pregnancy or birth and may deny a deferral request if the documentation provided is deemed insufficient. This deferral is not available to the partner of someone who is pregnant.
If I have to withdraw from the event, can I get a refund, transfer my entry or roll it over to the following year?
No transfer and no roll over to the next year. We also do not give any refunds. If a runner cannot participate due to an injury we will postpone the entry to the following year if a medical certificate is provided.
Are trekking poles and music headphones allowed on the course?
Trekking Poles are allowed to be used. Headphones are also allowed but we request you keep the volume low or only use one ear bud to allow you to be safe. Night time headphones are highly discouraged for obvious reasons.
Age on Race Day
The current eligibility settings for a given distance, as well as the Age Groups, are based on year of birth, e.g. on the age as of 31 of December this year, which is standard on events in Switzerland and for most international sports federations.