Introduction to Wildstrubel by UTMB® 2026
Wildstrubel by UTMB® is one of Europe’s premier alpine trail running events, encircling the imposing Wildstrubel massif (3,244 m) across the Swiss cantons of Valais and Bern. As part of the global UTMB® World Series, the event connects historic passes, glaciated valleys, and high-altitude singletrack, providing finishers with valuable Running Stones toward qualification for the UTMB® World Series Finals in Chamonix.
Event Dates & Key Locations
Main Event Dates: September 10–13, 2026 (Race starts take place September 11–13, 2026)
Central Event Village & Main Finish Line: Crans-Montana (Canton of Valais, Switzerland)
Starting Hubs: Crans-Montana, Kandersteg, Adelboden, Lenk, and Leukerbad
2026 Confirmed Race Lineup
The following table contains the officially confirmed specifications for the 2026 Wildstrubel by UTMB® race categories:
| Race Name | Distance | Elevation Gain | Start Location | Start Date / Time | Cutoff Time | Running Stones |
| Wild 110 | ~113 km | +6,600 m | Crans-Montana | Friday, Sept 18 (22:00) | 33 Hours | 4 Stones |
| Wild 70 | ~70 km | +4,600 m | Kandersteg | Saturday, Sept 19 (08:00) | 20 Hours | 3 Stones |
| Wild 55 | ~53 km | +3,300 m | Crans-Montana | Saturday, Sept 19 (10:00) | 16 Hours | 2 Stones |
| Wild Glacier 42 | ~42 km | +2,500 m | Leukerbad | Sunday, Sept 20 (08:00) | 11 Hours | 2 Stones |
| Wild 25 | ~25 km | +1,200 m | Leukerbad | Sunday, Sept 20 (09:30) | 7 Hours | 1 Stone |
| Wild 10 | ~10 km | +500 m | Crans-Montana | Sunday, Sept 20 (10:30) | 3 Hours | 0 Stones |
| Wild NextGen | Various | Varies | Crans-Montana | Sept 19–20 (TBC) | N/A | 0 Stones |
Note: Specific start times, wave setups, and cutoffs are subject to final adjustment by race directors prior to race day.
Course Highlights & Geography
The Wildstrubel courses traverse historic alpine passes and high-altitude singletrack once used by alpine traders:
- Wildstrubel Massif: The central geographical anchor, offering continuous views of glaciated peaks across Valais and Bernese Alps.
- Gemmi Pass (2,314 m): A historic cliffside route connecting Leukerbad to the Bernese side.
- Rawil Pass (2,429 m): A remote high-alpine pass linking Lenk to the Crans-Montana plateau.
- Plaine Morte Glacier Views: Runners on the longer routes encounter vistas overlooking this expansive plateau glacier.
- Via Alpina Segments: Portions of the race utilize established Swiss national trails, featuring steep ascents, pine forest balconies, and exposed ridges.
Live Tracking and Following the Race
Follow athletes live throughout the event weekend via official UTMB channels:
- UTMB Live Platform: Real-time checkpoint times, leaderboard rankings, and video coverage.
- LiveTrail Tracking: Individual runner progress tracking with calculated estimated arrival times for every major aid station.
- GPS Devices: High-tier participants and selected routes may carry dedicated GPS trackers provided by organizers.
Mandatory Equipment and Preparation
All race categories enforce strict kit checks. Weather in the High Alps during late September can fluctuate from warm sunshine to freezing snowfall.
Required Standard Gear
- Trail running pack with minimum 1-liter water capacity.
- Waterproof jacket with hood (minimum 10,000 mm membrane rating).
- Warm middle layer (long-sleeve thermal or technical fleece).
- Headlamp with fresh batteries plus a back-up light (mandatory for Wild 110 & Wild 70).
- Whistle, emergency foil blanket, and adhesive elastic bandage.
- Mobile phone with international roaming enabled and emergency numbers saved.
- Reusable cup for aid station fluids (no disposable cups provided).
Training Recommendations
- Vertical Elevation: Prioritize long hill efforts and steep power-hiking practices.
- Technical Descents: Practice descending fast on loose scree and rocky singletrack.
- Night Navigation: Train with your headlamp to prepare for late night starts and early morning legs.
Spectator and Support-Crew Guide
Crew support is strictly limited to official aid station designated crew zones. Outside assistance on course routes is prohibited under risk of runner disqualification.
Prime Viewing Spots
- Crans-Montana: Main finish arch, ideal for atmosphere, announcements, and wave starts.
- Leukerbad: Accessible by car or public transit; serves as a major transition point and race start.
- Gemmi Pass: Accessible via the Gemmi cable car from Leukerbad, offering high-altitude pass spectating.
- Kandersteg: Excellent train connectivity; key start location for Wild 70.
Travel, Transit, and Accommodation
Getting There
- By Air: Geneva Airport (GVA) is the closest major international hub (~2 hours away); Zurich Airport (ZRH) is roughly 3 hours away by train.
- By Train: Take SBB Swiss Railways to Sierre/Siders.
- Ascending to Crans-Montana: From Sierre train station, take either the SMC Funicular (approx. 12 minutes) or regional SMC buses directly to Crans-Montana.
Logistics & Shuttles
- Official Shuttles: UTMB operates race-day runner shuttles between Crans-Montana and point-to-point start lines (e.g., Kandersteg, Leukerbad). Shuttle reservations must be booked online ahead of time via the runner portal.
- Parking: Parking in Crans-Montana is restricted near event villages. Utilize designated park-and-ride lots outside the center.
Accommodation
Book lodging 6–9 months in advance. Crans-Montana offers extensive hotel and chalet options, while Leukerbad and Kandersteg provide convenient alternatives for spectators focusing on those specific sectors.
Weather, Altitude, and Safety Considerations
- Alpine Altitude: Significant portions of the course sit above 2,000 meters. Ensure adequate pre-race hydration and pacing to manage lower oxygen levels.
- Temperature Shifts: Daytime temperatures in valleys can exceed 18°C, while high passes at night can drop below 0°C.
- Extreme Weather Protocol: If severe storms or snow occur on high passes, race organizers may activate shortened bad-weather alternative routes (Parcours Repli).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I earn Running Stones at Wildstrubel by UTMB 2026?
Finishers of official UTMB World Series categories (Wild 110, Wild 70, Wild 55, Wild Glacier 42, and Wild 25) who complete their course within the official cutoff time automatically receive Running Stones added to their UTMB profile.
Are trekking poles permitted?
Yes, trekking poles are permitted across all race distances. However, if you choose to start with poles, you must carry them for the entire duration of the race.
Can my support crew meet me anywhere along the route?
No. Crew assistance is strictly restricted to designated support zones at specific aid stations. Receiving aid on the trail outside these areas results in time penalties or disqualification.
Race Distances and Course Highlights
The Wildstrubel by UTMB festival features multiple challenging distances designed for different experience levels, ranging from extreme 100-mile qualifiers to fast mountain loops.2026 Race Lineup Comparison
Note: Specific start times, wave setups, and cutoffs are subject to final adjustment by race directors prior to race day.
Editorial Note: Research reference: SPORTVIAX’s Wildstrubel by UTMB® 2026 guide. All wording and editorial organization in this updated guide are original and verified against official UTMB® disclosures.
Download offline course maps
Prepare your Wildstrubel by UTMB® adventure with the latest official course maps. Download the GPX file for your race and transfer it to your GPS watch or smartphone before race day.
Quick Setup Guide
- Download the GPX file for your specific race distance below.
- Import it into your GPS watch or preferred navigation app.
- Confirm that the route is the latest official version.
- Download the map for offline use before entering the mountains.
Compatibility: GPX files can be imported into Garmin, Suunto, COROS, Polar, Apple-compatible mapping apps, Komoot, Strava, and other GPS devices or navigation applications.
Navigation Aid Notice
This GPX track is a digital navigation aid and does not replace official race markings, mandatory equipment, or instructions given by race marshals on the course.
Course routes, distances, elevation, and GPX files may change before race day due to weather or alpine conditions.
Always check the official Wildstrubel by UTMB® website for final route validation before downloading and racing.
Wild 110
Official GPX coming soonWild 70
Official GPX coming soonWild 55
Official GPX coming soonWild Glacier Marathon 42
Official GPX coming soonWild 25
Official GPX coming soonWild 10
Official GPX coming soonWild NextGen
Official GPX coming soon
| Race Distance | Status | File Link | Interactive Map |
| Wild 110 | Official GPX coming soon | Pending publication | View Official Map |
| Wild 70 | Official GPX coming soon | Pending publication | View Official Map |
| Wild 55 | Official GPX coming soon | Pending publication | View Official Map |
| Wild Glacier Marathon 42 | Official GPX coming soon | Pending publication | View Official Map |
| Wild 25 | Official GPX coming soon | Pending publication | View Official Map |
| Wild 10 | Official GPX coming soon | Pending publication | View Official Map |
| Wild NextGen | Official GPX coming soon | Pending publication | View Official Map |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official dates for Wildstrubel by UTMB® 2026?
The event takes place from September 10–13, 2026, with primary race starts occurring September 11–13.
How do I earn Running Stones at Wildstrubel by UTMB®?
Finishers of the Wild 110 (4 Stones), Wild 70 (3 Stones), Wild 55 (2 Stones), Wild Glacier Marathon (2 Stones), and Wild 25 (1 Stone) within the official maximum race times receive Running Stones.
Are trekking poles permitted?
Yes, poles are allowed across categories. However, if you choose to start with poles, you must carry them with you throughout the entire race.
