Wildstrubel by UTMB®

Next edition from September 10 to 13, 2026

In just four editions, the Wildstrubel by UTMB® has established itself as a major event on the international trail running calendar, with 8,000 participants expected in 2026.

Part of the UTMB® World Series, the race offers a spectacular traverse of the Swiss Alps, linking Valais with the Bernese Oberland. Combining physical challenge, pushing the limits and exceptional views, it offers a unique immersion into an unspoilt Alpine environment.

The route crosses two cantons, two linguistic regions and five iconic destinations: Crans-Montana, Leukerbad, Kandersteg, Adelboden and Lenk – strengthening ties between these areas and promoting the entire region.

All about Wildstrübel

An event that transforms a destination

Beyond the sporting challenge, the Wildstrubel by UTMB® is a real driver of tourism development for Crans-Montana and the destinations it passes through. The figures for the 2025 edition illustrate this:

6,500 participants, representing 80 nationalities
81% of runners were tourists
2.4 nights on average, generating a total of 14,800 overnight stays
8.2 million CHF in direct and indirect economic benefits across the entire event, including 5 million CHF for Crans-Montana
38% first-time visitors, in the region for the first time for the race
94% satisfied runners
94% of participants want to return to the region

By attracting an international clientele outside of the peak tourist season, the event helps to sustain the region’s tourism momentum, whilst reinforcing Crans-Montana’s position as a leading Alpine destination for outdoor sports.

New for 2026 : the Wild Glacier Marathon Lenk

For this anniversary edition, a new route is being introduced:

42 km | 2,700 m height gain – starting from Lenk

This brand-new route crosses the Wildhorn massif and immerses runners in a spectacular glacial landscape, taking in alpine pastures, waterfalls and high mountain passes, before finishing in Crans-Montana.

Accessible to a wider audience, it perfectly illustrates the ambition of the event: to open up trail running to as many people as possible whilst retaining the intensity and thrill of the mountains.

Races for everyone, from the general public to elite athletes

The Wildstrubel by UTMB® offers a wide range of races, from ultra-trails to accessible and inclusive formats.

UTMB® World Series races (Running Stones)

Five official races allow runners to collect Running Stones, the qualification system for the UTMB® World Series finals (notably the UTMB® Mont-Blanc). These Running Stones offer additional chances to enter the prize draws for the most prestigious races on the circuit.

Wild 110 Crans-Montana - 113 km | 6,600 m elevation gain → 4 Running Stones
Wild 70 Kandersteg - 72 km | 4,600 m elevation gain → 3 Running Stones
Wild 50 Adelboden - 55 km | 3,300 m elevation gain → 2 Running Stones
Wild Glacier Marathon Lenk (new in 2026) - 42 km | 2,700 m elevation gain → 2 Running Stones
Wild 25 Leukerbad - 26 km | 1,200 m elevation gain → 1 Running Stone

These formats form the sporting heart of the event, attracting international runners seeking to achieve personal bests and secure qualification.

Accessible and open formats

As well as its challenging and demanding formats, the Wildstrubel is also committed to making trail running accessible to as many people as possible from a very young age, by building genuine bridges between generations.

Wild 10 - a short and accessible format, designed as a first step into the world of trail running. Open to age 10 and over, it allows youngsters age 10 to 17 to take part for free, whilst adults (18 and over) pay to register. With no dedicated youth category, it prioritises the shared experience on the course, and participants have an option to be accompanied by an adult who is registered for the race.
Wild NextGen - a race entirely for teenagers from age 10 to 17, designed to encourage the next generation and promote the sporting independence of young trail runners. Registration is free. There is a separate start, with rankings by youth categories, and no accompanying adults to ensure an authentic and independent racing experience.
Wild Kids Ycoor (1 km) - a fun format just for children age 4 to 7, free of charge, designed as a fun first introduction to movement and trail running.
Wild Kids Grenon (2 km) – aimed at children between 8 and 13, also free of charge, with an adapted route that extends the trail running experience in a spirit of play, exploration and confidence.

These races help to make the Wildstrubel an intergenerational and community-building event.

Inclusive formats

The event is also committed to making sport accessible to everyone:

Wild Inclusive Run
An adapted race enabling people with disabilities to enjoy the trail running experience, accompanied and guided by others, in a spirit of sharing and pushing boundaries.
Joëllette Challenge
A team-based challenge where teams support a person with reduced mobility using a ‘joëllette’ (all-terrain wheelchair).
This challenge highlights the values of mutual support, teamwork and inclusion at the heart of the event.

An authentic Alpine experience

Designed in collaboration with local stakeholders, Wildstrubel by UTMB® fully integrates Valais Alpine culture into the running experience, thanks to a demanding and immersive route.

The event is coordinated by Ryan Baumann, event director, in collaboration with numerous local and international partners, and it benefits from the expertise of key local figures such as Jean-Yves Rey, director of the Sports & Leisure Department at the Association of Crans-Montana Municipalities, who is involved in the development of sports and event infrastructure.

A trail running and nature destination

The Wildstrubel by UTMB® goes beyond the scope of the race: it is helping to firmly establish Crans-Montana as a leading destination for trail running, hiking and outdoor experiences, with a growing international reputation.