One Week to the Eiger Ultra Trail: How Was Last Year?

The countdown has begun in Grindelwald. There is just one week left until this year's edition of the Eiger Ultra Trail, and this small town in the heart of the Swiss Alps is already filling up with trail runners from around the world. Pavement cafés are buzzing with talk of technical shoes, race vests and last-minute training stories.

How did last year go?

Last year the race welcomed more than 3,200 registered runners across four distances. Participants came from over 50 countries, and the finish rate on the longest distance, the E101, was around 78%. Run in the shadow of the Eiger's north face, the final climb once again produced some of the most-shared trail running images of the year; many runners described it as 'the hardest but most rewarding day of my career'.

The race is not a single event but four classic distances for different levels:

• E101 – 101 km: the queen distance, with 6,700 m of positive climbing.

• E51 – 51 km: for mid-distance runners who love technical descents and summits.

• E35 – 35 km: an ideal entry point for a first long trail.

• E16 – 16 km: for those who want to discover the scenery on the run.

Course and weather

Most of the course runs over technical trails, single-track goat paths and high-altitude passes. Although the forecast looks stable for now, conditions above 2,000 metres can change within the hour; fog, hail and sudden temperature drops are common. That is why organizers strictly check the mandatory kit list, which includes a jacket, a light and first-aid gear.

What's new this year?

Organizers have announced a capped number of entries this year and a revised cut-off structure for the E101. With a week to go, excitement is already peaking for both elite athletes chasing the podium and amateurs tackling their first ultra. A week from now, Grindelwald's famous backdrop will echo with the footsteps of thousands of runners.

Who are the favourites?

In the elite field, both last year's podium names and strong new faces are expected. Experienced runners are quick to point out that the real race begins in the final 30 kilometres, when the legs are already empty; avoiding an early pace trap is almost a golden rule on this course. There is excitement for those who cannot take part, too: a live tracking system follows runners in real time through the aid-station splits and is shared minute by minute on social media.