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Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Eiger Ultra Trail by UTMB® is one of the most spectacular and demanding trail races in the world. Taking place in Grindelwald, this event attracts elite and amateur runners alike, offering a range of race distances that showcase the breathtaking landscapes of the Bernese Oberland. With challenging climbs, technical descents, and unparalleled views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, this race is a true test of endurance and mountain running skill.
This guide provides everything you need to know about Eiger Ultra Trail by UTMB®, including detailed race overviews, terrain insights, training strategies, nutrition tips, and mental preparation techniques to ensure you’re fully prepared for race day.
A Trail Running Icon in the Swiss Alps
First held in 2013, the Eiger Ultra Trail by UTMB® quickly became one of the most prestigious mountain ultramarathons in Europe. Grindelwald, a famous mountaineering hub, serves as the perfect starting point for a world-class trail race, surrounded by jagged peaks, high-altitude trails, and deep alpine valleys.
The event includes several race distances, catering to both elite and amateur runners. Whether you’re tackling the legendary E101 Ultra Trail or experiencing the E16 Pleasure Trail, each race delivers an unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps.
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Train with Vert.run, Starting from just $25 / month – including coaching! Yes, really! 🙂
Race Categories: Choose Your Challenge
E250 – UNESCO Jungfrau-Aletsch Trail
The E250 is a team-based ultra-trail expedition, covering an epic 250 km with a brutal 18,000 meters of elevation gain. This race circumnavigates the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch region, crossing glaciers, high mountain passes, and some of the most remote areas in the Alps.
- Distance: 250 km
- Elevation Gain: 18,000 meters
- Start Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
- Format: Teams of two or three runners
This is one of the most challenging team endurance races in the world, requiring exceptional physical fitness, teamwork, and navigation skills.
E101 – Ultra Trail
The E101 is the flagship race, covering 101 km of mountain trails with a staggering 6,700 meters of elevation gain.
- Distance: 101 km
- Elevation Gain: 6,700 meters
- Start Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 4:00 AM
- Cutoff Time: 25 hours
Starting in Grindelwald, the race takes runners through steep ascents, high ridgelines, and technical descents, including the Grosse Scheidegg, First, Faulhorn, and Schynige Platte. The highest point of the race is Faulhorn (2,680m), offering panoramic views of the Eiger and surrounding peaks.
This race is a serious challenge, requiring strong mountain running skills and mental resilience.
E51 – Panorama Trail
The E51 is an ideal race for experienced trail runners looking for a challenging but manageable course.
- Distance: 51 km
- Elevation Gain: 3,100 meters
- Start Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 7:15 AM
- Cutoff Time: 13 hours
The course follows much of the E101 route, featuring alpine ridges, lush valleys, and technical descents. The climb to Faulhorn is the highlight, offering one of the best views in the Swiss Alps.
E35 – North Face Trail
This 35 km race brings runners close to the legendary Eiger North Face, one of the most famous climbing walls in the world.
- Distance: 35 km
- Elevation Gain: 2,500 meters
- Start Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 7:35 AM
- Cutoff Time: 9 hours
Runners start in Burglauenen, ascending towards Wengen, Männlichen, and the Eigergletscher, experiencing steep climbs, rocky trails, and unforgettable alpine scenery.
E16 – Pleasure Trail
The E16 is a shorter race, designed for trail runners looking for a fast, scenic challenge.
- Distance: 16 km
- Elevation Gain: 960 meters
- Start Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 9:00 AM
- Cutoff Time: 4 hours
The route takes runners from Grindelwald to Oberer Gletscher, following a mix of gentle climbs, flowing single-track, and smooth descents.
Trail Surprise
For those who love the unknown, the Trail Surprise is a mystery race, with the route only revealed a few days before the event.
- Distance: 10 to 15 km
- Elevation Gain: 500 to 1,000 meters
- Start Time: Friday, July 18, 2025
Preparing for Eiger Ultra Trail by UTMB®
1. Strength and Conditioning for Mountain Running
The steep climbs and technical descents of Eiger Ultra Trail demand specific training:
- Hill Repeats & Stair Climbing – Build endurance and climbing power.
- Squats, Lunges & Step-Ups – Strengthen quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
- Technical Downhill Training – Improve stability and control for steep descents.
2. Adapting to Altitude and Elevation
Most of the course takes place above 1,500 meters, with peaks over 2,500 meters. If you don’t live at altitude:
- Train on Hills & Stairs – Simulate the effort of climbing at high elevation.
- Breathing Techniques – Practice deep breathing and nasal breathing for oxygen efficiency.
- Hydration & Electrolytes – Higher altitudes cause faster dehydration, so drink regularly.
3. Race-Day Nutrition and Hydration
Fueling properly is critical to finishing strong.
- Eat Every 45 Minutes – Aim for 200-300 calories per hour.
- Hydration Strategy – Drink 500-750ml per hour, adjusting for conditions.
- Electrolyte Balance – Use salt capsules or electrolyte drinks to avoid cramps.
4. Mental Preparation
The mental challenge of Eiger Ultra Trail is just as demanding as the physical.
- Break the Race into Sections – Focus on one checkpoint at a time.
- Develop a Mantra – A simple phrase like “Strong and steady” can keep you pushing forward.
- Visualize Success – Picture yourself tackling the climbs and crossing the finish line
The Eiger Ultra Trail by UTMB® is one of the toughest and most rewarding mountain races in the world. Whether you’re tackling the brutal E101 ultra, the challenging E51 Panorama Trail, or testing yourself on the E16 Pleasure Trail, every distance offers an unforgettable experience in the Swiss Alps.
With the right training, nutrition, and mindset, you’ll be ready to take on the Eiger’s ridgelines, glaciers, and technical descents—and cross the finish line in Grindelwald with a sense of immense achievement.
Good luck, and see you on the trails of the Eiger!
Want to train for Eiger Ultra Trail with the guide of experts?
Train with Vert.run, Starting from just $25 / month – including coaching! Yes, really! 🙂
