Regulations TransSwissRun 2026

The first edition of the TransSwissRun took place from September 14 to 21, 2025.

Although participation was modest — 8 runners pre‑registered, 6 at the start and 5 at the finish — the event stood out for its atmosphere of friendliness, camaraderie and respect. Above all, it was the magnificent landscapes and the warm spirit that left a lasting impression throughout the route. This unique alchemy contributed to an exceptional finisher rate, reflecting the commitment and inner strength of the participants.

In the spirit of this first edition, the TransSwissRun 2026 remains true to its identity: a non‑stop ultramarathon bringing together experienced runners wishing to challenge themselves and each other over a distance slightly exceeding 500 kilometres. All participants commit to respecting a shared set of rules, fostering self‑transcendence in a fair and supportive environment.

At the end of the event, the finishing times of all participants who have completed the full route will be recorded and published.

Several lessons learned from the first edition will help improve this new edition:

Participants, acting freely and knowingly, take part at their own risk and under their own responsibility, being aware that they will be running on roads open to traffic. Each participant must assess the risks involved, verify their insurance coverage in case of an accident, and decide whether they wish to undergo a medical check‑up before the start.

Participants must wear light‑coloured and reflective clothing. During hours of darkness, a headlamp and a red flashing rear light are mandatory. Wearing a safety vest is strongly recommended.

By registering, participants accept these regulations and must inform their support crew accordingly. In the event of a traffic accident or health issue during the event, no claim may be made by participants or their legal successors against the organizer or any individual or legal entity.

The organizer reserves the right to exclude any participant whose behaviour, or that of their entourage, is inappropriate.

The start is scheduled for Saturday, 25 July 2026 at 07:00 at the French‑Swiss border in Chancy (GE). The finish line is located at the Italian‑Swiss border in Müstair (GR), for a theoretical total distance of 503 kilometers. The finish line will close 172 hours after the start, i.e. Saturday, 1 August 2026 at 11:00, although nothing prevents participants from continuing beyond these 7 days of running.

The route covers more than 500 km with 10,000 meters of positive elevation gain, from the municipality of Chancy in the canton of Geneva (coordinates: 46.132157° N, 5.956362° E) to Müstair in the canton of Graubünden (coordinates: 46.634655° N, 10.463378° E).

The event takes place mainly on roads and gravel paths, crossing ninety‑three municipalities, six cantons, and five mountain passes, four of which exceed 2,000 meters in altitude.

Participants will discover three national languages and admire breathtaking landscapes: shimmering lakes, lush forests, bucolic valleys and picturesque villages.

Two‑thirds of the route follows bicycle roads and paths. These well‑marked itineraries offer increased safety and are easily walkable, even at night.

Unlike the previous edition, strict compliance with the recorded GPS track is now mandatory.

However, adjustments may be considered in accordance with Article 6.

Approximately two‑thirds of the route is pre‑marked with red signs featuring a bicycle pictogram and a route number, as indicated in the roadbook.

The remaining third is partially marked with small red adhesive arrows. Discreet yet visible to those who look for them, they effectively complement the signage. In addition, round labels printed on a slightly oversized aluminized backing are used to improve visibility even in low‑light conditions.

All signage is supported by two official reference tools: the roadbook and the downloadable GPS track. These two tools constitute the official navigation references. Other signage, while useful, is not guaranteed along the entire route.

Each participant organizes their own personal support throughout the event. Breaks are entirely free — for eating, resting or sleeping — including away from the route. Participants may travel in their support vehicle and leave the route to reach a town (for meals or accommodation) or any other location of their choice, provided they resume their progression exactly where they left off.

The TransSwissRun is a “gentlemen’s race” — and gentlewomen’s, of course — based on loyalty and mutual trust. Each runner commits to completing the entire route exclusively on foot, following the signage and the information provided in the roadbook.

An electronic geolocation system allows real‑time tracking and analysis of participants’ progress.

Each participant is equipped with a SOLUSTOP GPS tracker (weight: 60 grams), which must be carried at all times while progressing. A publicly accessible webpage allows the position of all participants to be viewed in real time. Support crews and organizers are also continuously geolocated, significantly enhancing safety and facilitating encounters along the route.

In case of withdrawal, runners must notify the organizer by phone as soon as possible, indicating the exact point where they stopped. Any withdrawal reported is considered final.

Each participant, along with their support crew if applicable, is responsible for reaching the finish area and for returning home or to any other destination. The organization assumes no responsibility in this regard and provides no transport service.

Participants must therefore make arrangements in advance to ensure full autonomy.

However, the organizer may, as a courtesy and depending on availability, provide information or occasional assistance. Emergency numbers are printed on the bib and listed in the roadbook.

The organization reserves the right to refuse an entry if it does not wish to accept it for any reason that could harm the atmosphere of the event. Such refusal is discretionary and final.

Any inappropriate behaviour within the event perimeter (such as cheating, insults, endangerment, etc.) will result in exclusion.

The registration fee is 375 CHF or 375 €, which includes the roadbook, a set of printed clothing, the START dinner on Friday, 24 July for 2 people (runner + 1 companion), the FINISH lunch on Saturday, 1 August for 2 people (runner + 1 companion), the loan of a GPS tracker, event supervision for one week.

The TSR was designed for runners accompanied by a personal support crew. Any participant wishing to run the 503 kilometres solo, without assistance, is informed that this is a very difficult undertaking. There will be no official aid stations, the race is non‑stop, elevation gain is significant, several languages are spoken, and some sections are far from shops, hotels and restaurants — making supported participation considerably safer.

By registering, each participant expressly authorizes the organizer to use or reproduce their name, image, voice and sporting performance within the context of the event, for non‑commercial purposes.

The organizer reserves the right to modify these regulations at any time to address potential gaps or exceptional circumstances beyond its control.