Swiss Canyon Trail Ultra
Returning in 2026 for the 31st edition, this landmark event invites runners to one of Europe’s most beautiful trail running landscapes: the Swiss Jura. This mountain race is defined not so much by long, glute-busting climbs, but by an ever-changing and relentless terrain; deep gorges, forested ridgelines, and a race atmosphere built carefully over three decades.
What makes this event truly unique, however, is how deeply it is rooted in its territory. Swiss Canyon Trail is not simply staged in the Val-de-Travers; it belongs to it.
A Landscape Built for Trail Running
Set in the Val-de-Travers, the birthplace of Absinthe, the legendary “Green Fairy”, the terrain is made up of canyons, alpine meadows and forests. Endlessly varied trails dive into narrow limestone gorges before climbing back onto open ridgelines, while underfoot, runners move between silent forest paths, rocky traverses, grassy pasture and technical descents that demand your attention, even in the later stages of the race.
The connection to absinthe is more than symbolic. The Trail de l’Absinthe is the original race that Swiss Canyon Ultra is built on and serves as a reminder of the region’s heritage and rebellious spirit. Absinthe once defined the valley’s identity, shaping its culture and economy, and today that same bold character flows through the race. The Green Fairy becomes part of the storytelling, a symbol of mystery, resilience and local pride that anchors the event firmly in its home territory.
Stunning locations such as the Creux du Van, the Gorges de Poëta-Raisse, the Areuse Gorge, and the long ridge of Le Chasseron give the Swiss Canyon Trail its unique identity. These are not crowd-pleasing viewpoints tagged onto a route, but they are integral sections that influence your pacing, strength and flow. Views open suddenly, then disappear back into dense forest. Elevation is gained steadily rather than theatrically, which is why the race is so interesting and requires keen strategy skills.
This is a course that suits runners who appreciate a deeper challenge than simply fitness; it requires rhythm, adaptability, and terrain reading over long periods of time.
A Distance for Everyone
For over 30 years, Swiss Canyon Trail has been built around inclusivity without compromise. This year, the event offers five race distances, allowing runners to explore the terrain with their own personal goals in mind, whatever they are.
Starting with the 16K race, this is ideal for those starting their trail running journey and discovering the region, increasing to the 31K and 51K races, which provide their own challenges in compact formats. These shorter races are treated with the same respect as the ultras; they share the same start-finish hub in Couvet; the same volunteers, and the same attention to course marking and safety.
The 81K and 111K ultras form the backbone of the event. These longer routes offer tough challenges including sustained climbing over the course and long technical descents, placing them firmly alongside other well-respected European mountain ultras.
An Authentic Runner Experience
Swiss Canyon Trail is particularly committed to taking care of its runners, before, during and after the race. The experience is designed to feel authentic and generous rather than transactional.
Aid stations reflect the identity of the region. Alongside sports nutrition, runners can enjoy local products such as Gruyère cheese, dried meat and, fittingly, absinthe. These flavours continue in the stadium village, where regional gastronomy is celebrated throughout the weekend. It is a small detail that makes a powerful statement: you are not just running through Val-de-Travers, you are tasting it.
This high-quality experience is made possible thanks to the support of premium partners. Kailas FUGA, the event’s title sponsor, plays a central role in elevating the technical and sporting standards of the race. Neversecond, the event’s nutrition partner, contributes to the quality and reliability of fuelling support throughout the event. Together, these partners help ensure that runners benefit from products and services that match the ambition and reputation of the race itself.
Volunteers are the Heart of the Experience
Swiss Canyon Trail recognises the importance of the people behind the scenes of the event. More than 600 volunteers support the races each year, and their presence is felt throughout the race. Aid stations are efficient but warm. Course marshals are engaged and knowledgeable. There is a genuine sense that the event belongs to the region as much as it belongs to the runners.
A Race That Values Continuity
Since 1994, this famous race has earned its place as a cornerstone of the international trail-running calendar. Each year, more than 3,000 runners from across Europe and beyond arrive to take on the five challenging distances. From those with elite ultra-trail ambitions to the more accessible challenges, the Swiss Canyon Trail combines raw landscapes, authentic atmosphere and outstanding sporting performance.
One of the highlights of the event is the festival atmosphere surrounding the races. Swiss Canyon Trail brings runners, supporters and locals together over three days to celebrate the community and the rich culture of Val-de-Travers. Offering local gastronomy, entertainment and live music, a true festival atmosphere is created and participants and their families can enjoy regional specialities from the canton of Neuchâtel. Barbecues and pasta parties offer local produce and traditional desserts alongside a concert on Saturday night and on Sunday there is a friendly brunch for runners, partners, elites, volunteers and locals during the results ceremony.
The experience finishes with handcrafted medals and trophies made from local wood and stone, thoughtful finisher gifts and professional recovery services including podiatry, massage, osteopathy and physiotherapy support, ensuring athletes are cared for before and after, as well as during the race.
A Region Worth Staying For
Val-de-Travers offers plenty to explore beyond race day. Known as the birthplace of Absinthe, the region is rich in heritage; with historic distilleries, watchmaking towns such as Fleurier, and traditional Jura villages to wander through. Lake Neuchâtel is close by, which is ideal for swimming, paddle sports, or simply loosening tired legs after the race, while the thermal baths at Yverdon-les-Bains provide a popular recovery option. For those staying longer, the Jura delivers beautiful hiking trails, excellent gravel and road cycling, and panoramic viewpoints from ridgelines such as Le Chasseron and Creux du Van, making the area as rewarding for rest days as it is for racing.
Planning Your First Alpine Ultra
Swiss Canyon Trail makes a perfect introduction to ultra running in the Alps. Here are our 5 top tips for running your first ultra in the Alps:
- Respect the terrain, not just the distance: Alpine ultras are defined by steep climbs, long descents and technical trails. Train for vertical gain and loss, and practise hiking efficiently uphill as well as descending on tired legs.
- Prepare for variable weather: Conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Get comfortable running in wind, rain and cold, and practise using your mandatory kit so nothing feels unfamiliar on race day.
- Dial in your pacing early: Start slower than you think you should. Alpine races reward patience and burning matches on the first climbs is one of the fastest ways to unravel later.
- Fuel little and often: Long climbs and altitude can suppress appetite. Train with the nutrition you’ll use in the race and aim for small, regular intake rather than big hits at aid stations.
- Choose the right first race: Pick a course that matches your experience, not your ambition. Swiss Alpine Trail offers 5 distances, all well-supported regardless of distance which will set you up for a positive first alpine ultra and keep you coming back for more.
Getting there
Travelling to Val-de-Travers is straightforward, with excellent train connections from Geneva, Bern, Zurich and Basel if you’re flying in, or it’s under 12 hours by car from London via the Channel Tunnel. A dedicated accommodation page on the Swiss Canyon Trail website is regularly updated with current availability, making it just as easy to organise a visit to the event for a long weekend as it is to turn the race into a relaxed family holiday.
Swiss Canyon Trail is more than a race. It is a sporting challenge shaped by landscape, history and community, where the spirit of the Green Fairy still lingers in the valleys, and where runners are welcomed not just as competitors, but as guests.
Are you inspired? Would you like to know more? RunUltra’s Kate Allen will be travelling out to Swiss Canyon Trail to commentate on the race and take part in the event. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch or you can find out more by clicking the link below.
