Gondo Marathon on the Simplon Pass in Valais (CH)

On the first day, you run from Gondo through the imposing Gondo Gorge to Simplon village, then to the Simplon Pass and the highest point on the Bistinen Pass (2417 m above sea level), into the Nanz Valley and through the Saltina Gorge to Brig. In memory of the first event in 2002, when the bridge was swept away by the storms, the mountain stream is crossed 2 km before the finish (secured by the fire brigade).

On the second day, the route leads from Ried-Brig along the legendary Stockalperweg and the Talweg Ganter to the Simplonpass, then down to Simplon-Dorf and Gabi, where a steep climb to the Furggu awaits. Through the Zwischbergental valley back to Gondo.

Mostly you walk on single trails, again and again on alpine paths and only very rarely on asphalt. You experience wild valleys, sparse mountain forests, colourful flower meadows, alpine pastures and southern-looking pine forests.

The first day can also be run as a single marathon (on Saturday).

For the anniversary, a relay is offered in which the team members themselves decide how to split the distance.

The Gondo Plausch and the Gondo Running lead from Ried-Brig along the Stockalperweg over the Simplon Pass and through the Gondo Gorge to Gondo. The route measures 28 km and has 1400 m of ascent and descent. At the Gondo Plausch you can walk (with or without poles) or jog. There is no ranking list, only an alphabetical list of finishers (with times). Gondo Running is a "normal" competition with different age categories, rankings and prizes for the fastest. The Gondo Running counts towards the Upper Valais Running Cup and the Valais Mountain Running Cup.

A highlight is always the children's run on Sunday afternoon in Gondo. From the finish of the Gondo Marathon, the course leads steeply uphill to the church of Gondo. Then it's back down through a small forest to a grassy area. The kids run across this grassy area - cheered on by their parents and other spectators - back to the finish. The younger ones run one lap (800 m), the older ones two laps (1600 m). The Kids Run is part of the Oberwalliser Laufcup.