Relay

Double marathon as relay on Saturday and Sunday

Since the anniversary in 2022, a relay for two or three runners has been offered, in which the team members themselves decide how to divide up the route. In the anniversary year, the relay is also intended to appeal to runners who are not confident enough to run the entire route alone.

The only rule is that the "handover" must take place at a refreshment post.
See below for map with refreshment posts.

1st stage

42 km, 2000 m altitude difference

Gondo - Simplonpass - Bistinenpass - Nanztal - Ried-Brig
GIS data: Gondo Marathon 1st stage

On the first day you run from Gondo through the impressive Gondo Gorge to Simplon village, then to the Simplon Pass and to the highest point on the Bistinen Pass (2417 m above sea level) into the Nanztal and the Saltina Gorge to Brig, from where the route climbs steeply again to Ried-Brig.

2nd stage

42 km, 2200 metres altitude difference

Ried-Brig - Simplon Pass - Gabi - Fuggi - Gondo
GIS data: Gondo Marathon 2nd stage

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 ascent to the Furggu awaits. Walk through the Zwischbergental valley back to Gondo.

Categories

Relay

Each relay consists of 2 to 3 runners. There is one category. If there is a lot of interest, we will make a ranking list for women-only relays or for mixed relays.

Entry fee

Relay

The entry fee is CHF 160 (CHF 144 until 10 June). The entry fee includes:

  • Pasta party on Friday evening in the Stockalperturm in Gondo
  • Catering during the competition
  • Transport of material Gondo-Ried-Brig (Saturday) and Ried-Brig-Gondo (Sunday)
  • Bus ticket for the trip by bus over the Simplon Pass (Brig-Gondo-Iselle)
  • Commemorative T-shirt for all runners
  • Prizes for all finishers of the double marathon (special prizes for the best three per category)

Race info

Abandonment and abandonment of the race

Runners who drop out of the race must be sure to sign out at a control post or at the race management (otherwise a search operation will be started). Transport to the stage finish will be organised by the organiser. If a runner has health difficulties during the race, the other participants are obliged to give him first aid and to inform the organisers.

Accommodation and meals

We offer one meal each on Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday evening and Sunday morning. There is also official accommodation in Gondo and in Ried-Brig (dormitory, bring your own sleeping bag). The number of places in the accommodation in Ried-Brig is limited (order of registration). Additional vouchers (e.g. for accompanying persons) can be purchased during online registration and at the race office. The prices are for runners and for accompanying persons:

  • Overnight stay in Gondo and in Ried-Brig
each CHF 20.-
  • Breakfast in Gondo and in Ried-Brig
each CHF 12.-
  • Dinner in Ried-Brig
each CHF 22.-

The Pasta Party on Friday evening is free for runners, all others pay CHF 20.- (please order when registering). Children up to 12 years pay half price for all prices.
Those who wish to stay in a hottel must arrange this themselves. Information can be found on the website of Brig-Simplon-Tourismus, www.brig-simplon.ch.

Arrival by car or public transport

A well-maintained road leads from Brig over the Simplon Pass (2005 m above sea level) to Gondo. Gondo is also easily accessible by public transport via Brig. Brig can be reached by train (from Zurich or Basel about 2 hours, from Bern about 1 hour). A bus (PostBus) runs from Brig over the pass to Gondo. It may be quicker to take the train from Brig to Iselle (Italy) and from there the bus to Gondo (on Friday evening the only connection).

 

Carrying sticks

(Walking) poles are allowed in all categories. Those running with poles must have them with them for the entire course (they may not be handed over to helpers in between).

Clothes and material transport

The personal material of the runners (for the overnight stay in Ried-Brig) will be transported by the organiser from the start in Gondo to the finish in Ried-Brig (on Saturday) and from the start in Ried-Brig to the finish in Gondo (on Sunday). Valuables can be handed in at the race office.

Companions and spectators

The running course leads mostly over single trails, but comes into the area of the pass road again and again. For companions and other spectators, there are several opportunities to see and cheer on the runners along the route during both the first and second stages. For reasons of fairness, however, spectators are not allowed to accompany the runners by bike or on foot.

Eligibility

Only well-trained runners are up to the demands of the double marathon. Adults aged 18 and over are eligible to take part. For Gondo Running and Gondo Plausch, young people aged 16 and over are permitted, accompanied by parents aged 12 and over. Participation is at the participant's own risk. Insurance is the responsibility of the participant. The organiser declines all liability for accidents, damage and theft.

Extra transport Brig-Gondo

For runners who would like to travel from Brig or Ried-Brig to Gondo on Saturday morning, we offer extra transport. This must be reserved at the secretariat.

Food posts and medical care

The aid stations are 5 to 10 km apart. Water, tea, carbohydrate drinks and solid food (such as gels, bananas, bars, etc.) will be offered. The medical support team is entitled to withdraw participants from the race after consultation with the race doctor if this is necessary for health reasons. The instructions must be followed. The organiser declines all responsibility in the event of accidents, consequences due to poor health, falls, etc. and in the event of contraventions of the instructions of the medical support team.

Liability and insurance

Participation is at the participant's own risk. Insurance is the responsibility of the participant. The organiser declines all liability for accidents, damage and theft.

Material transport

The personal material of the runners (for the overnight stay in Ried-Brig) will be transported by the organiser from the start in Gondo to the finish in Ried-Brig (on Saturday) and from the start in Ried-Brig to the finish in Gondo (on Sunday). Valuables can be handed in at the race office.

Objections and protests

Objections must be submitted in writing to the race office by the end of the race. The jury consists of the OC president, the club president and the race director. The decision of the jury is final.

Picture material

The organiser has exclusive rights to the pictures taken by the organiser during the Gondo Marathon. By registering, the participant agrees that names and pictures of him/her may be published.

Route guidance and route marking

The route is marked with ribbons, blue dots and signposts. The marked route may not be left. The organiser declines all liability for removed and altered markings by third parties. The route may be changed in case of bad weather. In the event of a thunderstorm, change in the weather, etc., the organiser has the right to cancel a stage.

Start number and compulsory equipment

The start number must be worn clearly visible. In good weather there is no other compulsory equipment. However, the organiser recommends carrying a water bottle and a light windbreaker. In bad weather, the organiser may declare it compulsory to carry a light windbreaker (the highest point on the Bistinen Pass is at 2417 m above sea level). (Walking) poles are allowed in all categories. Those running with poles must have them with them throughout the course (they may not be handed over to helpers in between).

Time limits and finish

Runners who cannot meet the time limits must be taken out of the race by the marshals. Those who do not meet the time limits on the first day may start again on the second day (out of competition). Those who do not meet the time limits in the Gabi on the second day may take the Gondo Running course (through the Gondo Gorge) (out of competition). 

1st stage: on the Simplon Pass: 12.00 hrs; Schratt: 15.00 hrs; finish: 16.30 hrs
2nd stage: on the SImplon Pass: 12.00 h; Gabi: 14.00 h: finish: 17.00 h
Gondo Running and Plausch: Time limit at Gabi: 3.00 p.m.

Waste

The protection of the environment must be respected. No litter such as drinking bottles or bar paper may be thrown away on the course.

Arrival

Arrival by car

A well-maintained road leads from Brig over the Simplon Pass (2005 m above sea level) to Gondo. There are parking spaces for runners and spectators in Gondo and Ried-Brig.

Arrival by public transport

Brig can be reached by train (from Zurich or Basel in about 2 hours, from Bern in about 1 hour). A bus (PostBus) runs from Brig over the pass to Gondo. On Saturday morning we offer an extra bus from Brig (departure at 6.00 am at the train station) and Ried-Brig, Rufigraben (at 6.10 am) to Gondo. This can be booked at the time of registration. Ried-Brig can also be reached by PostBus.

On Friday evening, when there are no more buses over the pass, you can take the train from Brig to Iselle (Italy) and from there the bus to Gondo.

Train and Postbus timetable

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation and hotels in the region

If you are looking for accommodation in Gondo, Ried-Brig or Brig, we recommend the

Brig Simplon Tourism website.

Catering and group accommodation

On Friday evening there will be pasta in Gondo for the runners (included in the entry fee). On Saturday morning there will be a hearty breakfast in Gondo, on Saturday dinner in Ried-Brig and on Sunday morning breakfast in Ried-Brig (please book the meals when registering). There is also group accommodation in Gondo and in Ried-Brig (also book when registering). Meals and accommodation can also be booked for accompanying persons.

The number of places in the group accommodation in Ried-Brig is limited (order of registration is decisive; please bring a sleeping bag). Additional vouchers (e.g. for accompanying persons) can be purchased during online registration and at the race office.

The prices are for runners and accompanying persons:

Overnight stay in Gondo and in Ried-Brig: CHF 20.- each.
Breakfast in Gondo and in Ried-Brig: CHF 12.- each
Dinner in Ried-Brig: CHF 22.- each