Salomon is committed to achieving Level AA conformance for this website under the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, and other applicable accessibility standards. If you are having any issues accessing information on this website, please contact Salomon’s customer service center by telephone at USA +1-833-986-0382.

The Transalpine Run: A 7-Day Stage Race Across the Alps

30 May 2026

5 min read

Location: Central Alps (including Austria, Germany, Italy, and/or Switzerland depending on route)
Distance: 155-185 miles (~250-300 km) total
Elevation gain: 49,200 ft D+ (~15,000 m)
Event type: Multi-day stage trail race
Part of / race series: Independent event
Date: Late summer (typically early September)
Participants: ~250-300 teams

Photo credit: Margaux Lemap

What is the Transalpine Run?

The Transalpine Run is a seven-day race that crosses the Alps via mountain trails, high passes, and alpine villages. First held in 2005, this ultra-trail stage race has become one of Europe’s biggest multi-day trail races.

Originally designed for teams of two, the Transalpine Run requires both athletes to stay together throughout the race, pacing themselves as a duo. The event now also includes solo and shorter race formats alongside its original team competition. The course also varies from year to year, offering a new route across the Alps.

The route for the 2026 Transalpine Run is the first to be located entirely within Switzerland. This North-to-South route stands out for its contrast, beginning in the rocky Swiss Alps and ending in the palm-tree-lined, Italian-speaking Ticino region for a finish at Lake Maggiore, with participants traversing remote passes and following narrow mule tracks along the way.

The 2026 Transalpine Run dates are August 28th-September 3rd, when runners will cover approximately 155 miles and 49,200 feet of elevation over seven consecutive days, passing through the alpine villages of Lenzerheide, Ilanz, Vrin, Olivone, Bisaca, Sonogono, and Locarno.

An alpine stage race with an ever-evolving profile

The Transalpine Run (or TAR) comprises a series of point-to-point stages. While the route varies, the stages follow the same general format each year.

Seven consecutive days with one stage completed each day.
Point-to-point routes connecting alpine villages.
An average daily distance of just under 23 miles.
Daily elevation gains often exceeding 6,500 feet.
2-4 food stops, which also serve as mandatory checkpoints.
Daily cutoff times to ensure adequate progress throughout the alpine race.

Race organizers support runners with aid and food stations every 6-10 miles, shuttle services to accommodations, luggage transport between stages, and medical care and meals at stage finishes. Overall results are determined by a team’s cumulative time from all stages. Transalpine Run results are then broken down by categories like age and gender.

Crossing the Alps: the Transalpine Run route

While the Transalpine Run route always centers on the Alps, yearly variations keep the course engaging and fresh. Initially, organizers alternated two major routes, the Eastern and Western, often crossing through Germany, Austria, and Italy, though the routes have since expanded. The courses combine alpine foothills with technical terrain, narrow valleys, and high mountain passes.

During the race, runners can expect:

Extended climbs lasting 1–2 hours, often on mixed surfaces including forest trails and rocky switchbacks
Technical descents requiring controlled footwork when running downhill on loose terrain

Several mountain passes, where weather and exposure can change rapidly

Photo credit: Marz Merwe

Race logistics: solo and team participation

For the Transalpine Run’s team format, teammates must stay together, arriving at checkpoints within a few meters of each other. This rule should be considered when determining pacing strategy, particularly on climbs and descents, where individual strengths may differ. Successful team dynamics require consistent communication and tandem effort management across seven days.

The Transalpine Run series has also expanded to include a solo event, allowing runners to compete independently. The RUN2 event likewise provides a shorter, more accessible option to participate in just the first two stages of the TAR.

How to participate in the TAR: Transalpine Run

If you’re considering signing up for the Transalpine Run, you need to know when to register, how to prepare, and what to bring, from trail running gear to the right trail running shoes.

Registration

Registration typically opens months in advance, with entries capped at around 300–400 teams. Demand can exceed availability, particularly for key events. Keep an eye on the official website and social media to learn about entry timelines.

Qualifications

Participants must be over 18, and prior experience in trail or mountain running is strongly recommended. Ultra trail preparation requires long-distance efforts at high elevation, often beyond what typical trail running demands. Opt for a training plan for the Transalpine Run that focuses mainly on endurance. The cumulative fatigue of seven days of alpine terrain forces runners to tap into reserves of both physical and mental strength on the trails.

Gear

All participants must be prepared with proper trail running equipment. These include (but are not limited to):

Trail running shoes with good grip.
Trail running clothing and accessories for variable weather, including a waterproof jacket
Emergency first aid kit
Mobile phone

Transalpine Run logistics at a glance

Race organizers provide support for routes, accommodations, and transport between stages.

How many stages are in the Transalpine Run?

The race consists of seven stages of varying lengths completed over the course of a week.

What makes the Transalpine Run different from other trail races?

The Transalpine run is unique for its combined stage and team formats. The race is spread out across seven days with time for recovery overnight, but both team members have to pace themselves in tandem to reach checkpoints together.

Do runners stay overnight during the race?

Yes, participants stay in designated accommodations. Luggage transport and shuttles are included with entry.

The Transalpine Run: a week of teamwork and solidarity

The Transalpine Run is a seven-day stage race that centers on trail running camaraderie; whether on a team or running solo, participants all cross the Alps alongside their fellow runners. The race’s ever-evolving routes introduce new terrain each edition, varying the countries, checkpoints, and villages visited, but what never changes is the race’s spirit of solidarity and its role as a yearly celebration of alpine racing.

Looking for world-class events across winter and mountain sports? Discover other races below:

Skip content