The inaugural Wildstrubel by UTMB is billed as an extraordinary trail race through Switzerland’s northern Alps. Set between the Swiss cantons of Valais and Bern, runners will race in the Wildstrubel massif and Crans-Montana as UTMB continues to expand its stable of events. 

Featuring three main races over a four-day programme, organisers are enticing entrants with “perfectly manicured mountain pastures, breathtaking views of the Valais’ 4,000m peaks, and the striking landscapes of the Oberland mountain range”. 

Here is our full guide to learning about this UTMB World Series event, following it live or even taking part. 

Wildstrubel by UTMB features three main races and takes place from Friday September 9 to Sunday September 11. 

Wild 108 kicks off proceedings at 0800 BST on September 9, followed by Wild 50 at 0900 BST on September 10 and Wild 25 at 0900 BST on Sunday. 

Each competitor carries a GPS tracking device which allows race organisers to monitor their progress and to ensure everyone stays safe. The GPS device also allows fans to follow the race online. Failure to register at any of the checkpoints on the course will result in disqualification. 

Live tracking will be available here. 

Organisers say Wildstrubel by UTMB® “will take you on a magnificent journey through the northern Alps of Switzerland. Perfectly manicured mountain pastures, breathtaking views of the Valais’ 4,000m peaks, and the striking landscapes of the Oberland mountain range await.”  

Wild 108 (September 9) is described as the queen race, taking runners on a 108km route featuring 6,000m of elevation gain. En route they will circle the Wildstrubel massif and the Plaine Morte Glacier, crossing two cantons over the Gemmi (2,268m) and Rawyl (2,427m) passes, and take in the Via Alpina. 

Wild 50 (September 10) is a 50km event with 2,750m of climbing. Runners start from Adelboden, cross the Canton of Berne, and finish in the centre of Crans-Montana. 

Wild 25 (September 11) completes the set, with 1,150m elevation gain across a 25km route described as “short and ultra-energetic”. 

You can view a map of the 108km course here. 

Runners have 29 hours 30 minutes to complete the Wild 108 course, 12:30 for the Wild 50 and 5:30 for Wild 25.  

Way markers are made of a reflective material to catch the light from runners’ headlamps to improve night-time navigation. 

The first five men and women in the general ranking, as well as the first three runners in each age-group category, will receive a trophy and a prize. 

Crans-Montana is renowned as an exclusive ski resort, but the town has become an increasingly popular location for trail running in recent years as marked courses have been developed.  

Runners need to prove they are experienced at handling long distances and mountainous terrain to gain entry to the longer events. We will update this section with precise entry requirements when available. Registration for the 2023 races will open here. 

There are no course records and previous winners since this is an inaugural event. 

Organisers have named a number of elite athletes who will be ambassadors for the event, with many expected to take part.  

The male ambassadors are former UTMB runner-up Sebastien Chaigneau, three-time Swiss trail running champion Urs Jenzer, previous CCC winner Jean-Yves Rey, Nepalese star Dawa Sherpa, up and coming French duo Kevin Vermeulen and Damien Humbert.  

Four-time Patrouille des Glaciers champion Séverine Pont-Combe is the event’s female ambassador. 

Runners are required to wear and carry certain kit, while other items are recommended. 

The following items are required to run in the Wild 108 event, with a reduced list for the shorter races. 

Back pack – to carry mandatory equipment 

Mobile phone – with international roaming for Switzerland and fully-charged battery 

Water – minimum supply 1 litre 

Personal soft cup – 15cl minimum (bottles or flasks not accepted) 

Two headlamps – with spare batteries for each. 200 lumens minimum for main lamp. 

Survival blanket – 1.40m x 2m minimum 

Self-adhering elastic bandage – minimum 100cm x 6cm 

Food reserves – 800kcal recommended 

Waterproof jacket – must have breathable membrane with sealed seam, minimum 10,000 Schmerber  

Long trousers or leggings – or combination of shorts and socks so legs are completely covered 

Cap – or bandana/buff 

Additional warm second layer – must be long-sleeved 

Gloves – must be warm and waterproof 

ID – passport or ID card 

In extreme weather, organisers may also require the following: 

Saharan cap – to cover head and nape of neck 

Fleece – or compressible down jacket 

Trail running shoes – must be closed-toe and sturdy 

Runners choose to take hiking poles must carry them for the duration of the race.