Running Races in Valais

In Valais, the Rhône has carved out a long, flat, sun-drenched valley that looks like an open-air training track 🌞. All around, the slopes rise in tiers toward resorts like Verbier and Crans-Montana. For a running race in Valais, you can choose between the fast valley floor and the much tougher high-altitude roads. Short courses sit alongside the half marathon and the marathon, offering a full range from your first bib to the big distance.

The climate works in runners' favor. With one of the clearest skies in Switzerland, the Rhône plain allows outings from March, while the summits remain under snow ❄️. Blossoming apricot trees then line the routes, terraced vineyards trace the hillsides, and June temperatures remain pleasant. Summer pushes the starts toward the cooler hilltop villages. The steady valley wind refreshes runners and sometimes slows down the most hurried ones.

The running race calendar covers every format. In Sion, the Running du Valais brings together 5 km and 10 km enthusiasts at the end of July, and the Marathon Des Saveurs takes over in October 🍑. In Martigny, the Marathon des terroirs du Valais BCVS is open to all distances in May. Vétroz hosts a 10 km race in spring, Fieschertal the Aletsch Half Marathon in June, and Monthey La Montheysanne, a friendly event for women only in August.

Sion watches over the plain from the castles of Valère and Tourbillon, an ideal target for a long run 🏰. After the effort, a piece of raclette cheese and an apricot tart remind you why you run here. From your first 5 km to the marathon, choose the distance that suits you, and Valais takes care of the atmosphere. The change of scenery is worth the trip: you go from French to German in just a few kilometers.