Ultra-Trails in the canton of Basel-Stadt

Around Basel, the canton of Basel-Stadt is limited to three municipalities squeezed along the Rhine. There is no summit on the immediate horizon, but it has a strategic position: in less than an hour by train, the ridges of the Jura, the rounded peaks of the Vosges and the heights of the Black Forest become accessible 🚆. The canton thus serves as a switching yard for trail runners in the region.

Preparing for an ultra-trail in the canton of Basel-Stadt therefore requires a bit of organization. The hills of Bettingen are used for hill sessions, and the banks of the Rhine for long runs at a steady pace. On weekends, many Basel runners head off to the tabular Jura to rack up hours on the trails marked in yellow. The most motivated even set off on foot from the train station, heading for the ridges of the Black Forest, to simulate a long race day. Summer remains the prime season for long distances, with days that stretch well past 9 pm ☀️.

The Finishers ultra-trail calendar has no race in the canton, but the neighbors offer some heavy hitters. In Alsace, the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB® starts from Colmar on May 14, 2027. The Marathon du Grand Ballon starts from Oderen on July 17, 2027 for a long outing in the Vosges 🏔️. Further south, the Eiger Ultra-Trail by UTMB® meets in Grindelwald on July 14, 2027. Also check out the ultra-trails in Switzerland and the ultra-trails in the canton of Jura.

In front of the Basel theater, the fountain by Jean Tinguely keeps its machines turning tirelessly, a fine example of mechanical endurance ⚙️. To last as long, it's best to progress in stages: a first 80 km before dreaming of 160 km. Also take care of your fueling, the real key to long distances. Your next long-haul adventure may begin at the border 😉.