Ultra-Trails in the canton of Zurich

An ultra-trail in the canton of Zurich is not yet on the calendar, but the training ground definitely exists 🏃. The Uetliberg ridges, the loops around Greifensee and the paths of the Tössbergland let you rack up hours of long runs without ever leaving the Zurich train network. This dense rail network makes it easy to cross the canton from one end to the other, with a guaranteed return from the nearest station.

To aim for 80 km and beyond, preparation is a long-term game: six- to eight-hour outings, tested fueling, alternating fast walking and running. The canton lends itself well to this foundational work thanks to its steady elevation changes, which get the body used to absorbing effort without burning out 🥾. The trails of the Oberland offer loops of all sizes, which lets you extend your outing week after week without changing scenery or starting point.

As for races, the longest format in the canton is the 84.8 km of the Zürcher Silvesterlauf Marathon, run on the road on December 13, 2026 in Zurich, for those who prefer pavement to trails. Nature lovers turn to the RunThrough Trails Engelberg, scheduled for August 20, 2027 at the foot of Titlis: a mountain event less than two hours by train from Zurich 🚆.

The canton is also well suited to recovery outings. Lake Zurich and its quays invite you to disconnect, and the city of Winterthur hides surprising museums for tired legs 🎨. An ultra is prepared like a full season: start with a shorter trail, build your volume, then add a few kilometers with each outing. To refine your ultra-trail calendar, also check out the trails in Zurich, a good starting point before taking the plunge.