"In red and black, I'll exile my fear, I'll go higher than these mountains of pain..." ๐ง, it makes for a good motivational song for your next challenge! This year, the 80s are the spotlight for a new edition of the Marathon of the Valais Region BCVS! ๐
In Switzerland ๐จ๐ญ, Valais is a highly prized region by our neighboring Italians ๐ฎ๐น, many of whom live in this canton in the south of the country! And itโs understandable, given the beauty of the landscapes ๐. We start from the capital city, Sion, following the Rhรดne valley towards Lake Geneva ๐ฃโโ๏ธ. We stop in Martigny for the Marathon of the Valais Region BCVS, a must-see event in this year's road racing calendar! ๐๏ธ The second largest city of the canton annually hosts many runners on the course starting from Martigny ๐โโ๏ธ. You'll see firsthand (if you're clever enough to heed our advice and register) that the celebration will be in full swing, as the races can even be run in costume ๐. This year's theme: the 80s! ๐บ So, will you go neon in next May?! ๐จโ๐
The event is set as a sporting ๐ช, epicurean ๐ฝ๏ธ, and festive ๐ affair. You can choose from 4 races of 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and 42 km, as well as a 10 km discovery walk๐ถ. Children are also spoiled, as 3 races are exclusively for them! ๐ง Ah, they really enjoy making us happy ๐. So there's something for everyone to find joy and to spend some great time with family and/or friends! ๐ฏ Moreover, all proposed routes are adapted for para-athletes ๐จโ๐ฆฝ. And at the end of the course, a wacky section will be animated so that you don't feel the last kilometers pass! ๐คช
You'll experience passages through the vineyards ๐, orchards ๐, the banks of the Rhรดne, and all the landscapes of the Valais plain, surrounded by mountains ๐ that will accompany your strides serenely. There is little elevation change on the routes, which should facilitate good performance โฑ๏ธ and access for amateurs and para-athletes. With all this crowd, it's impossible not to pull out the costume! ๐ Want another cool suggestion from the organizers of the Marathon of the Valais Region BCVS? This marathon can also be run as a Ekiden (relay race with 6 people ๐ค). Born in Japan ๐ฏ๐ต in 1917, this discipline has its followers in Europe, as shown by this year's calendar ๐. Again this year, the "Mascott'run" will see mascots from clubs, companies, associations, and resorts compete on a 400 m course ๐. And because the organizers have thought of everything, if you want to continue partying with friends, it will be possible! โ๏ธ Dressed in your best 80s outfit ๐ฆธโโ๏ธ, you will dance all night at the Marathoโnight ๐ชฉ.
If you've never crossed the border of the world's most neutral country, know that you're about to discover a multicultural country with a rich and varied natural heritage... ๐๐ณ Like the massifs of the Jura and the Alps, which surround the country. Mountain lovers, hikers, and skiers are sure to adore Valais too! This canton is home to the Pointe Dufour, which stands at 4,634 m elevation, the highest summit in Switzerland and the second-highest summit in the Alps after Mont Blanc ๐คฏ. Finally, if you want to explore one of the country's 4 main cities (and we know you will ๐ฌ), all very dynamic and interesting to visit, Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, and Zurich, accessing them is easy. They are all located in the Central Plateau, which crosses the country from east to west.
But think of us! We like chocolate at Finishers ๐ซ.
Message from the organizer:
"Every year, the Valais BCVS Terroirs Marathon reminds us why we do this job: to create moments that bring people together and make them smile. Since the first edition, our ambition has remained the same: to offer much more than just a marathon. We aim to provide an experience where sport meets celebration, where performance meets enjoyment, and where every participant (from first to last) experiences something unique.
In 2026, we'll already be celebrating the 5th edition. Five years of outrageous costumes, gourmet refreshment stations, completely bonkers sections, and shared memories. Believe me, this new edition promises to be even crazier. Thank you to everyone who runs, cheers, dresses up, laughs, and turns this event into an unforgettable celebration. We look forward to seeing you next May to write a new chapter of this adventure... always with a smile, always with the Valais spirit, and always with a good dose of fun."
The marathon, with only 95 mD+, it's likely to go fast! โก๏ธ
The start will take place at 8 AM in Martigny ๐. You'll discover it along the way but you will participate in a race filled with history ๐ฉโ๐ซ. You will pass by Sion, Chateauneuf, around Vรฉtroz and Ardon, Saint-Pierre-de-Clages, Leytron, next to Saillon, Charrat, and finally Martigny. This race takes place mainly on road, giving you the opportunity to follow the Rhรดne ๐ง and pass by the edge of the forest ๐ฒ, just to cool off a bit! ๐ฅต
"The Ekiden Marathon Relay" will follow the Marathon course. You will be in a team of 6, and it must be mixed to be ranked.
The event is composed of 6 parts, which will be as follows:
The start of the half marathon will be at 9 AM ๐ in Martigny ๐จ๐ญ. The course will form a loop all around the ancient Roman city. The elevation gain will be 55 mD+, the route will be on road on a flat terrain. You will find on your way 4 athletic refreshment points ๐ช and 6 "festive" tastings.
The start of the 10 km will take place at 6:30 PM ๐ in Martigny ๐จ๐ญ. With its 35 mD+, this race is a real walk in the park! You will pass through the different neighborhoods of the city where you can admire the gardens of the Gianadda foundation ๐คฉ. Along your way, you will find 2 athletic refreshment points ๐ช and 3 "festive" tastings!
The 10 km walk will start at 6:30 PM ๐ in Martigny ๐จ๐ญ. Everything will happen exactly like the race, except that your pace will certainly be less intense ๐ข.
The start of the 5 km race will be at 5:30 PM ๐ in Martigny ๐จ๐ญ. The route will form a loop through the city's historic borough ๐ฉโ๐ซ. You will have the opportunity to discover the city from a different perspective. You will also pass through the Gianadda Foundation gardens ๐คฉ before returning to the starting point for your finish ๐. On your way, you will find 2 sports refreshment stands ๐ช as well as 2 "festive" tastings.
The start of the "5 km Corporate" will take place at 5:30 PM๏ปฟ ๐ in Martigny ๐จ๐ญ. You will be in a team of at least 5 ๐๏ธ and it must be mixed to be classified. The route will be the same as the classic 5 km with the same number of refreshment points.
The little runners have not been left out as 3 children/junior races are offered: 2 km and 1.5 km. Both routes pass through the beautiful city of Martigny and have almost no elevation. Perfect for the little legs of these future athletes! But some athletes are not yet ready to dive into the deep end, which is why an adult can accompany the young ones ๐ฃ who would like to participate in one of the two races with a parent.
Want to know more? Here's how it works:
So, who will win? Mother or daughter? ๐ฉโ๐ง To find out... Sneakers on! ๐
You can pick up your bib on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Marathon Village in Martigny (at the Martigny Expo).
You can also collect your bib on Sunday, May 24, 2026, up to 30 minutes before the start of the races (from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM).
Saturday, May 23, 2026:
5:00 PM: Start of the "Minirathon"
5:40 PM: Start of the "MascottโRun"
6:10 PM: Start of the "Semi-Minirathon"
6:30 PM: Start of the "Familyrathon"
7:30 PM: Start of the 10km + "10km Walking"
9:00 PM: Start of "Trottโaux Fous individual and company" (5km)
Sunday, May 24, 2026:
8:00 AM: Start of the Marathon and Ekiden relay
9:00 AM: Start of the Half Marathon
To participate in the races, you must fall into the following age brackets:
For the "Familyrathon": 0 to 11 years for children accompanied by an adult
For the "Semi-Minirathon": 6 to 8 years
For the "Minirathon": 9 to 11 years
For the "Trottโaux Fous": 12 years
For the 10 km run/walk: 14 years
For the "Half Marathon": 16 years
For the "Marathon" and "Ekiden": 18 years and 14 years on the "Ekiden"
There are time limits for each race:
For the "Semi-Minirathon", "Familyrathon", and "Minirathon": maximum 30 min
For the "5 km" and "5 km company": maximum 1h30, at 10:00 PM
For the 10 km run/walk: maximum 2h, at 10:00 PM
For the "Half Marathon": maximum 4h, at 3:00 PM
For the "Marathon" and "Ekiden": maximum 7h, at 3:00 PM
Additionally, there will be time checkpoints at various stages:
Marathon: Charrat (Les Collines Cellars) at 9:10 AM, Saxon (Vouillamoz Fruits) at 10:30 AM, Saillon (Fruits and Vegetables Dussex) at 11:30 AM, Martigny (La Bรขtiaz) at 2:00 PM, Martigny (Epicenter) at 2:30 PM, Martigny (West Roundabout of Av. du Simplon) at 2:45 PM, and Martigny (Place du Manoir) at 2:50 PM
Half Marathon: Charrat (Les Collines Cellar) at 10:45 AM, Charrat (VS Fruits) at 1:00 PM, Martigny (La Bรขtiaz) at 2:00 PM, Martigny (Epicenter) at 2:30 PM, Martigny (West Roundabout of Av. du Simplon) at 2:45 PM, and Martigny (Place du Manoir) at 2:50 PM
10 km: Martigny (La Bรขtiaz) at 8:15 PM, Martigny (Epicenter) at 8:40 PM, Martigny (West Roundabout of Av. du Simplon) at 8:50 PM, and Martigny (Place du Manoir) at 9:00 PM
5 km: Martigny (Route d'Octodure) at 9:40 PM and Martigny (Place du Manoir) at 9:45 PM
No, it is not mandatory, although it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor to confirm your ability to undertake this type of exertion.
Yes, all courses are open to wheelchair athletes, whether registered in the "competitive" or "festive" category.
Yes, a total of 11 refreshment points are planned. Each will mix sports products with local products!
Refreshment points will be in place on all routes, including a full one at the finish.
For the "Half Marathon": 5 refreshment points
For the "Marathon" and "Ekiden": 10 refreshment points
Your registration includes:
A welcome bag with various gifts
A t-shirt
A Finisher medal (if you wish)
Various and complete refreshments, combining sports products and festive dishes, so everyone finds their happiness
Timing and ranking (overall and by category)
Course signaling (signage and staff)
Security and first aid service
Valais and Martigny are at the heart of Europe, just 3 hours by car or train from Lyon, Milan, and Zurich, and quickly connected to the airports of Geneva, Milan, and Zurich.
Prefer the train to access the starts directly via Martigny station. If you can't do otherwise, you can park your vehicle near the Martigny Expo.
For the Marathon:
Until January 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 87.00 CHF (93.16โฌ)
Until March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 97.00 CHF (103.87โฌ)
Until April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 107.00 CHF (114.58โฌ)
Until May 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 117.00 CHF (125.29โฌ)
Until May 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 135.00 CHF (144.56โฌ)
For the Marathon - Ekiden Relay:
Until January 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 215.00 CHF (230.23โฌ)
Until March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 245.00 CHF (262.35โฌ)
Until April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 265.00 CHF (283.77โฌ)
Until May 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 295.00 CHF (315.89โฌ)
Until May 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 315.00 CHF (337.31โฌ)
For the half marathon:
Until January 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 60.00 CHF (64.25โฌ)
Until March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 70.00 CHF (74.96โฌ)
Until April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 80.00 CHF (85.67โฌ)
Until May 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 87.00 CHF (93.16โฌ)
Until May 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 92.00 CHF (98.52โฌ)
For the 10 km run and walk:
Until January 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 46.00 CHF (49.26โฌ)
Until March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 54.00 CHF (57.82โฌ)
Until April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 59.00 CHF (63.18โฌ)
Until May 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 64.00 CHF (68.53โฌ)
Until May 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 71.00 CHF (76.03โฌ)
For "Trott'aux Fous - 5 km:
Until January 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 39.00 CHF (41.76โฌ)
Until March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 44.00 CHF (47.12โฌ)
Until April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 48.00 CHF (51.40โฌ)
Until May 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 51.00 CHF (54.61โฌ)
Until May 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 54.00 CHF (57.82โฌ)
For the "Minirathon" - 2 km and the "Semi-Minirathon - 1.5 km:
Until January 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 15.00 CHF (16.06โฌ)
Until April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 20.00 CHF (21.42โฌ)
Until May 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 25.00 CHF (26.77โฌ)
Until May 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 30.00 CHF (32.12โฌ)
For the "Familyrathon" 1.5 km:
Until January 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 29.00 CHF (31.05โฌ)
Until April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 39.00 CHF (41.76โฌ)
Until May 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 47.00 CHF (50.33โฌ)
Until May 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM: 54.00 CHF (57.82โฌ)
Yes, a few meters from the finish at the Martigny Expo, at the Stade dโOctodure in Martigny, showers and changing rooms will be available.
If you wish to lend a hand, please click on the link: https://app.qoezion.com/fr-FR/auth/signin?returnUrl=%2Fapply%2Fd5ad651a-9249-48f0-b208-165606501f47
You can contact the organizers by email: info@rd-cycling.com
You can check the race rules here

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