1. Lauf der Bike Marathon Classics am Raid Evolenard, am Sonntag, 9. Juni 2024 in Evolene.
Foto Martin Platter

The new European champion Andreas Seewald at the Raid Evolénard for an unprecedented double.

Despite the clash with a World Cup round in Italy on the same weekend, the organizers of the Raid Evolénard FMV have succeeded in assembling a top-tier field for the opening race of the Bike Marathon Classics. The newly crowned European champion, Andreas Seewald, will be aiming for an unprecedented double with the Hero Dolomites and the Raid Evolénard. In the women’s category, Swiss champion Irina Lützelschwab will attempt the same feat. This race will also serve as the Romandy championship for the youth categories.

The Raid Evolénard FMV will kick off the Bike Marathon Classics next Sunday, culminating on September 5 and 6 with the Grand Raid BCVS, which will host the Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships. Held in the spectacular setting of the Val d’Hérens, the race follows part of the Grand Raid BCVS course. It previously hosted the European Championships in 2021, which were brilliantly won by German rider Andreas Seewald.

He caused a sensation last year by breaking the course record—set in 2015 by Valais native Johann Tschopp—by nearly 5 minutes (4’53”). Even more impressive: he won with over ten minutes’ lead on Martin Fanger, the winner of the 2023 edition. Just one week later, he also claimed victory at the Hero Dolomites, against the world’s top marathon specialists.
This year, Seewald is aiming even higher: to win both races on the same weekend. It’s a monumental challenge—one that Urs Huber nearly achieved in 2019, finishing second in Val Gardena before claiming victory in Evolène. The task promises to be even tougher this year, as the Hero Dolomites is now part of the Mountain Bike Marathon World Cup. But buoyed by his new European champion title—won at the very same venue where he was crowned world champion in 2021—the German rider will head to Italy full of confidence.

Urs Huber will also attempt the Val Gardena–Evolène double, while other contenders—physically fresher—will be ones to watch: Belgian rider Frans Claes, recent winner of the Roc Laissagais; Martin Fanger, a two-time winner of the event; as well as Hansueli Stauffer and French riders Théo Dupras and Pierre Billaud.

The Swiss champion is the favorite in the women’s field.

In the women’s race, Irina Lützelschwab stands out as the favorite, having finished third last year. The Swiss champion will have to watch out for German rider Bettina Janas, who took second place last year, and her Team Bulls teammate Alessia Nay, winner of the 2024 Bike Marathon Series. British rider Annabel Fisher, national gravel champion and former winner of the UCI gravel circuit, has also recently proven her mountain biking prowess by winning the grueling stage race Titan Desert Morocco.

Among the outsiders are Carmen Kohler, the 2022 winner, and Valais native Stefanie Zahno, a well-known figure to the local crowd.

A race for everyone!

For less experienced riders, in addition to the premier 62 km category, there are 35 km and 24 km courses that can also be ridden with electric bikes. These routes are a bit less technically demanding but still offer breathtaking scenery. Participants in these races will also have the chance to compete against top marathon specialists on the 5 km enduro-style segment shared by all categories. The event’s new title sponsor, Le Rucher, will also award a special prize to the best riders from the Val d’Hérens, both on the 35 km and 62 km courses.

The Raid Evolénard FMV program kicks off on Saturday with the Kids Coaching Day—a great opportunity for children to explore the course that will crown the new Romandy and cantonal champions. Among the athletes coaching the youngsters will be Frans Claes, Stefanie Zahno, and Steve Morabito, a former professional road cyclist and now president of Valais Cycling, who actively helped design the new routes.

Registration will be possible in Evolène on Saturday from 4:30 to 6:30pm and on Sunday morning from 7:00 to 8:30.

Foto Martin Platter

“Le Rucher” Segment: A Touch of Enduro at the Heart of the Raid Evolénard!

The Raid Evolénard, a flagship event of the Swiss MTB Marathon Series and the West Bike Cup, returns this year with an exciting new feature designed to let a different type of rider shine. Participants in the 24 km, 35 km, and 62 km courses will have the opportunity to compete on a timed segment: the now-famous “Le Rucher” segment.

This 6-kilometer segment connects Chalet Vieux to La Gietty, following mostly natural, technical, and playful singletrack trails. It winds through spruce forests, skirts alpine meadows, and flows over terrain that alternates between fast and twisty sections—a true delight for skilled riders! This segment brings an enduro-style element into a marathon race, placing the focus on technical control, precise line choices, and the ability to accelerate efficiently out of corners.

One of the great strengths of the “Le Rucher” segment is that it is shared across all race courses offered during the event. Whether you’re signed up for the short, medium, or long course, everyone will have the chance to take on this unique section under the same conditions. This parallel ranking, separate from the overall race results, shines a light on a different type of performance, showcasing riders’ descending skills, which are often overshadowed in a pure endurance race.

In 2025, the “Le Rucher” segment is back in full force, ready to separate the finest technicians in the field. Whether you’re a hidden enduro rider at heart, a versatile marathon racer, or simply curious to test yourself on a fun and dynamic segment, don’t miss this opportunity to showcase a different side of your riding skills during the race.

Get your suspension dialed in, fine-tune your lines, and most importantly… keep your eyes wide open: the Rucher segment clock is ticking – and it’s waiting for you!

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Cabanotel in Ferpècle: the ideal accommodation option for mountain biking enthusiasts in the Val d’Hérens!

In the upper Ferpècle valley, at an altitude of 1,800 meters, the Cabanotel offers an eco-friendly, welcoming alternative accommodation perfectly suited to the needs of cyclists. This project, envisioned by Valaisan architect Olivier Cheseaux, is set in a former 19th-century mountain hotel, carefully renovated to provide a unique experience that combines authenticity with energy efficiency.

A self-sufficient refuge focused on nature

Designed to operate completely off-grid, the Cabanotel relies solely on renewable energy sources: solar panels, locally sourced wood for heating, water recovery systems, and a wood-burning stove to heat water. The materials used—such as larch and fir—were chosen for their durability and local origins. This approach reflects a clear intention: to welcome visitors who care about preserving the environment and are willing to use eco-friendly means of transport to reach this unique place—on foot, by bike, or by public transport.

An ideal base camp for mountain bikers

Just a few pedal strokes away from numerous mountain biking routes, the Cabanotel is the perfect starting point for exploring the treasures of the Val d’Hérens. From seasoned riders to casual cyclists, everyone will find something to enjoy on the valley’s trails. But above all, the Cabanotel is an excellent spot for participants of the Raid Evolénard—whether during race weekend or for a unique stay while previewing the course.

Wood-fired cooking, honest and generous

Indeed, staying at the Cabanotel is about more than just outdoor adventure — it also offers a dining experience worth the trip. In the kitchen, chef Matthias Staub, supported by Olivia Campanico, prepares slow-cooked meals over a wood fire — a choice as demanding as it is authentic, echoing the refined simplicity of the place.

The meals highlight regional products, focusing on short supply chains, seasonal ingredients, wild plants, and occasionally local game. The dining room, warm and inviting, encourages conversation around a rustic, flavorful cuisine full of character.

And the icing on the cake: after a day of outdoor exertion, the Cabanotel also offers a wellness area with a sauna and a flotation space.

A refreshing stay, from May to November

The Cabanotel welcomes its guests from May to November. Combining sports, nature, and gastronomy, this special place promises a full immersion in the magnificent landscapes of the Val d’Hérens, with an atmosphere of simplicity, respect, and warmth.

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Raid Evolénard Route: Back to Normal!

Due to heavy snowfall in mid-April, the course of the Raid Evolénard was severely damaged by numerous fallen trees, making several sections impassable. After several weeks of intense work, the situation is now almost back to normal!

e course. Three route modifications have been implemented to allow runners to preview the full course:

  1. As the dike of the Borgne d’Arolla remains impassable upon reaching Les Haudères, an alternative route has been set up, climbing back toward Arolla.
  2. The section between La Tour and Evolène is still closed. A detour along the dike allows runners to reach Evolène before heading up toward Les Haudères on the right bank of the Borgne.
  3. The descent from La Sage to La Tour is not possible via the usual path. An alternative route via the forest road leading directly to Molignon has been put in place.

All of these modifications are included in the GPX route available on Komoot!

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The Rucher d’Évolène, new title sponsor of the Raid Évolénard FMV

The Raid Évolénard FMV, a must-attend mountain biking event in Valais, is reaching a new milestone with the arrival of a new title sponsor: Le Rucher d’Évolène. This dynamic tourism player, highly active in the region, joins FMV as a title sponsor of the event, further strengthening its commitment to preserving local culture and promoting outdoor sports.

A partnership marked by authenticity and dynamism

Le Rucher, a major project in the heart of Evolène, is dedicated to passionately and respectfully restoring several iconic chalets and raccards to create a new hotel offering seamlessly integrated into the village. Set to open for Carnival 2026, this historic complex will provide a unique immersion in tradition and modernity, combining charming accommodations with nature-based experiences.

This partnership with the Raid Évolénard FMV aligns with Le Rucher’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and promoting the discovery of Evolène’s natural and cultural heritage. As the title sponsor, Le Rucher d’Évolène aims not only to enhance the competition’s visibility beyond the borders of Valais but also to actively contribute to the development of mountain biking in the Val d’Hérens and to encourage young riders to take up the sport. These are values that the organizers of the Raid Évolénard hold dear!

Several new features on the program

For the Raid Évolénard FMV, this new partnership will allow several exciting additions for participants. On Saturday, the traditional Kids Coaching Day, which gives young riders the chance to preview their course alongside professional cyclists, will now be presented by Le Rucher, with a few surprises in store.

During the adult races on Sunday, a new timed segment between Chalet-Vieux and La Gietty will highlight these hamlets while providing an additional challenge on an enduro-style section—offering a different type of rider the chance to shine!

To emphasize its local roots, a special “Le Rucher” prize will be awarded to the fastest male and female riders from Val d’Hérens on the 62km and 35km courses.

This support from Le Rucher d’Évolène confirms the importance of the Raid Évolénard in the region’s sporting and tourism calendar. A perfect alliance of tradition, nature, and sport, it will further establish this event as a must-attend for mountain biking enthusiasts.

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Ready to take on a new challenge in 2025? Registration is now open!

Registration for the Raid Evolénard FMV 2025, taking place on June 15, is now open! For the fourth consecutive year, the race will kick off the Bike Marathon Classics while also being part of the West Bike Cup. The big novelty this year is the opening of the three routes—24 km, 35 km, and 62 km—to e-bikes. However, the highlight of the weekend will be focused on the next generation, with races serving as the Romandy Championships.

The Raid Evolénard FMV will return to its usual date on the third weekend of June in 2025, taking place on the weekend of June 14 and 15. The goal is to once again give young riders the opportunity to preview the courses on Saturday alongside elite racers, while all competitions will take place on Sunday.

Romandy Championships for Young Riders

This year, previewing the courses will be even more important as the races will once again have a ‘cross-country’ format and will count towards the Romandy Championships in the discipline! The courses tested in 2024, set up as loops around the Hérens Arena with numerous technical sections, will be used again, with adjustments made necessary by the damage caused to the riverbanks by severe weather.

Continuity for the Adults

No major changes this year for the adult courses, which will continue to offer three options: The Valdor course first, accessible to all with its 24 km and 800 m of elevation gain, providing a fantastic opportunity for beginners to test themselves in competition.

The 35 km course is the most popular race among West Bike Cup amateurs. With its 1300 m of positive elevation gain, this course is already quite demanding and requires solid training.

The bravest participants can still take on the 62 km marathon course, which will kick off the Bike Marathon Classics, a series of five races that serves as the Swiss Cup for the discipline.

All the courses share stunning single-track sections in the heart of the Alps and each one presents a great challenge to perfectly kick off your mountain biking season.

More options for e-bikes

Electric mountain bike enthusiasts, who in recent years had to settle for just one option with a 27 km course, will this year be able to take on all the traditional Raid Evolénard courses. They will have the choice of a 24 km, 35 km, or 62 km course. This expansion of options responds to a request from riders who wanted more flexibility in choosing the distance.

Registration for all courses is now open on the MSO website, and as usual, by registering before the end of March, you will benefit from more favorable conditions. Registration for the Raiffeisen Kids Cup remains free for all young riders up to 14 years old!

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Something new for the kids at Raid Evolénard!

In collaboration with the Valais Cycling Federation (FCVs), the organizers of Raid Evolénard have completely revamped the routes for the Raiffeisen Kids Cup. The agenda includes more fun, more spectacle, and races even more tailored to children aged 4 to 14. Let’s hear from Steve Morabito, the initiator of this project!

What was your goal in initiating these modifications to the children’s routes at Raid Evolénard?

We started from the observation that Raid Evolénard is a race well established in the Cross Country Marathon calendar, and every year a significant number of young people participate. Especially during the KIDS COACHING DAY, which takes place the day before the race. The number of young members of Valais clubs continues to increase (767 young people aged 5 to 20), and this youth wants to race. However, we have also noticed that our young people are not adequately prepared for the technically demanding courses of the Swiss Cup races. Hence the idea of ​​working hand in hand between the FCVs and the event organizers to offer intermediate courses and to raise the overall level of the youth. We need to catch up with the German-speaking part of Switzerland and Ticino.

How can you describe in a few words the concept implemented for these races?

Thanks to the wise advice of Amaël Donnet, youth coach at the FCVs, and the valuable collaboration with the organizing committee, we have listed the technical points. Thus, the course of the races has been revised to maximize the enjoyment of the children. The new layout features three technical zones that will delight the younger participants without being too challenging for novice mountain bikers. Safety remains at the heart of the concept.

What awaits the children in the different technical zones?

Except for the Poussins category, where the course will be approximately one kilometer long with no major difficulties, all other categories will start with a 2km “start loop” to stretch out the peloton. Then, the technical loop of around 2.3km will be completed 1, 2, 3, or 4 times depending on the categories and will feature three technical zones, each with its own characteristics:

  • Zone 1: The obstacle course: Located on the grounds of former military barracks, the obstacle course offers small climbs and steep descents, as well as a slalom weaving between trees.
  • Zone 2: The mini-rock garden: Just like on World Cup circuits, a small rock garden will need to be navigated on the banks of the Borgne.
  • Zone 3: All for the show!: Located near the finish line and spectators, this zone offers two options: a small drop or a bypass trail. Which choice will be the fastest?


How can young mountain biking enthusiasts best prepare for these changes?

The KIDS COACHING DAY on Saturday is the ideal preparation. Accompanied by mountain biking experts, each child will be able to familiarize themselves with the different technical zones and benefit from valuable advice. Registrations can be done directly when signing up for the race, but also by filling out the form available on the organizers’ website. On Sunday morning, it will also be possible to ride on the course, and it is advisable to go and explore it to feel ready at the start. The same goes for young participants who attended the Saturday session, as the terrain can always change.

Where should one be on Sunday afternoon to make the most of the spectacle offered?

The start-finish area is the ideal place to enjoy the spectacle since technical zone #3 is also present there and the children will pass through the arena at each lap. Therefore, the stands of the Hérens Arena will be clearly the best place to be at the heart of the event. As a second choice, technical zone #2 will also be interesting to watch.

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Spotlight on the 2024 edition of the Raid Evolénard FMV

The Evolénard Raid will take place this year on June 9th, a week earlier than usual. Like in 2023, the race will kick off the Bike Marathon Classics with routes of 24km, 35km, and 62km, as well as an e-bike competition! The race will be preceded on Saturday by the traditional Kids Coaching Day presented by Bons Sirops Morand, which will offer children the opportunity to improve their technique alongside champions!

By advancing the event by a week, the organizers of the Evolénard Raid primarily aim to avoid the third weekend of June, which over the years has become very busy with popular races in French-speaking Switzerland. This change should allow for a higher number of popular runners at the starting line, as they will have numerous options available. Firstly, there’s the Valdor course, accessible to all with its 24km distance and 800m elevation gain, providing a wonderful opportunity for beginners to test themselves in competition. Runners who don’t feel ready for this challenge will have a second option available with the e-bike race, covering 27km with a 1200m ascent.

The 35km route is the most popular race among West Bike Cup enthusiasts, which this year welcomes a new race with the introduction of the Open Bike! Therefore, West Bike Cup passports, available from March 5th, will be even more attractive!

The flagship category of the Evolénard Raid remains the marathon course of 62km, which will kick off the Bike Marathon Classics, a series of five races serving as the Swiss cup of the discipline. All routes share magnificent sections of single trails with breathtaking views of some of the most beautiful 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps.

Records to be beaten

Missed by 57 seconds of a record now worth 4000.-, Martin Fanger will be at the starting line again: “As long as I run, I will have this record in the back of my mind.” And he won’t be alone, as the triple winner of the event Urs Huber will also take up the same challenge, as well as Belgian champion Frans Claes who finished second in 2023. Among the women, Team Raid Evolénard’s runner Stefanie Zahno, coming off a magnificent 2023 season, hopes to shine on her home turf! However, she will face strong competition, especially from German champion Tanja Priller, and Swiss champion Irina Luetzelschwab, both of whom have already confirmed their presence.

A gesture for the environment

The organizers will make an effort this year to improve the environmental impact of the race. The main changes will be seen in the refreshment areas, where the main change will be the absence of water bottles and cups. Like in trail races and an increasing number of mountain bike races, runners will now have to take a few seconds to fill their own water bottles.

Something new for the kids.

The organizers of the Evolénard Raid will intensify collaboration with the Valais Cycling Federation with the aim of improving the organization of the Kids Coaching Day presented by Les Bons Sirops Morand on the eve of the race. The expertise of the federation’s instructors and the facilities provided will allow for activities that are better suited to the younger participants. As part of this collaboration, the organizers of the Evolénard Raid will also improve the courses of the Raiffeisen Kids Cup to make them more suitable for the younger generation. More technical sections will therefore be included in various parts of the courses, making the kids’ races even more spectacular.

Online registrations are open until June 5th. Participants who register before March 30th will receive a discount. Registrations will still be possible on-site on the day of the race, but without a souvenir prize!

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Review of Stefanie Zahno’s fantastic season

If an XCM racer deserves the title of revelation of the year 2023, it is indeed Stefanie Zahno. With victories in the Bergibike, la Forestière, the Grand Raid BCVs from Nendaz, and a title of Swiss vice-champion in marathon mountain biking, the rider from Team Rodeo Bike – Raid Evolénard has clearly reached a new level in the past season. She intends to capitalize on her excellent results and aims to confirm her performance in 2024. Interview:

You achieved an exceptional season in 2023 with several victories at the highest level. With a bit of hindsight, how do you explain this progression compared to previous years

The 2023 season was undoubtedly exceptional and very impressive, full of different achievements. It started in July with my first national victory and ended in September with my first international win :). The most significant change and probably the decisive factor for these successes was, in my opinion, the change of coach and, therefore, a more professional training structure. This allowed me to improve in several areas.

Parmi tous ces beaux résultats, est-ce qu’il y a un qui est particulièrement important pour toi, où tu as réalisé que tu peux rivaliser avec les meilleures?  On pense par exemple à la Forestière, où tu es restée longtemps dans la roue de la vice championne d’Europe Estelle Morel, avant de la dépasser dans la dernière partie de la course?

Among all these great results, is there one that is particularly important to you, where you realized that you can compete with the best? For example, in La Forestière, where you stayed in the wheel of the vice European champion Estelle Morel for a long time before overtaking her in the final part of the race?

A season like that must make it not too difficult to stay motivated for the next one. How have you planned your preparation for 2024, and where do you see potential for further improvement?

The motivation is definitely there :). I will head to South Africa again at the end of January, where I will participate in a stage race. I plan to continue training hard to improve overall and keep getting closer to the global elite.

n recent years, you have always raced within a small individual structure, notably under the colors of Raid Evolénard. Does this approach still suit you, or are you considering changing your strategy?

I like the individual structure, but I would like to find new sponsors or increase my sponsorship because I am now practicing mountain biking at a semi-professional level.

There were also a few disappointments in 2023, especially with narrowly missing out on the overall classification in the Bike Marathon Classics. Will winning this series be an important goal for you this year? In a more general sense, what will be your priorities in 2024?

The overall classification has never been a goal for me. It’s true that it was very close between Alexandra Zürcher and me for the final victory. So, the second national place is not a disappointment for me. My races in 2024 will continue to be a mix of races in Switzerland and abroad.

With the World Championships in Valais on the horizon, I imagine it gives you an extra dose of motivation to participate in such an event at home. Are you already planning the 2024 season with this in mind?

I am looking forward to having a big long-term goal with the World Championships in Valais. This event is, of course, always in my mind, but it will not have a direct influence on my 2024 season. However, I imagine that I still need to improve over such a long distance because even in 2025, I will still be relatively young on a course like Verbier-Grimentz, which is over 120 km with more than 5000 m of elevation gain.

Of course, you will be at the start of the Raid Evolénard again on June 9th. Can you tell us a bit more about your previous experiences in this race and what goals you have for participating this time?

I have been participating in the Raid Evolénard since I was very young, where I admired the greats, for example, at the CS in 2016. I first did the children’s course, then 24 km, then 32 km, and now I have tackled the long course four times, including once during the European Championships. I have a personal connection with this race. In 2023, I wasn’t entirely satisfied with my performance because I didn’t improve my time. However, with a bit of hindsight, I believe it was necessary to be able to win the Bergibike two weeks later when all the pieces of the puzzle came together!

Bike Marathon Classics-Auftakt am Raid Evolenard, am Sonntag. 18. Juni 2023 in Evolene.
Foto Martin Platter

Double win for Team Papival Scott BCVs at Raid Evolénard

Despite stiff competition, Team Papival completes the Raid Evolenard double. In the men’s category, last year’s winner, Martin Fanger, won the Raid Evolenard FMV for the second time after a fierce duel with Belgian champion Frans Claes, who finished second. Marc Stutzmann came third. In the women’s race, France’s Estelle Morel, runner-up at the European Championships, won ahead of Germany’s Bettina Janas, winner of the Swiss Epic, and Alexandra Zürcher.

Shortly after the start, a trio of favorites Martin Fanger, Frans Claes and Marc Stutzmann managed to break away and gradually increase their lead over the rest of the field. Whereas in the second loop, Stutzmann had to let his two rivals go on the climb to La Forclaz, Belgian champion Claes chose to pick up the pace in the final kilometers of the last climb to Béplan, and managed to open up a gap on Fanger at the highest point. The Belgian champion was determined to beat the course record set by Johann Tschopp in 2015: 3h10’20”.

Franz Cleas was able to drop Martin Fanger on the final climb before being caught again on the descent. Foto Martin Platter

But Martin Fanger was not to be counted out. Thanks to a more direct line choice and increased risk-taking on the final descent, Fanger managed to catch up and overtake Claes to win the Raid Evolenard FMV for the second time. However, he missed the course record by one minute. “Frans was very strong today and even managed to pull slightly ahead of me on the climb. On the other hand, I had the fastest line on the downhill,” Fanger summed up. Claes was less happy: “I had great legs and lost the race on the downhill. I’m a bit upset about that”. Marc Stutzmann lacked strength on the second half of the course: “At first, I was feeling good. But then, for some inexplicable reason, I couldn’t keep up with my two companions. But I was still able to secure third place at the finish”, Stutzmann summed up.

Bettina Janas was the only one to keep pace with Morel on the first climb. Photo Martin Platter

In the women’s race, Estelle Morel was the favorite. In place of Irina Lützelschwab, who withdrew, Bettina Janas kept pace with Morel for some time. At the first climax on L`Etoile, Morel was already alone in the lead with a 90-second advantage. By the finish line, the gap had grown to over six minutes. Morel was satisfied: “After the good result at the EC, I expected to win here”. For her part, Bettina Janas declared: “I certainly know the course, having ridden it before. But it’s still surprisingly hard every time – even though I like it when the climbs are steep and the descents technical. My ambition was to stay with Estelle as long as possible and then ride at my own pace. It worked out pretty well. Alexandra Zürcher was the third fastest woman to cross the finish line in the Evolene Arena.

The new leaders of the Bike Marathon Classics , Sunday. Photo Martin Platter

Stéphane Chevrier, co-chairman of the organizing committee, also drew a positive conclusion: “With almost 650 participants over the weekend and a high level of participation on the marathon course, the race continues to gain in appeal. The Swiss championships coming up next year will enable us to build on this momentum. And the feedback from the public was also very positive, which makes us very happy”.