My First UTMB Eiger Ultra Trail – A Dream Realised
Some dreams take years to reach the start line. For me, the UTMB Eiger Ultra Trail, Switzerland was one of those dreams. Having visited Grindelwald a few times in the past, I’d always watched this race from the sidelines with awe, wondering what it would feel like to run among the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps, to be part of the electric atmosphere that only trail running at this level can bring. This year, I finally found out.
The journey to the start line, however, was far from smooth. Flight delays, frantic rebookings, and a restless night meant I arrived in Grindelwald with just 1 hour and 58 minutes of sleep/napping before race day start. Hardly the perfect preparation! Yet, as I stood under the UTMB arch at the foot of the Eiger, surrounded by hundreds of runners from across the globe, none of that mattered. The energy of the crowd, the crisp Alpine air, and the sight of the mountains glowing in the morning sun swept every ounce of fatigue away.
Wonderful views out on the Eiger Trail.
From the very first stride, the course delivered everything I had imagined—and more. Rolling through green pastures, climbing steep trails into the high Alps, and glancing up at the Eiger's jagged north face, I felt humbled and finally awake and alive. There’s something truly special about these trails: the combination of raw beauty, technical challenge, and camaraderie among fellow runners is unlike anything I’ve experienced.
The heat added an extra layer of toughness, and every climb demanded more grit than the last, but my mind and body held strong. Perhaps it was the lack of sleep that made me too tired to doubt myself, or perhaps it was simply the thrill of finally being here, doing something I’d wanted for so long.
Crossing the finish line in Grindelwald, with crowds cheering and cowbells ringing, was everything I had hoped for. I don’t usually get emotional at the end of races, but this one was different. It wasn’t just about the result; it was about the journey, the adventure, and proving to myself that I could still dig deep when it mattered.
The UTMB Eiger Ultra Trail is a race that truly captures the spirit of trail running. It’s challenging, beautiful, and inspiring in equal measure. And now that I’ve done it once, I can safely say: I’ll be back. There’s unfinished business in these mountains—and I can’t wait to see them again.
Gareth Mate
At the finish and all the joys that it brings.
Weaving your way out of Grindelwald was beautiful, but a tough old climb.
The finish and the welcoming red carpet.
Finished with a medal.
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A beautiful medal from Eiger rock.
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