Matterhorn Ultraks - Runner's Guide 2023_EN

RUNNER’S GUIDE 2023 _ EN

Introduction

Dear Sykrunner friend,

Last year, the tenth edition of the Matterhorn Ultraks was celebrated in style. And in 2023, the adventure continues!

For the eleventh time, several thousand runners will gather in the resort that symbolizes the mountain and Skyrunning: Zermatt.

The courses are now classics, and the « EXTREME » has become the benchmark for the Skyrunner World Series.

The « VERTINIGHT » was a big hit last year and is now on the Friday evening program.

As always, we look forward to seeing you in Zermatt.

See you soon!

The Ultraks Team

PS: If you have any questions, don't hesitate to send us an e-mail (info@ultraks.com).

Party 2023

And here's the return of the Ultraks Party. The party will take place, as in the past, on Saturday evening at the Vernissage.

The evening opens with a live band, followed by three DJs.

- MATTAO (GER)

- QUBE (SUI)

- edin-so (GER)

Use the coupon attached to your bib to get a free drink.

operated by

General programme

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24

04:00 -

08:00 pm

Distribution of the « EXTREME » bib numbers

06:00 pm Elite Athletes presentation on stage

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

06:30 -

07:45 am

Distribution of the « EXTREME » bib numbers

08:00 am Start of the « EXTREME » Race

10:30 -

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

am

of « SKY » bib numbers 07:00 am

of the race « SKY ».

10:30 am Distribution of race bib numbers « ACTIVE », « MOUNTAIN » and « RELAY ».

09:30 am

of the race « MOUNTAIN » incl. « RELAY »

13:30 pm

Distribution of bib numbers « ACTIVE », « MOUNTAIN » and « SKY »

from approx.

11:30 am Arrival of the winner of the « EXTREME » race

02:15 pm Prize Giving - « EXTREME » Race

02:30-

04:30 pm

03:30-

08:30 pm

Distribution of the « KIDS » bib numbers

Distribution of the « VERTINIGHT » bib numbers

04:00 pm Arrivals closed « EXTREME ».

0 5 :30 pm Start of the Children's Run « WOLLI » (900m)

0 5 :45 pm Start of the Children's Run « SUPERW OLLI » (2.6 km)

06:15 pm Prize - Giving for « WOLLI » and « SUPERWOLLI » races

0 8 :30 pm Start of the race « VERTI NIGHT »

05:30 -

08:45 pm

Distribution of bib numbers « SKY », « MOUNTAIN » and « RELAY ».

From 09:00 pm Music and atmosphere in Schwarzsee 09:15 pm Arrival of the first competitors in Schwarzsee 10 : 30 pm Prize Giving « VERTI NIGHT » in Schwarzsee 11.30 pm Last gondola down to Zermatt

of the first runners

Giving for the « SKY », « MOUNTAIN » and « RELAY » races

of the « ACTIVE » race bib numbers.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

The .GPX files of the races can be found on the respective pages of our website. http://matterhorn.ultraks.com/fr

Course Marking

MARKING COLOURS

• Orange colour is used as a generic colour to mark the track;

• Indications for a given course will be made in the color of that course.

VIDEO LINK

During the first edition of the Matterhorn Ultraks, we created a short video, that explains the course marking.

If you have few minutes. FR – DE - EN

MARKING TOOLS

Markers

Gates

Changeof direction

Distanceflags Distance to finish Yellowgates – dangerorspecificindication

Specific points of the courses

Hereafter a few points about the courses that require your special attention.

TRAIN CROSSING

« ACTIVE» and « MOUNTAIN»;approx.km 12

Approx. 12 km after the start, you’ll have to cross a railway. It is essential that:

• You cross exclusively at the marked point;

• You follow course marshall’s instructions;

• You stop and wait if there is a train.

FOOTBRIDGE

« MOUNTAIN»approx.km17.1;«SKY»approx.km 25.4

• It is forbidden to run on the footbridge;

• Please follow the safety instructions.

BEFORE THE RACE

Bib number pick-up times

In order to reduce waiting times, we suggest that you respect the number collection times below.

FOR THE « EXTREME » RACE

• Thursday from 4pm to 8pm

• Friday from 6:30 am to 7:45 am

FOR THE KIDS' RACE S

• Friday from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm

FOR THE « VERTI NIGHT »

• Friday from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Please note that people participating in the VERTINIGHT in addition to another race will be able to pick up their bibs in one go.

FOR THE « MOUNTAIN » AND « SKY » RACES

• Friday from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm

• Friday from 5:30 pm to 8:45 pm

• Saturday from 6:00 am to 9:15am

FOR THE « RELAY

»

• Friday from 5:30 pm to 8:45 pm only

FOR THE « ACTIVE » RACE

• Friday from 10:30 to 13:30 am

• Saturday from 07:00 to 10:30 am

• Saturday from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm

• Sunday from 6:30 am to 8:15 am

In all cases, the bib numbers must be collected at the latest 15 min before the start of the race concer ned.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT PICK - UP

• To pick-up your bib, you’ll need either a photo-ID or the « Pick-Up Voucher » that will be sent to you directly by MSO. It also can be obtained and printed from your MSO account.

• If you want to pick up someone else bib, then the voucher is compulsory.

Discount coupons for lifts and clog train

The three coupons attached to your bib number allow you to get discounts at the Zermatt lifts for you or your loved ones.

Discount

Discounts on ski lifts are :

- 50% on a route of your choice or

- 25% on a Peak Pass (all access) for 1 to 3 days

The complete fares can be found on the Zermatt Bergbahnen website:

https://www.matterhornparadise.ch/en/Currentnews/Lifts/Tickets-tariffs/Single-and-return-tickets-all-year-

https://www.matterhornparadise.ch/en/Currentnews/Lifts/Tickets-tariffs/Peak-Pass

Please note that these vouchers are not valid on the TaeschZermatt segment.

Drinks

On the left, numbered 4, is the coupon for a free drink at the Saturday party.

Social networks

You are in Zermatt, let it be known by using the hahstag #ultraks2023!

Dinner’s offer for runners

For evening meals on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Matterhorn Ultraks runners will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal at the special price of CHF 22 in several restaurants in the resort. Here is a complete list of restaurants.

Please note that reservations are required!

Bahnhof Buffet Non Solo Treno +41 27 968 1968 Email

Adler Hitta +41 27 967 1058 Email

Restaurant Derby +41 27 966 3999 Email

The Dude Pub +41 27 966 3000 Email

Hotel Excelsior +41 27 966 3500 Email

Grampi’s +41 27 967 7775 Email

Kinhütte +41 79 766 4707 Email

Restaurant Matterhorn +41 27 966 3000 Email

Hotel Mirabeau +41 27 966 2660 Email

Walliserkanne (Taesch) +41 27 966 2644 Email

Start Information

BEHAVIOUR AT START

The runners will start in waves of about 150-200 people. Waves are established on the basis of the times indicated at registration.

The running time will start when the wave is launched. However, only a runner in the first wave can claim victory in the scratch.

When a wave is ready to start, the next wave will be prepared on a specially dedicated area.

The wave is indicated by a letter written on the bib number (see opposite).

For each race, wave A includes an ELITE box.

TOILETS

Provisional toilets are installed in the immediate vicinity of the starting line, along the road.

We have organised frequent cleaning for your convenience. Permanently installed toilets can be found 400 metres away from the start area in the Triftbachhalle.

Please do not use the toilets of the hotels in the area... unless of course you are staying there!

LEFT LUGGAGE FACILITY

For all races (except the « VERTINIGHT »), we offer a deposit for your bags and personal belongings in the immediate vicinity of the departure area.

Along with your bib number, you will receive a special sticker that we ask you to attach visibly to your bag.

Please note that we will close the left luggage facilities at

• 5:00 pm on Friday

• 8:00 pm on Saturday

• 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Equipment

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

At Matterhorn Ultraks, we believe athletes can take their responsibility, so there is no compulsory equipment. However we warmly recommend you follow the weather forecast and adjust accordingly.

The recommended equipment is made of :

• Long sleeves waterproof jacket of proper size.

• Emergency blanket

• Mobile phone with emergency number stored.

• Tape to fix a twisted ankle

• Drink

We remind you that the Matterhorn Ultraks is a semiautonomy race, which means you are responsible to have enough food and drinks to go from one aid station to another.

Warning : « EXTREME » and « VERTINIGHT » races are different and have acompulsoryequipment.(see on page 41 and Error! Bookmark not defined.)

POLES

Poles are authorised on all races but must be kept from beginning to the end.

Time Barriers

Please respect the indications of the race staff if you have to arrive at a checkpoint after the deadline.

« EXTREME »

Runners affected by the Rothornhütte barrier will be able to take the Trift-Edelweiss-Zermatt path back to the Ultraks Plaza.

It takes about two hours to reach Zermatt, as there is no alternative.

« VERTINIGHT »

« ACTIVE »

Ravitaillements

NUTRITION SPORTIVE Energy Drink

At each aid station, you will find an isotonic and antioxidant energy drink OVERSTIM’S with natural aromas, which will help you to hydrate and maintain your performance thanks to the intake of Electrolytes (sodium and magnesium) and Vitamins C and B6 (Reduction of fatigue). This drink is gluten free.

Energybars

Emelie Forsberg's new Moon Valley bars will be on offer at the various aid stations, along with a selection from their assortment.

15%discount

To celebrate this arrival, OVERSTIM'S is offering you a 15% discount on all orders placed online at www.overstims.ch until August 31, 2023.

To take advantage of this discount, insert the code: ultraks

Inquiriesandsales

For more information : https://sportendurance.ch/fr/nutrition-sportive/ SPEEDCUP

We remind you that there are no more cups at the aid stations. It is up to you to be equipped accordingly with gourde or cup.

If you have ordered a cup with your bib number, you will get it back when you pick up your bib number.

AFTER RACE

Behavior at the finish T - SHIRT

At the finish of your race, you will immediately receive your finisher t-shirt.

The size distributed is the one indicated on your bib. No fittings or changes will be possible.

AID STATION

Light refreshments will be available at the finish.

To top up your refreshments, two refreshment points will be set up near the finish with unlimited drinks on presentation of your race number.

MEAL

A meal will be served under the tent.

The QR Code printed on your race number will serve as your key. So, take your number with you.

Prize-giving WHO GETS REWARDED?

In addition to the top three finishers in the Scratch rankings, prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in each category. For the "EXTREME" race, the top ten Scratch finishers will be rewarded.

PRIZE DONORS

Prizes are donated by SCOTT, COMPRESSPORT and JeanRené Germanier wines.

Race withdrawal procedure

1. INFORM

Inform immediately the race office by sending an SMS or a WhatsApp to +41 79 765 94 74 precising:

• Your bib number

• Your name

• Your position or Inform a course marshal (orange gilet)

2. TAKE OFF THE BIB

To avoid mistakes, it is preferable that after retiring from the race, you keep your bib in your pocket.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Specific Information « EXTREME »

A REFERENCE PATH

Launched in 2019, the « EXTREME » course was an exceptional success and instantly became a Skyrunning's benchmark.

As every year, the best skyrunners in the world come to Zermatt. To name but a few: Daniel Antonioli, William Bofelli, Johana Aström, the El Kott sisters, etc.Chamonix, Hillary Gerardi, second last year.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

To register, each runner had to show credentials to make sure they can be independent in high altitude, in mountain terrain and in adverse conditions.

COURSE ADJUSTMENT

The guides will visit the course next week to assess the situation resulting from the recent heat. This could lead to an adjustment of the course.

« B COURSE »

At high altitude, weather is a key player. And runners’ safety is our first and foremost priority. We therefore had to prepare for the eventuality where AirZermatt Helicopters cannot fly and so ensure rescue in certain areas of the course. (Unter Gabelhorn, Rothornhütte snd Platthorn)

In such situation, we would change the course as follows, ensuring notheless a 22 km and 2,200m elevation race :

COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT

The “EXTREME” race is the only one of Matterhorn Ultraks that imposes to carry specific equipment.

All runners will need to have with them at all time the following items:

- A long sleeved waterproof jacket of proper size.

- Micro-spikes

- An emergency blanket

The choice of micro-spikes is very dependent of the weather conditions, but the fact that there is little or no snow this year makes crampons essential if the glacier crossing is to be maintained.

We recommend spikes that allow you to run on ice :

PRIZE - MONEY

A prize-money of EUR 6,000 will be distributed equally between men and women in terms of both depth and volume.

The Bayard Sport shop in Zermatt has crampons for sale.

Specific information « VERTINIGHT »

START

The start will be given in one block.

BAGS

With your start number you will receive a sticker with your start number.

Please place it visibly on your bag and take it to the finish in Schwarzsee.

Bags are collected at the start until 08:15 pm.

COURSE

The course is mostly a single track, so please give way to faster runners.

AID STATION

A limited number of refreshments will be available at the finish.

PRIZE - GIVING

The first three men and women overall and the first three in each category will be rewarded on the terrace of the Schwarzsee restaurant at 10.30pm.

SKI LIFTS

The race number entitles the holder to a free gondola ride down.

Spectator access is possible with 50% coupons.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Schwarzsee restaurant will remain open with a limited menu, and a DJ will welcome the riders.

COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT

A headlamp with sufficient battery power is compulsory.

TIME BARRIER

Please note the time barrier at Furi.

This barrier is justified by the fact that after 9.15pm, we feel it is difficult to reach Schwarzsee in time to take the last downhill skip.

Specific information « RELAY by Loyco»

DOSSARDS

• A dedicated desk is set up under the tent for the « RELAY » bibs.

• Vouchers are identical than for the solo races.

RELAY ZONES

• The relay zones are marked with LOYCO flags;

• You pass the relay by transmitting the bracelet-chip to the next runner.

TRANSPORT ATION TO RELAY ZONES

• Runners 2 and 3 go individually to the relay points.

• Free use of the train to Sunnegga and lift to Furi by showing their bib;

• The same applies to runners 1 and 2 to go down to Zermatt.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

• It is the responsibility of the runners to take their personal belongings to the various relay places.

RESULTS

Final time published is the team time.

MISCELLANEOUS

Photo Service

sportograf.com delegates a number of photographers to Zermatt to provide you with a maximum number of photos along the routes.

The photos will soon be available via the following link:

- Friday Extreme: www.sportograf.com/event/9965

- Friday Vertinight: www.sportograf.com/event/10045

- Saturday: www.sportograf.com/event/9964

- Sunday: www.sportograf.com/event/9976

If they're not online yet, leave your email address and we'll keep you informed.

Race tracking LIVE TRAIL

Your family and friends can follow your race via the Live Trail http://mut.livetrail.net website.

We installed up to seven split times on the courses in order to have regular updates on your race.

Mini Spectator Guide

For those spectators who want to know more, we have produced a mini guide to help them find places to cheer on their favourite riders while making the most of Zermatt.

Am arriving on Saturday with the train. When does the first train reach Zermatt?

Täsch-Zermatt trains run 24 hours a day from Thursday to Sunday.

From 5.55 a.m. to 9.55 p.m., trains run every 20 minutes (at 15, 35 and 55). At night there is one train per hour. Journey time is about 12 minutes. The complete timetable can be consulted here.

I am registered. How do I change races?

It is possible to change your race until Sunday 14 August at noon. After that we will not accept any changes.

You must send your request by email to support@mso.swiss specifying the race you are registered for, the race you wish to participate in and your estimated running time for this new race. As specified in the regulations, switching to a shorter race does not entitle you to any financial compensation. On the other hand, switching to a longer race implies payment of the difference between the price paid and the current price of the new race.

I know I will not be able to participate. What should I do? Please inform us by email via cancellation@ultraks.com

However, after Sunday 14 August at noon, we will no longer process cancellations. Participants will be considered as "No Show". .

I would like to pass my slot to another person. How should I proceed?

Direct your request by email to support@mso-chrono.ch precising the following details of the new person:

- FirstName Name

- Birth date

- Nationality

- Gendre

- Full Address

- E-Mail

- Mobile Number

- Expected race finish time

- T-Shirt Size

- Emergency contact person

- Relationship to the person

- Mobile phone number of the person

The request must come from the person who is already registered.

This is possible until Sunday, August 14 at 12 noon except for the EXTREME race for which it is no longer possible.

Can I make changes to my site registration?

This year, no on-site modifications can be made.

Stay safe, Stay fit!