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Bernina Ultraks

Bernina Ultraks takes place on Fri, Jul 2, 2027 in Pontresina, Switzerland. The main route is 42.2 km.

Date
Fri, Jul 2, 2027
Start
Pontresina 🇨🇭
Distance
42.2 km
Climbing
2,600 m
Level
Open to all
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The Bernina Ultraks features challenging trail running courses through the high alpine glacier scenery of the Engadin, including the flagship Bernina Glaciers Marathon over 42.2 km.

Official event page

What this race demands

The Bernina Ultraks 42.2 km trail marathon demands sustained climbing and descending capacity across 2,600 meters of high alpine elevation change in Switzerland.

Climbing volume

Navigating 2,600 meters of vertical gain over a marathon distance requires significant lower-body strength and efficient pacing on extended ascents.

Descent durability

The high alpine profile demands robust eccentric leg conditioning to handle the pounding of prolonged downhills without excessive muscle damage.

High altitude management

Operating in high alpine glacier scenery requires careful aerobic regulation and management of sustained cardiovascular output.

Target 60 to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour to sustain energy levels across an expected duration exceeding four hours.

Estimated finish times

Competitive (sub-3:00 marathoner)4:30–5:15
Experienced trail runner (3:30 marathoner)5:30–6:30
First-timer / Finisher7:00–8:30

Estimates by level, not promises. Your own number depends on your fitness on the day.

Your road to race day

Race day at Bernina Ultraks is 45 weeks away. This is how a coach divides that time. The first phase starts now.

  1. 01Base33 weeks · Aug 22, 2026 Apr 9, 2027

    Aerobic foundation: mostly steady endurance work that grows the aerobic engine and the durability the later phases stand on.

  2. 02Build6 weeks · Apr 10, 2027 May 21, 2027

    Progressive overload: training load climbs in waves, with harder weeks stacked on the base and planned recovery weeks that let the gains land.

  3. 03Peak3 weeks · May 22, 2027 Jun 11, 2027

    The hardest weeks of the plan: race-specific intensity at nearly full training load, sharpening exactly what this race asks for.

  4. 04Taper2 weeks · Jun 12, 2027 Jun 25, 2027

    Volume drops while intensity stays: short, sharp efforts keep the legs awake as fatigue drains away.

  5. 05Race week1 week · Jun 26, 2027 Jul 2, 2027

    Openers, rest and logistics. The work is done; the job now is arriving fresh.

Get this plan built around your own fitness

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