The world’s top skyrunners will converge this weekend in the heart of the Alps as the Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme in Switzerland and Trofeo KIMA in Italy host the latest rounds of the prestigious Merrell Skyrunner® World Series. These iconic events have attracted the best athletes from around the world to gain points towards the overall ranking in the second half of the 2024 season.
Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme – Zermatt, Switzerland
The weekend kicks off on Friday morning at 08:00 am local time with the Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme. The incredibly technical race starts in the town of Zermatt and the 27km route with 3,175 meters of elevation gain is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn.
As part of the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series, the Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme attracts an elite field of international athletes, all vying for crucial points and the prestige of conquering this legendary course. The impressive elite field includes the following:
In the women’s race, reigning champion Anastasia Rubtsova will be there to defend her title. But it won’t be easy against the likes of Lide Urrestarazu of the Basque Country, Iris Pessey of France (team Scott), Amelie Bertschy of Switzerland (ON Running), Ingrid Mutter of Romania (team Scarpa) and Olivia Magnone of France (team Esclops D’Azun).
In the men’s race, local athlete and 2021 runner-up Martin Anthamatten (team Adidas Terrex) no doubt has his sights set on the winner’s bib and is the current favourite. Jackson Cole of New Zealand (team La Sportiva), Luka Kovacic of Slovenia (team Dynafit), Luca Del Pero of Italy (team Scarpa), Gianluca Ghiano of Italy (team Brooks) and Marcel Hoeche of Germany (team Adidas Terrex) are all contenders for top positions and the race is open.
Trofeo KIMA – Val Masino, Italy
On Saturday, the World Series crosses the border to Italy for the 22nd edition of the historic and legendary Trofeo KIMA. The iconic event, held every two years is known as the “Everest of skyrunning,” and covers a daunting 52 km with an astonishing 4,200 meters of elevation gain. The race is infamous for its challenging and exposed terrain, including technical ridges, rock faces, and snowfields, making it a true test of strength, endurance, and technical ability.
This year, athletes of 33 nationalities will toe the line in Val Masino, Italy and amongst them, perhaps the best field of elites the race has seen.
In the men’s field, reigning champion Finlay Wild of Scotland (team Green Runners) will be there to defend his title and perhaps take home the new title after finishing just seconds behind Kilian Jornet’s record in 2022. Wild will be up against Manuel Merillas of Spain (team New Balance), Louison Coiffet of France (team Merrell), Jack Kuenzle of the USA and Italians William Boffelli (team Kailas) and Daniel Antonioli (team Scarpa).
In the women’s field the reigning champion and course-record holder, Hillary Gerardi of the USA (team Scarpa / Black Diamond) will also be there. Gerardi will be up against Karina Carsolio of Mexico (team Black Diamond), Kelly Wolf of the USA (team La Sportiva), Anna Demonte of the USA (team Scott / Rab), Antoniya Grigorova of Bulgaria (team XCO Sports) and team Arc’teryx athletes Johanna Astrom of Sweden, Elise Poncet of France and Henriette Albon of Norway.
Both the Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme and Trofeo KIMA are critical fixtures in the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series, which brings together the world’s top skyrunners across a series of events in the most challenging and scenic mountain environments. With athletes accumulating points throughout the season, this weekend’s races are pivotal in determining the standings as the series approaches its final stages.
