One year ago, the report of the Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme 2025 began by acknowledging all those working tirelessly to combat the wildfires that were ravaging large parts of the Iberian Peninsula. One year later, the situation is repeating itself, as it does almost every summer. This time, however, it hits particularly close to home, with the wildfire that has burned more than 10,000 hectares of our beloved Serra d’Espadà Natural Park and will directly affect the Skymasters course during its first 10 kilometres, an area that we will no longer be able to access.
From our humble position, we once again make a call, both respectful and deeply concerned, to all public administrations to continue increasing investment in wildfire prevention throughout the entire year, rather than focusing solely on suppression efforts. We firmly believe that the final cost, economically, environmentally and humanly, would be far lower.
Above all, we would like to express our most sincere appreciation to all the professionals who stand on the front line against the flames: the Provincial Fire Brigade Consortium of Castellón, together with crews from other provinces who come to provide support every summer; the Military Emergency Unit (UME); the State Security Forces and Corps; and especially the Forest Firefighters, who, despite often facing difficult and precarious conditions, continue to be at the very forefront of the fight against fire.
To all of them, thank you. For your dedication, your commitment, and for protecting what belongs to us all.
This 2026 MSWS season has given us virtually no summer break. The thirteenth stop brings us back to Zermatt, Switzerland, in the Canton of Valais, at the heart of the Alps.
There are mountains that impress. And then there is the Matterhorn. Its unmistakable silhouette, a symbol of the Alps and of mountaineering worldwide, once again dominates one of the most spectacular events of the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series. At the foot of this legendary peak, the world’s best skyrunners take on the Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme,
A high mountain challenge defined by technical terrain, altitude and one of the most breathtaking settings in the world of skyrunning.
Matterhorn, Cervino, Cervin… different names depending on the country you are in. Whether in Switzerland, Italy, Germany or France, it makes little difference; simply catching sight of this iconic summit is enough to leave a lasting impression. For those of us who are passionate about mountains and challenges, it sends a shiver down the spine and inevitably sparks thoughts of reaching its summit or, at the very least, getting close to it.
Although none of the races reach its 4,478 metres above sea level or its almost perfectly shaped four-ridged pyramid, countless remarkable achievements have taken place on its slopes since 14 July 1865, when Whymper and his companions first reached the summit, a feat that ended in tragedy during the descent. From Walter Bonatti to Ueli Steck and Kilian Jornet, the Matterhorn has witnessed extraordinary successes as well as heartbreaking losses, and it remains one of the most accident-prone mountains in the world.
The Matterhorn represents, above all, a feeling, a source of inspiration for explorers, mountaineers and dreamers and, today, for the skyrunners who will transform the trails of Zermatt into a spectacular showcase around this legendary peak, with its iconic presence accompanying them throughout much of the race.
The course features what is arguably the most famous descent of the entire circuit. After reaching the heights of Rothorn and Platthorn, runners launch themselves into the legendary Trift descent, one of the signature sections of Matterhorn Ultraks. With the Matterhorn towering over the landscape, athletes face a thrilling mix of rock, precision and speed before making their way back to Zermatt.
The event, organised by Ultraks, begins on Friday and continues through to Sunday, offering a true mountain festival with races for all levels:
- Extreme. 27 km, ±3,175 m. MSWS race. Friday, 21 August.
- Wolli. Kids’ race.
- Super Wolli. Kids’ race.
- Vertinight. 4.9 km, +690 m.
- Sky. 49 km, ±3,600 m.
- Mountain. 32 km, ±2,000 m.
- Active. 19 km, ±1,150 m.
- Relay. 32 km, ±2,000 m.
The initial forecast, starting and finishing in Zermatt on a loop course, runners set off at 8:00 a.m., heading into the misty forests before beginning their climb into the high mountains, 26km ±3.066 m.
Matterhorn Ultraks Adapts to Challenging Weather Conditions
Any event held in high mountain terrain is exposed to challenging weather conditions, regardless of the time of year. Add the end of an unusually hot summer to the equation, and the possibilities multiply even further.
Faced with rain, cold temperatures and a sky completely covered by threatening clouds, the organizers were forced to modify both the original course and the race schedule, always keeping the safety of athletes and staff as their top priority.
At dawn, the Ultraks organization determined that adapting the race to the conditions was necessary. The start was postponed until 10:00 a.m., and an alternative course of 14.6 km with ±1,485 m of vertical gain was selected, fully aware that the weather was unlikely to improve throughout the day.
Starting and finishing in Zermatt, runners headed into the misty forests before beginning the climb toward the high alpine terrain.
Men’s Race
Alex Oberbacher (ITA/La Sportiva) set off determined to dictate the pace on terrain perfectly suited to his strengths. Marcello Ugazio (ITA/Scott) matched him stride for stride until the 5 km checkpoint, where the pair passed together. Course designer and local legend Martin Anthamatten (SUI/Adidas Terrex) was running in third place, less than thirty seconds behind.
Anthamatten was unwilling to let the leaders get away and, by the 9.5 km mark, had caught Oberbacher, while Ugazio had dropped more than a minute behind.
The race was ultimately decided on the descent. There, Oberbacher proved untouchable, opening a gap of just over thirty seconds on Anthamatten to secure victory. Louis Doumas (FRA/Esclops d’Azun) completed the podium, while Nico Molina (ESP/Scott) finished fourth and Daniel Antoniolli (ITA/Scarpa) rounded out the men’s Top 5.
 @guaresti |  @guaresti |
@skyrunning
Women’s Race
In the women’s race, local athlete Myrielle Weingand took on the international field and produced an impressive performance through the 5 km checkpoint, holding a slight lead over Alice Bausseron (FRA/New Balance), Perrine Abadie (FRA/NNormal) and Denisa Dragomir (ROM/Merrell).
As the course began to climb steeply, Denisa’s class quickly became evident. By the 7.5 km checkpoint, she had moved into the lead, followed by Perrine Abadie, Alice Bausseron, Patrycja Stanek (POL/Brooks) and Natalie Beadle (GBR/Arc’teryx).
Very little changed from that point to the finish line. A dominant Denisa Dragomir returned to winning ways in a Sky race after a season start affected by physical setbacks. Perrine Abadie held on to second place, while Patrycja Stanek secured third to complete the podium. Alice Bausseron and Natalie Beadle rounded out the women’s Top 5.
Overall Standings
Ahead of the second race of the weekend, the Trofeo Kima, there are no major changes in the overall standings. However, as the season reaches its final stages, each race continues to award valuable tickets to the SkyMasters Final.
The latest athletes to secure their SkyMasters qualification are:
- Nico Molina (ESP/Scott)
- Júlia Garriga (ESP/Merrell)
- Tanja Löwenhagen (GER/BIX Nutrition)
After 13 races, they have now qualified for the grand final of the Marató dels Dements:
|
|
