Today’s report must begin by acknowledging all the people working to extinguish the wildfires that are devastating large parts of the Iberian Peninsula—some even sacrificing their lives to protect the forest heritage that takes years to build.
From our humble position, we make an outraged call to all administrations: investments must be made throughout the year in prevention, not just in extinction. Surely, the total cost—both economic and human—would be much lower.
Likewise, on behalf of the author of this report, José L. Gómez, we express our indignation and rejection of the extermination taking place just a few hours by plane from our home, in the Gaza Strip, by the Israelian state—actions that in no way reflect the values we aim to promote through sport and mountain culture.
After the summer break, the circuit continues its journey—16th stop out of 24. This time, we arrive in Zermatt, Switzerland, in the Canton of Valais, at the heart of the Alps.
Matterhorn, Cervino, Cervins… regardless of the name given in Italy, Germany, or France, just hearing the name evokes its iconic silhouette—possibly one of the most photographed mountains in the world—and the centuries of stories surrounding its conquest. A true emblem of the Alps.
The entire race unfolds around the Matterhorn, with this iconic peak serving as a reference point throughout. Of course, the mountain itself is not part of the skyrunning route—at least not yet. In climbing mode, it remains one of the most accident-prone mountains in the world.
Whether you’re a race organizer or a mountain/skyrunning enthusiast, alongside Kima, the Ultraks Matterhorn is likely one of those races you must experience in your lifetime.
As a skyrunner, reaching a summit, looking down, wondering “how do I even descend this?”—and before you know it, you’re flying downhill with everything your legs and mind can give.
As an organizer, it’s a massive challenge to cover these mountains so that a group of wild runners can cross them as fast as possible.
The race includes what is likely the most famous descent in the circuit: an extremely steep chute with loose rock that produces breathtaking footage from drones and camerarunners alike. The course also features incredible aerial ridges, exposed sections, and a glacier crossing. 27 km and +/-3175 m of elevation gain, reaching 3337 m above sea level, in what may be the most technical route of the circuit—pure skyrunning, as many runners have described the Matterhorn Ultraks.
- Extrem. 27km, +/-3175m, race MSWS
- Vertinight. 4,9kmMountain. 32km +600m
- Mountain. 32km +/-2000m
- Active. 19km +/-1150m
- Relay. 32km +/-2000m
- Kinderren. 2,6km +/-151m
- Sky. 49km +/- 3600m
Not all runners excel on every terrain, and while this is a hallmark of the Merrell Skyrunner World Series—with its extensive calendar—it allows each athlete to tailor their strengths to specific races and accumulate points to reach the Skymasters in Dements with the best possible ranking.
This is the case, for example, of Martin Nilsson, who despite having two victories at Tatra Skymarathon and Hochkoningman Skyrace® ,
and knowing this terrain didn’t suit his strengths, didn’t want to miss this mountain spectacle—even if it meant finishing in a modest 13th place.
As expected, the favorites delivered, setting new distance records: William Boffelli (ITA / Kailas Fuga) and Anastacia Rubstova (RUS), both claiming their third victory in Zermatt.
@SWS
In the men’s race, the favorites included Italian runner William Boffelli (Kailas Fuga), winner in 2020 and 2021; Martin Anthamatten (SUI/Adidas Terrex), winner in 2024; and the Spanish team led by Manu Merillas (New Balance), alongside Alain Santamaria (Open Trail) and Daniel Izquierdo (OS2O Trail). The Italian squad featured Daniel Antoniolli (Brooks) and Gianluca Ghiano (Brooks), with consistent performer Frederic Tranchand (FRA/Merrell) and young U23 talent Lucien Mermillon (FRA/Rossignol TRT).
Tranchand started strong, leading at the first checkpoint (km 5), closely followed by the rest. By km 12, Boffelli had taken the lead and held it all the way to the finish, clocking in at 3:25:06 h.
Merillas, seemingly back to full form, ran a smart race from behind, using his downhill skills to secure a valuable second place, just five minutes behind.
Third place went to Lucien Mermillon, only one minute behind Merillas. This young U23 athlete is the season’s revelation—leading the U23 Esteban Olivero Trophy and now qualified for the absolute Skymasters, sitting 11th in the overall ranking.
The top 5 was rounded out by Frederic Tranchand and Daniel Antoniolli. The top 10 was equally impressive: Martin Anthamatten, Alain Santamaria, Daniel Izquierdo, Gianluca Ghiano, and Jules Delabelle (FRA/Merrell).
In the women’s race, the overall standings are extremely tight, and three top contenders were on the start list: Anastacia Rubstova, Lucille Germain, and Naiara Irigoyen—all with wins this season.
Naiara led at km 5 but had to withdraw due to stomach issues. Close behind were Anastacia and Lucille, with Maria Christen (SWZ/Team Scott) trailing slightly.
By km 20, Maria had overtaken Lucille, and the final results were:
- Anastacia Rubstova: 4:14:59 h
- Maria Christen: +8 min
- Lucille Germain: +20 sec
The top 5 was completed by Kalie McCrystal (CAN) and Roberta Jacquin (SWZ/Scott Sports). Notably, Spanish runner June Villarroel (Salomon) finished 6th. Iris Pessey (FRA/Scott), despite not having her best day, managed to finish 11th.
As expected, the overall rankings shifted significantly this week, with new athletes qualifying for the Skymasters:
As expected, the overall rankings shifted significantly this week, with new athletes qualifying for the Skymasters:
- Manu Merillas (ESP/NEW Balance)
- Lucien Mermillon (FRA/Rossignol TRT)
- Daniel Antoniolli (ITA/Brooks)
- Alain Santamaria (ESP/Open Team)
- Gianluca Ghiano (ITA/Brooks)
- Jules Delabelle (FRA/Merrell)
- Anastacia Rubstova (RUS)
- Lucille Gmail (FRA/NNormal)
- Tanja Löwenhagen (GER/Dynafit)
Full rankings available at www.maratodelsdements.com/class_sws
Next stop: Saint Jeoire Skyrace®
And in two weeks, after the mandatory stop at UTMB in Chamonix, the circuit returns to its third French stop—on September 6th at the Saint Jeoire Trail Festival, which also counts toward the U23 Esteban Olivero Trophy. It’s the penultimate scoring race before the Mourne Skyrace® and the grand finale at the Sobrescobio Redes Trail on October 26th.
Among the registered favorites in the men’s category: Marc Bernardes Ollé, Danilo Brambilla, Pascal Egli, Oier Eskudero, Tsubasa Fuji, Dimas Pereira, Lorenzo Rota Martir, Marcel Romaní i Ari-Pekka Joensu.
And in the women’s field: Elena Karanfiloska, Alina Kutznetsova, Sabrina Pabst, Iris Pessey, Ohiana Zubillaga, Hennna Aomies i Tania Lowen.
