Results: 2026
Vicente "Tito" Parra Hernandez won the SwissPeaks Odyssey in 141:14:38 and Dariia Bodnar won the women's race in 166:56, finishing eighth overall.
| Category | Name | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Vicente "Tito" Parra Hernandez (Spain) | 141:14:38 |
| Women | Dariia Bodnar (Ukraine) | 166:56 |
The 2026 Odyssey measured 643 km with 43,800 m of ascent; the distance varies by edition. The organizer did not publish finisher counts.
Source: SwissPeaks official timing (SP Timing). Checked September 14, 2026.
Event Overview
| Date | Aug 25 - Sep 6, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | Le Bouveret, Valais, Switzerland |
| Format | 200+ Mile |
| Terrain | Mountain |
| Region | Europe |
| Distance / duration | 643 km |
| Elevation gain | 43,800 m D+ |
| Elevation loss | 43,800 m D- |
| Cutoff | Expected duration: 9-12 days |
| Start | 20:00 from Le Bouveret |
| Field size | 100 athletes |
| Highlights | Alpine Traverse, Ultra-Expert, 10th Edition |
Course & Terrain
Ultra-expert alpine journey linking a staged first section with the long Legend route back to Le Bouveret.
Key course features to know before comparing this race:
- Le Bouveret start
- Alpine glacier and Lake Geneva terrain
- Brig transition into the Legend route
The organizer labels the route very alpine, technical, demanding, and suitable for runners with excellent mountain ability.
A route this long in Valais can move through hot valleys, storms, cold nights, and high-alpine exposure.
Format & Support (as run)
| Qualification | Selection by runner CV, with SwissPeaks 360 finishing experience and/or a roughly 300 km finish listed as target background. |
|---|---|
| Support model | The first section uses base camps and mobile aid; the second section follows the Legend support model with aid stations and life bases. |
| Drop bags | A follower bag is handled by the organization and available at life bases. |
Why This Race Matters
SwissPeaks Odyssey is a useful reference point for runners comparing long fixed-distance ultras that still unfold over multiple days. Its format, terrain, and support model shape the kind of preparation required: not just fitness, but pacing discipline, nutrition planning, foot care, and the ability to make good decisions under fatigue.
Preparing for a Race Like SwissPeaks Odyssey
The 200-mile race guide covers the format as a whole. These guides go deeper:
- 200-mile race strategy: Pacing, sleep loss, aid stations, navigation, crew and feet, with a worked Moab 240 plan.
- Sleep strategy for multiday races: An individual sleep plan with safe locations and clear stop criteria.
- Crew and aid-station strategy: Crew tables, aid stops, drop bags and runner preferences.
- Foot-care kit for multiday running: Tape, lube, socks, blister pads and simple hot-spot rules.
Best Fit
- Ultra-expert alpine runners with 300 km-plus experience
- Athletes who want a multi-day mountain expedition rather than a standard 200-mile race
- Runners comfortable with very long solo problem-solving in technical terrain
Planning Notes
- Prepare for sleep decisions, weather swings, and aid-station discipline. The distance is only one part of a multi-day fixed-distance race.
- Train for terrain-specific fatigue. Technical trails and mountain courses demand downhill durability, hiking efficiency, and reliable night lighting.
- The directory does not mark this as having simpler logistics. Confirm qualification, terrain, support, registration, medical, and withdrawal requirements before planning around it.
Event FAQs
How hard is SwissPeaks Odyssey?
The organizer labels Odyssey as ultra-expert, with 643 km and 43,800 m of ascent and descent.
How many runners can start SwissPeaks Odyssey?
The official race page lists a 100-athlete field.
Related Preparation
- Compare this race in the full 2026 calendar
- Open the 200+ Mile format guide
- Compare all race formats
- Use the timed-race pace calculator
- Plan checkpoint arrivals and cutoff buffers
- Build a crew and drop-bag plan
- Build a race-specific gear checklist
Verification & Sources
Verification scope: the listed edition's date, location, format, and available logistics were checked against the event-specific official sources below during the directory review dated June 2026. Organizers can revise details after review.
- Official SwissPeaks Odyssey page — https://swisspeaks.ch/lescourses/odyssey/
- Multiday Running event directory review scope: June 2026.