Results: 2026
Luis Valle Barrientos won the solo men's classification of the 21st Transalpine Run in 24:17:40 over seven stages, and Laura Hesse won the solo women's category in 34:02:39.
| Category | Name | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Men (solo) | Luis Valle Barrientos (Chile) | 24:17:40 |
| Women (solo) | Laura Hesse (Germany) | 34:02:39 |
| Women (solo master, fastest woman overall) | Stefanie Woltring (Germany) | 31:29:31 |
The 21st edition ran entirely within Switzerland, from Lenzerheide to Locarno. The organizer reported finish rates of 81% of teams and 85% of solo runners but did not publish absolute finisher counts.
Source: Transalpine Run official results (Datasport). Checked September 14, 2026.
Event Overview
| Date | Aug 28 - Sep 3, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | Lenzerheide to Locarno, Switzerland |
| Format | Stage Race |
| Terrain | Mountain |
| Region | Europe |
| Distance / duration | 258 km over 7 stages |
| Course model | Point-to-point |
| Highlights | Seven Stages, Swiss Alps Crossing |
Course & Terrain
Seven point-to-point mountain stages through Graubünden and Ticino, finishing beside Lake Maggiore.
Key course features to know before comparing this race:
- Rhine Gorge
- Greina Plateau
- Ticino mule tracks
Why This Race Matters
Transalpine Run is a useful reference point for runners comparing stage race events. 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 Transalpine Run
The stage race guide covers the format as a whole. These guides go deeper:
- Stage race packing list: Mandatory kit, daily carry, camp bags, food and foot care.
- Walking strategy for ultramarathons: When and how to walk by terrain, effort and cutoffs.
- Hydration and sodium for ultramarathons: Fluid, sodium, thirst, sweat rate and hyponatremia risk.
- Blister prevention: Socks, taping, lubrication, shoe fit and hot spots.
Planning Notes
- Study the mandatory gear list early and rehearse carrying the exact pack weight you expect to use on race day.
- 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.
Related Preparation
- Compare this race in the full 2026 calendar
- Browse the multiday stage-race calendar
- Open the Stage Race 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 August 18, 2026. Organizers can revise details after review.
- Official Transalpine Run site — https://transalpine-run.com/en/
- Official 2026 course — https://www.transalpine-run.com/en/course/
- Multiday Running event directory review scope: August 18, 2026.