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2023 Stage Race Roadbook
Please note that final GPS tracks will be emailed to you by Monday 4 September, together with all tracking information so that your friends and supporters can follow your race!
Please note if you’d like a meal ticket for you & your supporters for our Closing Celebration on Saturday 9 September then tickets should be booked by Saturday 2 September. Book here. Thank you!
Introduction
Welcome to the 2023 Ultra Tour Monte Rosa Stage Race! This road book, together with our race website should give you all the information that you need. If you have any further questions please do email contact@ultratourmonterosa.com.
It is an amazing challenge ahead of you and we have a team of passionate volunteers ready to support you. We are all here to do what we can to help you succeed. Best of luck!
Race Organisation
For any general questions / queries before and during the race please contact the race organisation. Please note that messages via social media during the race will not be answered. Please use email, phone or WhatsApp. Thank you!
Email: contact@ultratourmonterosa.com
Phone: +41.765.936.818
WhatsApp: +41.795.839.539
Please use this number for emergency only during the race:
Emergency Number: +41.793.998.527
Entry List
Please check your details here and email us if anything is incorrect, thank you!
Race programme
Race Registration: 15:00 – 19:00 Tuesday 5 September
Race Start: 06:30 Wednesday 6 September
Children’s race: 16:30 Saturday 9 September
Close of the Stage Race: 18:30 Saturday 9 September
Closing meal and prize-giving: 18:30 onwards Saturday 9 September
Travel
For independent travel then Grächen is easily accessible by public transport. Please check www.sbb.ch/en for timetables and booking tickets online. The “destination” is Grächen Zentrum which is a one minute walk from the Dorfplatz for registration, start line, finish line.
Grächen Village Plan
Please consult this map for exact start location, registration, baggage drop / collection and bus stop.
See here for details of parking facilities: https://www.utmr.ch/parking-in-grachen/
Race Registration
Time: 15:00 – 19:00 Tuesday 5 September
Location: Gemeindesaal (above the Tourism), Dorfplatz, Grächen (google map location here)
All race participants must come to race registration in person and with ID and with their obligatory equipment. This will be checked before you are given your start number and GPS tracker. It must be carried for the duration of the race and we may check at any point during the race or on the finish line.
INSURANCE: Each race participant must have personal accident insurance sufficient to cover the cost of search and rescue (including by helicopter if required).
If you do not have insurance or the correct obligatory equipment you will not be allowed to start the race. No exceptions. Thanks for your understanding!
Please note: Use of headphones is not permitted during any part of the race for reasons of safety. Use will result in disqualification.
Communication
It is essential that we can communicate with you before, during and after the race.
You must have a telephone with you, which works Switzerland and Italy. This telephone will not only allow you to call the organisation if necessary, but it is also important that the organisation can contact you (before, during and after the race). We may use SMS to notify you of any route amendments / information. Please make sure your phone is switched on, accessible and checked intermittently before and during the race. We will use the contact number you submitted on your registration form. You will be able to update this via a link to your personal runner page prior to the race.
Please ensure that:
- your phone is never put in flight mode
- it remains switched on before, during and after the race
- the battery is sufficient for the duration of the race, or equip yourself with a supplementary external battery
Tips to save battery
- close all unnecessary apps
- dim screen
- switch off WiFi, bluetooth and location / GPS
- Turn on energy saving mode if your phone has it
Note: 85% of the race route is covered by mobile network, so there may be a delay in receiving an SMS message in certain areas.
Baggage
We will transport one piece of baggage per runner (12kg / 75 litres) from the start to finish of each day’s race stage. Baggage will be available for you at a collection point close to the finish line, so then you will need to take it to your hotel yourself. Please do make sure it is a size and weight you can easily carry yourself, this will make it much easier for you! Bags must be deposited by 06:15 each morning. Your bag must be clearly labelled for identification. Labels will be provided in your race envelope for this purpose, but please mark it additionally.
Baggage storage will be available at start/finish in Grächen. If you are travelling and have extra baggage or clothing with you that you do not require during the race please leave it in Grächen. Please mark it with your name and race number.
Race Accommodation
Details of your accommodation for the race overnight stops in Zermatt (Wednesday 6 September), Gressoney (Thursday 7 September) and Macugnaga (Friday 8 September) will be on your race envelope given at registration in Grachen. If you have booked supporter accommodation, you will be emailed a confirmation. The hotel lists will also be available at the stage finish lines.
Evening meal will be provided either in your hotel or in a local partner restaurant, the details will be in your race envelope.
Breakfast on Thursday 7, Friday 8 and Saturday 9 September will be served from 04:30 onwards in your hotel.
Please note that accommodation is in shared rooms of 2-4 beds in good quality hotels. You don’t need a sleeping bag or towel, all linen is provided! Bring earplugs if you sleep lightly!
Race Start / Finish
Stage One: Grächen to Zermatt
The race will start at 06:30 on Wednesday 6 September from the Dorfplatz, Grächen (google map location). You must be in the start area by 06:15.
Finish Line Zermatt: The race finishes by the Sport Pavilion in the centre of the village. Coffee, sandwiches, drinks are available here to buy if you want to stay to support your fellow runners. Zermatt is also equipped with supermarkets (Migros & Coop) as well as numerous bakeries and eating establishments. Now’s your chance to try a raclette! We provide an evening meal for you at Ristorante Pizzeria Non Solo Treno in the Bahnhofplatz (google map). Your voucher will be in your race envelope. Please give it to staff on arrival and tell them that you are with Ultra Tour Monte Rosa. They will be happy to welcome you!
Stage Two: Zermatt to Gressoney
The race will start at 06:30 on Thursday 7 September from Obere Matten, Zermatt (google map location). This is the same location as your Day 1 finish line. Please deposit your baggage at the start line by 06.15.
As of 16.08.23 you must carry microspikes for the entirety of this Stage. It is mandatory to wear them for the glacier crossing and you will be turned back if you don’t have them.
If conditions of the glacier crossing change such that microspikes are no longer required we will let you know by email on Monday 4 September. Thank you for your understanding!
If conditions of the glacier crossing change such that microspikes are no longer required we will let you know by email on Monday 4 September. Thank you for your understanding!
Finish Line Gressoney: Your finish line is in the delightful church square, Piazza Tache. Take some rest there and enjoy the ambience. Your finisher soup, medical facilities & baggage collection are right at the finish area. If you need supplies there is one small village shop which sells the basics, but don’t expect your favourite brand of gel or sports drink! Check into your hotel, make yourself comfortable and then come back to support your fellow runners at the finish line! There is a friendly restaurant/bar “Castore” right by the finish line. Your evening meal will be provided in your hotel from 18:30. If you have special dietary requirements please notify them on arrival. If you are staying at Hotel Valverde the meal is provided at Restaurant Castore at the finish line, there will be a voucher in your race envelope. Have fun!
Stage Three: Gressoney to Macugnaga
The race will start at 06:30 on Friday 8 September from Piazza Tache, Gressoney-la-Trinité (google map location). This is the same location as your Day 2 finish line. Please deposit your baggage at the start line by 06.15.
Finish Line Macugnaga: You finish directly in the main Piazza of the village, and there will be lots going on! You’ll find fruit and a slice of pizza on the finish line. Again there is a small village shop and lots of cafes around the main square if you want to try ice cream or some local specialities. Your evening meal is in your hotel. If you are staying at Hotel Zumstein or Residence Cima Jazzi your evening meal will be in Hotel Flora at the finish line, there will be a voucher in your race envelope. Enjoy Macugnaga!
Stage Four: Macugnaga to Grächen
The race will start at 06:30 on Saturday 9 September from Piazza Municipio, Macugnaga (google map location). This is the same location as your Day 3 finish line. Please deposit your baggage at the start line by 06.15.
We’ll be waiting for you on the finish line in Grächen!
Race Route and Checkpoints
Please see the race website for all route and checkpoint information.
Route information: https://www.ultratourmonterosa.com/races/4-stage-race-info/
Checkpoint information: https://registration.utmr.ch/race-data/stage-race-checkpoint-info/
Liquids: Water + isotonic drink + hot or cold tea
Light: Liquids + coca cola + bar / cake
Medium: Light + bouillon, cheese, bread, crackers, fruit, chocolate
Big: Medium + isotonic drink + hot food (minestrone, pasta etc.)
Finish line: Soup & bread or pizza (Macugnaga), and fruit and drinks will be available for you at the Stage Finish lines.
Littering will result in a time penalty.
Route marking
The race route will be well marked with:
- bright orange/pink ribbons
- bright orange/pink flags on sticks or wires
- orange dots / arrows / markings made with a biodegradable chalk spray
Please always follow the race markings if different to the GPS tracks in case of any late alteration to the route.
Day / night: Sunrise: 06:56 / Sunset: 19:55 / Civil Twilight between 06:26 and 20:25
Timing and GPS Tracking
GPS tracking is included in your registration fee and these trackers will be provided to you at race registration. They are light (60g) and will be taped onto the shoulder strap of your rucksack at registration.
These must also be returned at the finish line or at a checkpoint if you withdraw from the race. You will be liable for a €135 charge if your device is not returned.
Instructions on how your family and friends can follow you in real time during the race will be emailed to you shortly before race week. Exciting!
Supporters
Supporters are not allowed access to the registration, start or finish areas.
Supporters are permitted in checkpoint zones only when their runner is present and as long as they don’t interfere with the operation of the checkpoint.
No support is allowed between checkpoints. No muling or pacing is allowed.
Rescue and Medical Assistance
EMERGENCY: +41.793.998.527
First aid will be available at specific points on the race route. These posts are in telephone liaison with the Race Organisation. Medical assistance will also be available at the finish line in Grächen.
If it appears that a runner is in difficulty or seriously injured: please telephone the EMERGENCY number, or go in person to the next checkpoint.
It is essential that each runner helps anybody in danger. Runners needing assistance submit themselves to the authority of a doctor or a rescuer.
You must stay on the marked route of the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa. Any runner who voluntarily leaves the waymarked route is no longer under the responsibility of the Race Organisation.
Withdrawal
| DAY | CHECKPOINT | KM | CUT OFF | BUS TO FINISH |
| Stage One – Wednesday | No cut-off. Withdrawal for emergency/injury only. | |||
| Stage Two – Thursday | CP6 – Rifugio Ferraro | 30.4 | 14:30 | 15:30 |
| Stage Three – Friday | CP9 – Rifugio Pastore | 24 | 13:00 | 14:30 |
| Stage Four – Saturday | CP13 – Saas Fee | 23 | 12:30 | 14:00 |
If you are injured or miss the time barrier we will provide transport to the finish line of that day’s stage. If you decide to withdraw you MUST notify the checkpoint coordinator. They will inform the Race Organisation and direct you to the provided transport.
If you decide to stop at any location other than those listed above it is your own responsibility to make your way to the finish of that race stage, and to notify the Race Organisation. Failure to do so may result in search and rescue, the costs of which will be your responsibility.
If you DNF (do not finish) one race stage, you will be able to start the next day but you will not receive an overall classification.
If you DNS (do not start) one of the stages, then it is your own responsibility to get yourself to the finish of that stage (and your accommodation). If you decide not to start one of the race stages you MUST let the Race Organisation know before the race start.
Children’s Race
There will be a small “Kinderrennen” in Grächen at 16:30 on Saturday 9 September. If you have children with you please do encourage them to run!
- ca. 800m for 5-7 year olds
- ca. 2500m for 8-12 year olds
If you have finished your race then please do come to support!
Prize giving and closing meal celebration
We are very happy that we are able to return to our pre-covid format of an evening prize-giving and closing meal celebration on the evening of Saturday 9 September. All runners and volunteers will be back in Grächen and this is a chance to share some time together, giving thanks to the volunteers and celebrating the effort of all the runners!
Overall winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd male and female) and category prize winners will be notified by SMS and called to the podium to receive their prize.
You can buy a meal ticket for yourself and for any supporters using this form: https://registration.utmr.ch/closing-meal-tickets/
We look forward to a happy evening together!
Social Media
We’d love to share news about the race with the world. If you post photos or news on social media please use the hashtag #UTMR so we can share too!
Departures and Post Race
Bus transfer: if you are taking our shuttle to Geneva Airport it will leave from the Dorfplatz in Grächen at 08:30 on Sunday 9 September.
All others can take the Postbus departing to Visp from Grächen. Times and connections and be found here: www.sbb.ch
Day trips: If you are staying for a while in Grächen or the surrounding region, then there are a multitude of options open to you. Miles and miles of hiking or running trails, bus trip to Zermatt and the Matterhorn. The tourist office here in Grächen will be very happy to inform you and assist your plans.