SUISSE · Graubünden
Transruinaulta 42K: Running Switzerland's Rhine Gorge, Measured
Distance
42 km
Date
Droit d’inscription
95 CHF
€ / km
€2.45
Swiss canyon runway: fast trails along the Rhine gorge with stunning cliffs and easy logistics.
Transruinaulta 42K is a 42.2 km trail race held in October in Graubünden, Switzerland, following the Rhine Gorge (Ruinaulta) point-to-point from Ilanz to Thusis. The course gains 1,800 m (42.7 m/km) and is weighted toward descent — 40% of the course is downhill versus 37.2% uphill — rewarding runnable pacing on technical canyon singletrack: wooden footbridges over the Rhine, steep rock faces, dense gorge forest, and a sustained gradient character throughout. The biggest climb rises 350m over 3.03km at 11.55% average (km 24.66). The final descent drops 412m over 4.83km after km 31. Aid stations serve Swiss specialties — birabrot, biberli, and local cheese. October in the gorge is typically cool and possibly rainy. Entry costs €2.45/km — near the premium end of the European trail market for this distance. Zürich (ZRH) is approximately 115 minutes by public transport. The 42km connects with the Transviamala (19km, day 2) as a two-day stage race for CHF 175. Now in its 22nd edition (2026), Transruinaulta suits technically competent trail runners who want a scenically exceptional alpine gorge route — and the option to turn one race into a Swiss trail weekend.
Élévation et Terrain
Mètres totaux
1,800m
D+/KM
42.7m/km
Pour référence, le Tor des Géants 330 km a 73 D+/km.
Pente montante moyenne
11.6%
Pente descendante moyenne
-10.5%
Distribution du gradient de montée
| 2–5% | 3.2 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 4.1 km | |
| 10–15% | 5.2 km | |
| 15–20% | 2 km | |
| 20%+ | 1.4 km |
Profil de parcours
AnalysedDétail du terrain
| 37.2% | Montée |
|---|---|
| 22.8% | Plat |
| 40% | Descente |
Terrain
Ascensions
Principales montées
| 1 | 3 km · 350 m gain starts km 25 · avg 11.6% · max 20.1% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.9 km · 222 m gain starts km 17 · avg 7.8% · max 19.7% |
| 3 | 1.7 km · 215 m gain starts km 29 · avg 12.8% · max 21.3% |
Principales descentes
| 1 | 4.8 km · 412 m drop starts km 31 · avg -8.5% · max -23.2% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3.4 km · 340 m drop starts km 21 · avg -10% · max -33.5% |
| 3 | 2.6 km · 200 m drop starts km 15 · avg -8% · max -44.2% |
Transruinaulta 42K: Running Switzerland's Rhine Gorge, Measured
What Makes Transruinaulta Different from Every Other Swiss Trail Race?▼
Q: How hard is the Transruinaulta 42K? A: Moderate. At 42.7m/km and 22.8% flat terrain, the gradient profile is challenging but not extreme — comparable in elevation density to Les Templiers Grand Trail. The course leans net-descent (40% downhill), rewarding runners who pace the canyon climbs well. The technical character of the gorge trail and sustained gradient mean there are no easy kilometres.
Course Profile — Canyon Singletrack, Wooden Bridges, and a Net Descent to Thusis▼
Q: Can I combine Transruinaulta with another race? A: Yes. The Transviamala (19km, Thusis-based) runs the following day and can be entered as a two-day stage race with the 42km for CHF 175 total.
€2.45 per Kilometre — What Swiss Canyon Organisation Costs▼
Q: How much does it cost to enter Transruinaulta 42K? A: CHF 95 standard entry — €2.45 per kilometre — placing it near the premium end of the European trail market for a 42km race. Swiss operational costs and 22 years of race infrastructure are reflected in the price.
Getting There: Zürich, the RhB Train, and Why Ilanz Is Easier to Reach Than Most Alpine Starts▼
Q: When does the 2026 Transruinaulta take place? A: October 24, 2026.
Fichiers de course
Logistique
Aéroport le plus proche
Zürich (ZRH)
Notes
Start: ~2–2.75 hrs to Ilanz by train+bus / Public transport: good (rail to Chur + RhB to Ilanz) / Accommodation: moderate in Ilanz/Flims/Laax; book early (summer)
