Switzerland · Graubünden
Distance
42 km
Date
Entry fee
CHF 95
€ / km
€2.45
Transruinaulta 42K: Running Switzerland's Rhine Gorge, Measured
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 3.0 km at 11.6% average (km 24.66). The final descent drops 412m over 4.8 km 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 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.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
1,800m
D+/KM
42.7m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
11.6%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-10.5%
Uphill gradient distribution
| 2–5% | 3.2 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 4.1 km | |
| 10–15% | 5.2 km | |
| 15–20% | 2.0 km | |
| 20%+ | 1.4 km |
Route Profile
AnalysedTerrain breakdown
| 37.2% | Uphill |
|---|---|
| 22.8% | Flat |
| 40.0% | Downhill |
Terrain
Transruinaulta 42K – 42.2 km 42km Top Climbs
Top Climbs
| 1 | 3.0 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% |
Top descents
| 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 -10.0% · max -33.5% |
| 3 | 2.6 km · 200 m drop starts km 15 · avg -8.0% · max -44.2% |
Canyon Singletrack in Switzerland - how hard is the Transruinaulta 42K?
Canyon Singletrack in Switzerland - how hard is the Transruinaulta 42K?▼
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.
The Two-Day Canyon Option: Combining the Transruinaulta Trail Run with the Transviamala
Can I combine Transruinaulta with another race?
▼
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.
Swiss Pricing, 22 Years of Infrastructure: How Much Does it Cost to Enter Transruinaulta 42K
How much does it cost to enter Transruinaulta 42K?▼
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.
When the 2026 Transruinaulta 42km Takes Place: The October Race Date
When does the 2026 Transruinaulta take place?
▼
October 24, 2026.
Train All the Way from Zürich: Getting to Transruinaulta by Rail
How do I get to the Transruinaulta start in Ilanz?
▼
From Zürich Airport (ZRH): train to Chur, then the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) to Ilanz — approximately 115 minutes total. No car required. Note the race is point-to-point (finish in Thusis), so a return transfer needs to be planned.
Transruinaulta 42K – 42.2 km 42km GPX
Getting to Transruinaulta 42K – 42.2 km
Nearest airport
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)
