After last year’s soaring entry figures, the Monte Rosa Walser Trail has welcomed a flood of entries in the main event that are set to exceed last year’s demand. There are already 350 registered athletes across the three distances and an increasingly international field with 11 nations represented amongst the current entries. The weekend centres around the goings-on in the picturesque village of Gressoney-Saint-Jean, which – alongside the three races – will also host a superb party on Saturday evening.
#MWT19 is so much more than just a hashtag. For ultra runners across the globe, this race has evolved into a highly valid target race for the season. The team at Monte Rosa Races and Events have succeeded in their aim to grow the MWT into something extraordinary: last year’s entry figures in the 114 km distance have already been matched and there is still a long time until the gun goes on Friday, 26 July at 7 pm. Right now, the 114 km starting list contains 150 athletes from 11 different nations, keen to leave the beating heart of the village in their wake and embark on the biggest challenge.
Yet let’s not overlook the younger siblings – No less epic or beautiful in their surroundings, the 50 km and 20 km are both filling up with international entries and count around 200 participants so far. Given these figures, it’s easy to predict that this veritable Walser trail running festival will break records whatever the distance.
In terms of logistics, the race organisers have chosen to ‘compress’ the event by shifting the 114 km race to a Friday evening start, and scheduling the 50 km and 20 km on the Saturday morning (rather than the traditional Sunday morning spot). It’s a move that looks highly promising, allowing people to get to know the area and enjoy a full-on weekend of sport.
There will be a prize-giving ceremony for all three distances at Saturday evening’s festivities at Sport Haus, which will be followed by a raucous party. In the organisers’ eyes, this event merits a ‘third half’.
Come Sunday morning, everyone is welcome to participate in the non-competitive 5 km, which is particularly suitable for families, people with disabilities, and children. The commendable aim is to gather as many people as possible in order to lend a loud cheer and masses of support to the 114 km’s final finishers.
Friday 26 July 2019
From 14.00 to 18.00: Race HQ opens for number collection of the 114, 50, 20 and 5 km
18.00 Obligatory race briefing for the 114 km
19.00 Race starts 114 km.
Saturday 27 July 2019
06.00 Race HQ opens for number collection of the 50 and 20 km
07.30 Briefing 50 km
08.00 Start 50 km
9.30 Briefing 20 km
10.00 Start 20 km and eco-trail
11.30 Marquee opens with food served to athletes, supporters, and spectators – serving non-stop until 14.00 on Sunday.
19.30 Prize-giving ceremony for the 20, 50 and 114 km
Followed by entertainment in the square and the “Third Half” party.
Sunday 28 July 2019
9.00 Race HQ opens for number collection of the 5 km
10.00 Start 5 km, non-competitive event with disabled participants and families
10.30 Predicted arrival of the final competitor in the 114 km.
INFO: Monte Rosa Walser Trail
