Silver Anniversary with various activities
The Swissalpine Marathon in Davos is celebrating its 25th anniversary on 31 July. With just one exception, there will be no changes to the well-established race programme, but various Silver Anniversary events are also planned.
By Anita Fuchs
To revel in memories and treasure the memory: this is the intention of the organisers for the Silver Anniversary of the Swissalpine Marathon. For example, a photographic exhibition will display the most beautiful and most impressive pictures from the past 24 events - initially from 10 to 31 July in the Bergün Kurhaus, and then for a year on the Keschhütte, which at 2,632 metres above sea-level is the highest point of the Swissalpine Marathon. An anniversary book entitled "erlebnis pur” (pure experience) is bound to prove an interesting reference work for fans and friends of the Swissalpine Marathon (order at: www.peterwirz.ch/swissalpine), as is an entertaining DVD (www.swissalpine.ch).
Visits to two UNESCO world heritage sites
A varied Swissalpine Marathon supporting programme of events called "Highseven" will be in keeping with the anniversary spirit. This kicks off on the afternoon of Sunday 25 July with a get-together on the Rinerhorn mountain. Children can visit a petting zoo, and for the adults the former long-standing race doctor, Beat Villiger, will give a talk on optimal nutrition in the week leading up to the competition. On the following day, the organisers will offer a guided tour of the course. The five- to six-hour walk from Chants over the Keschhütte, Scaletta Pass and on to the Dürrboden is only suitable for people who are physically fit.
On Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 July, the programme includes a visit to the Convent of St. John, Müstair followed by an excursion into the National Park, as well as a trip on the Bernina Express railway (through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges!). Both the Convent of St. John and the Bernina railway between Thusis and Tirano are UNESCO world heritage sites. Yet another highlight of Highseven is the Swissalpine Anniversary Evening with jazz on 28 July in the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère.
Two hours more time
Then on 29 July there is a sport-related (and free-of-charge) seminar entitled "Bewegung und Sport: erst recht im Alter” (Exercise and sport: more important as you get older"). Older K78 first-timers can also definitely take part, because this year runners have 14 hours to complete the 78 kilometre long-distance course, whereas they previously only had 12. "In the case of lots of older runners, they have the necessary endurance, but are not capable of finishing in the time allotted," explains Organising Committee President Andrea Tuffli. Therefore, there is a two-tier start. The main body sets off as usual at 8.00 hours over the Keschhütte and Scaletta Pass, and those who want to benefit from the increased time slot will already have left at 6.00 hours. The target finish time for everyone is 20.00 hours – even for those setting off at 11.30 hours on the no less popular K42 from Bergün and therefore the highest marathon in Europe.
Attractive finishers' gift
The fastest runners need less than six hours for the K78. It is extremely possible that Jonas Buud will again be crowned champion. The Swede, who last year became only the second runner to achieve a hat-trick, has already signed up for this year's race. This is in contrast to fellow Swedish citizen, Lena Gavelin, who barely 12 months ago succeeded in her first race and on 31 July will be tackling the marathon in the European Athletics Championships instead of the Swissalpine Marathon. Two former winners, Switzerland's Jasmin Nunige (2005 and 2008) and Briton Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hawker (2006 and 2007) have already entered. This pair, along with all other runners, will receive a race jacket specially made for them as an Anniversary gift.
The actual conclusion of the Swissalpine week takes the form of a Farewell Party on the evening of Saturday 31 July. "A DJ will create the atmosphere and a slide show will entice you to revel in your memories," comments Andrea Tuffli.
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