St. Moritz Running Festival 2026 – Trail & Road Running in the Engadin

A Premier Running Event in the Heart of the Alps

The St. Moritz Running Festival 2026 – trail & road running brings together athletes from around the world for a weekend of competitive and recreational running against one of Europe's most spectacular alpine backdrops. Set in the legendary Upper Engadin, this event celebrates the region's extraordinary network of trails, lakeside paths, and mountain routes that make it a destination of choice for runners of every level.

The 2026 edition takes place from August 7 to 9, 2026, offering three days of racing, community, and high-altitude adventure in and around St. Moritz. Whether you are chasing a personal best on a road course or testing your endurance on rugged alpine trails, this festival delivers an unforgettable running experience at nearly 1,800 metres above sea level.

What to Expect at the Festival

The St. Moritz Running Festival typically features a varied program designed to cater to trail runners, road runners, and casual participants alike. The weekend format allows for multiple race categories spread across the three days, giving athletes the opportunity to participate in more than one event or simply soak in the atmosphere.

Our recommended race: The Engadiner Sommerlauf takes you on a spectacular 22.9 km journey from Sils to St. Moritz, passing lakes, forests, and the scenic Inn river in the heart of the Engadine. Find all the details of the Engadiner Sommerlauf

Staying at Schweizerhof Sils Maria means you start just moments from the starting line, enjoy a relaxed race morning and seamless access to this iconic alpine run.

The festival atmosphere extends beyond the start and finish lines. Runners and spectators can look forward to a lively event village, local food and drink, live entertainment, and the camaraderie that defines running festivals worldwide. The Engadin's reliable summer weather, with long sunny days and refreshing alpine air, provides ideal conditions for both racing and recovery.

Find all the routes and races on the official website.

The Engadin Advantage for Runners

Running at altitude in the Upper Engadin is a unique experience. The thin mountain air, the panoramic views of glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks, and the extensive trail network create conditions that are both challenging and deeply rewarding. Many elite athletes use the Engadin for altitude training, and the St. Moritz Running Festival gives recreational runners the chance to experience that same environment in a supported, festive setting.

The region surrounding St. Moritz and Sils Maria offers terrain for every preference. Smooth lakeside paths connect the villages along Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana, while steeper routes climb into the surrounding valleys and up to alpine passes. The variety of surfaces, from groomed gravel to rocky mountain trails, ensures that every runner finds their ideal course.

Getting There from Hotel Schweizerhof Sils Maria

Hotel Schweizerhof Sils Maria is located approximately 12 kilometres from St. Moritz, making it a convenient and peaceful basecamp for festival participants. The journey between Sils Maria and St. Moritz takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car along the main Engadin road. Regular PostBus connections also link the two villages throughout the day, offering a hassle-free public transport option.

Staying in Sils Maria rather than in the busier centre of St. Moritz allows runners to enjoy a quieter, more relaxed environment before and after race days. The village sits at the entrance to the car-free Fex Valley, providing additional training routes right from the hotel doorstep for those who want to add extra kilometres to their weekend.

Your Runner's Basecamp at Hotel Schweizerhof

Hotel Schweizerhof Sils Maria is a certified Swiss Running Hotel, purpose-built to meet the needs of trail and road runners. The hotel offers early, energy-rich breakfasts so you can fuel up before race start times, along with athlete lunch boxes available on request for longer days on the trails.

If you choose the Engadiner Sommerlauf your start line is just meters away from the hotel, the perfect start to a race.

The hotel's staff can provide route suggestions, regional running maps, and practical tips to help you make the most of both the festival and the surrounding Engadin landscape. Whether you are arriving days early to acclimatise at altitude or extending your stay to explore more trails after the event, Hotel Schweizerhof Sils Maria is the ideal home for your St. Moritz Running Festival experience.

Lace up, race hard, and recover in comfort - all from your doorstep in Sils Maria.

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Photo Copyright St. Moritz Running Festival 2026