Rules and Regulations

All figures or amounts appearing in brackets in these Regulations ([...]) may vary from one edition to another. However, such figures or amounts shall be deemed final as of the opening of registrations for the relevant edition of the same year.

For the sake of conciseness, the masculine form used throughout these Regulations shall be deemed to include the feminine form. Likewise, words expressed in the singular may be understood to include the plural, and vice versa.

These Regulations are issued in several languages. In the event of any discrepancy, ambiguity or inconsistency between the different language versions, the French version shall prevail and be binding.

Art. 1 Organization

The Sierre-Zinal Race is organized by the Sierre-Zinal Association (the "Organizers").

Art. 2 Acceptance of the Rules

Registration for and/or participation in the Sierre-Zinal Race implies express and unreserved acceptance of these Rules, of the event’s ethical principles and of any instructions issued by the Organizer to participants.

The same shall apply to representatives, agents, team managers or any other private person representing athletes, as well as to athletes’ teams possessing legal personality, who have negotiated the participation of such athletes in the Sierre-Zinal Race. These Rules shall also be binding upon them.

Art. 3 Sierre-Zinal Race

The “Sierre-Zinal Race” consists of several events:

• an adult race from Sierre to Zinal also called the “Race of the Five Four Thousand Meter Peaks”,
• a junior race from Chandolin to Zinal called the “Junior Race”,
• a children's race held in Sierre, called the “Race of the Five Obstacles".

Together these various events make up the "Sierre-Zinal Race".

Art. 4 Race Date

The Sierre-Zinal Adult Race and the Chandolin-Zinal Junior Race are, in principle, held each year on the second Saturday of August.

The Children's Race generally takes place at the end of the afternoon on the eve of the Sierre-Zinal and Chandolin Zinal Races.

Art. 5 Categories according to start time

Entrants in the Sierre-Zinal Race can choose to run either in the ”Tourist” category or in the “Runner” category, depending on their estimated running time.

• "Tourist" category: the participant registered in this category does more than [4:30].
• "Runner" category: the participant registered in this category does less than [4:30].

Participants in the "Tourist" category will receive an official time, but no ranking and will be awarded no qualifying points for other competitions. In addition, participants in the "Tourist” category cannot include Sierre- Zinal in the calculation of their ITRA or UTMB indexes.

In these Rules the collective plural refers to both the masculine and feminine genders and is used for conciseness purposes only. Similarly, the singular can have a plural meaning and vice versa.

Art. 6 “Runners’” Subcategories

Participants in the "Runner” category shall be grouped according to their age and gender in the following sub-categories:

• Elite Women and Men : [18-39] years old
• Women I : [40-49] years old
• Women II : [50] years and over
• Veterans I : [40-49] years old
• Veterans II : [50-59] years old
• Veterans III : [60] years and over

Art. 7 Adult Race

Unless modified due to weather conditions (See Art. 12 Reservations for Weather Conditions) the Sierre-Zinal Adult Race follows a [31] km mountain trail involving a [2200] meter elevation gain and a [1100] meter vertical drop. The course of the Sierre-Zinal Adult Race is not quite identical for the "Tourist" and "Runner" categories:

• Athletes in the "Tourist” category can choose between two departure options: either via Niouc or via the Chapelle Saint-Antoine (Race Profil).
• For athletes in the “Runner” category, only the route via Niouc applies (Race Profil).

Art. 8 Junior and Children's Courses

Unless modified due to weather conditions (See Art. 12 Reservations for Weather Conditions) The Chandolin-Zinal Junior Race is a [19] km trail involving a [800] meter elevation gain and a [1100] meter vertical drop.

The Children's Race takes place in the town of Sierre.

Art. 9 Start Times

In principle, the start times of the Sierre-Zinal Race are as follows:

• Children's Race (“Course des cinq obstacles”): Friday from [5:00] to [6:30] pm. 
• Sierre-Zinal Adult Race:
• “Tourist” category: from [4:45] to [6:15] am ;
• “Runner” category: from [11:00] to [11:20] am.
• Chandolin-Zinal Junior Race: [10:15] am.

The Organizer reserves the right, at its discretion, to modify the start times or to subdivide the above-mentioned categories. Any modified start time shall be communicated to participants or their representatives by email at least one week in advance. The right to modify the start time due to weather conditions is expressly reserved (cf. Art. 12 Reservation for weather conditions).

Art. 10 Starting Blocks

Athletes in both "Tourist" and "Runner" categories shall be seeded into starting blocks by the official timekeeper based on their estimated running time as per the information provided at registration and their last results in the Sierre-Zinal Race.

Athletes should arrive at the Start area at least [30 minutes] before their start time.

Art. 11 Seeding into Starting Blocks and Block Changes

The allocation of participants to the different starting blocks shall be final and may not be contested by participants or third parties. Such allocation shall be communicated to participants or their representatives by email at least one week prior to the Sierre-Zinal Race.

Starting Block changes will result in disqualification (see Art. 45 Disqualification).

Art. 12 Reservation for Weather Conditions

The Organizer reserves the discretionary right to modify the Sierre-Zinal Race courses, to shorten them, or even to cancel one or more of the races, depending on weather conditions.

The Organizer further reserves the discretionary right to modify the start times or starting blocks on the eve of the race, in accordance with weather forecasts or prevailing weather conditions.

In such circumstances, the treatment of entry fees shall be governed by Art 33. Entry Fee No Refund Policy.

Art. 13 Reservation for Extraordinary Situations

Depending on the sanitary situation or other extraordinary circumstances, organizers reserve the right to replace the one-week-end event by a multi-day race model, in particular if health constraints make it impossible to hold the Sierre-Zinal Race (adult and junior courses) on one day. Extraordinary circumstances include natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, or any decision made by a government or administrative authority preventing the normal holding of the Sierre-Zinal Race.

In such circumstances, the Organizers of the Sierre-Zinal Race also reserve the right to cancel the race at any time.

Should such a case arise, the entry fee policy is spelled out in Art 33. Entry Fee No Refund Policy.

Art. 14 Age Requirements

Participants must be at least [10] years of age to take part in the Sierre-Zinal Adult Race courses.

“Tourist” category: from [10] years of age.

“Runner” category: from [18] years of age.

No maximum age is set for these courses.

The Chandolin-Zinal Junior Race is open to children aged from [10] to [17] years. Only children under [12] years of age may be accompanied throughout the course in the Chandolin-Zinal Junior Race.

The Children’s Race is open to children aged [4] to [9] years.

Age shall be determined based on the calendar year in progress.

Art. 15 Equipment and Physical Condition

There is no apparel requirement for the Sierre-Zinal Race. However, since part of the trail is 2000 meters above sea level, participants are advised to adapt their clothing to weather conditions and risks.

Participants in the Sierre-Zinal Race undertake to show up at the above-mentioned event in excellent health and adequately trained, while being fully aware of the length and specificity of the event. The Sierre-Zinal Race is indeed long and arduous.

Participants in the "Tourist” category, may find a flashlight or a headlamp useful as the race begins at night. They can hand in their lamps to relatives as soon as it gets light. The Organizers do not provide for the deposit and return of lamps.

Art. 16 Loss Property or Theft

Sierre-Zinal Organizers decline all responsibility for the loss or theft of participants’ personal items, equipment or material, whether on the Sierre-Zinal Race course, during the transport of personal belongings, or at the start and finish.

Any lost item found by the Organizers will be brought to Zinal. The owner should contact the Organizers and, after establishing their ownership, come and collect their property. Items which remain unclaimed after 2 weeks from the date of loss will be disposed of by Sierre- Zinal Organizers.

Art. 17 Respect for the Environment

By registering for the Sierre-Zinal Race, participants undertake to respect the environment and the natural areas they go through. In particular:

• It is strictly forbidden to leave waste (gel tubes, paper, organic waste, plastic packaging...) on the course. Trash should be disposed of in the bins that are available at each aid station.
• All participants must keep their waste and packaging until they can dispose of it in the bins provided at the aid stations or until they can hand it over to relatives along the course.
• It is imperative to follow marked trails. Running off trail is prohibited except during the last descent (see Art. 18 Obligation to Stay on Course). Running off trail causes damaging erosion of the site.

Any violation of one or more of the above obligations may, depending on the seriousness of the violation, result in disqualification (see Art. 45 Disqualification).

Art. 18 Obligation to Stay on Course

For safety reasons, fair play and environmental concerns (see also Art. 17 Respect for the Environment), participants are expected to stay on the courses marked out by the Organizers (see Art. 7 Adult course and Art. 8 Junior and children's courses). Running off course shall result in disqualification (see Art. 45 Disqualification). The courses are marked with yellow Z's, pennants and fixed black signs with the Sierre-Zinal logo.

On the last descent to Zinal, runners have the possibility of taking shortcuts between two points on the route.

Art. 19 Poles and Bandits

Sticks are prohibited on all the courses of the Sierre-Zinal Race. Violators will be disqualified.

It is forbidden to wear headphones on any part of the Sierre-Zinal Race course, under penalty of disqualification (cf. Art. 45 Disqualification).

Athletes are prohibited to run with a friend, relative or other runners who are not registered for the Sierre-Zinal Race. Running with a dog or animal is prohibited. Violators will be disqualified (see Art. 45 Disqualification).

Art. 20 Aid Stations

Participants in the Sierre-Zinal Race may take advantage of refreshments along the entire route, even outside the refreshment zones, as long as the environment is respected (see Art. 17 Respect for the environment).

The Organizers will set up official aid stations along the course at:

• Beauregard, km [4] ; 
• Ponchette, km [7.5] ;
• Chandolin, km [12] ;
• Tignousa, km [16] ;
• Hotel Weisshorn, km [20] ;
• Nava (only water point), km [24] ;
• Barneuza, km [27].

Due to the logistical constraints associated with supplying the Beauregard and Ponchette aid stations, the quantity of water available at these locations is limited. Participants are therefore requested to use the water reasonably and to refrain from any excessive consumption.

Persons accompanying Juniors (see Art. 14 Age Requirements) do not have access to the aid stations set up by the Organizers.

The said participants, as well as their feeders or relatives, undertake not to leave any waste or trash behind, on pain of being disqualified (see Art. 45 Disqualification).

Participants consume all products provided by the organisers at the refreshment stations (water or other drinks, gels, food, etc.) at their own risk. The organisers cannot be held responsible for food poisoning, positive anti-doping tests or any other illness or infection linked to these refreshments. 

The Organizer reserves the right to disqualify any runner receiving any form of assistance outside the official refreshment zones (cf. Art. 45 Disqualification).

Art. 21 Cut-off Times

During the race, participants must comply with the following cut-off times, failing which they shall be declared out of the race (cf. Art. 46 Disqualification or withdrawal) :

• Chandolin: [10:40:59] for the “Tourist” category, [14:10:59] for the “Runner” category;
• Tignousa: [12:00:59] for the “Tourist” category, [14:40:59] for the “Runner” category;
• Hotel Weisshorn: [13:30:59] for the “Tourist” category, [15:20:59] for the “Runner” category.

The Organizer reserves the right to modify the above-mentioned cut-off times.

The final arrival time at Zinal for the “Tourist” and “Runner” categories is set at [17:30:59]. After this time, participants who have not yet finished shall be declared out of the race (cf. Art. 47 Out of the race or withdrawal).

Art. 22 Rescue, Evacuation and Airlift

In the event of injury, accident or any other circumstance rendering it impossible for a participant to continue the Sierre-Zinal Race, the participant agrees to be evacuated or rescued by land and, where no land evacuation is possible, by helicopter. Airlift evacuation is mandatory in particular on the entire summit section of the junior and adult courses of the Sierre-Zinal Race.

The choice of the evacuation method shall lie at the sole discretion of the Organizer, who shall take into account the circumstances and the participant’s medical condition.

All costs relating to evacuation, airlift, rescue operations and any subsequent hospitalization shall be borne in full by the rescued participant and his or her legal or contractual representative (coach, agent, team manager, etc.), who shall be jointly and severally liable.

By registering for the Sierre-Zinal Race, all participants, their representatives and teams expressly accept this clause.

Participants and their representatives acknowledge that the aforementioned costs may amount to several tens of thousands of Swiss francs and expressly accept such risk.

Under no circumstances shall the Organizer be held liable for the payment of such costs. No recourse shall be possible against the Organizer.

Art. 23 Registration

Persons wishing to take part in the Sierre-Zinal Race must register via the official website of the race or of its official timekeeper, in accordance with the procedures communicated each year by the Organizer. In principle, no on-site registration shall be possible on the day of the Sierre-Zinal Race, for any category or event of the Sierre-Zinal Race.

The number of participants is limited, depending on the event:

• For the Sierre-Zinal Adult Race:
• The “Tourist” category is limited to [4,000] participants;
• The “Runner” category is limited to [2,100] participants.
• The Chandolin-Zinal “Junior” category is limited to [250] participants.
• The “5 Obstacles” Children’s Race in Sierre is limited to [500] participants.

The Organizer reserves the right to modify the maximum number of participants from one year to another.

The Organizer further reserves the right to implement a pre-registration system for residents of the municipalities of the Sierre district. In case of doubt, proof of residence as of the date of pre-registration shall prevail. Residence shall be verified by the competent municipal authorities. The transfer of a bib from a resident to a non-resident is not permitted.

Should the initially established pre-registration quota be exceeded, a draw shall be conducted among the pre-registered applicants. Pre-registration shall be free of charge.

Art. 24 Registration fees

The entry fees, excluding options (see Art. 30 Options  below), are as follows:

• CHF [110].– for the “Tourist” and “Runner” categories of the Sierre-Zinal course;
• CHF [30].– for the Chandolin-Zinal Junior Race;
• CHF [15].– for the Children’s Race.

Any banking fees charged by certain financial institutions are not the responsibility of the Organizer. The above-mentioned amounts are net amounts, excluding banking charges.

Registration is personal, nominative, binding and final. It shall not be subject to any refund for any reason whatsoever (see Art. 33 Registration Fee no-refund policy) and may not be transferred to another person, unless otherwise expressly provided for in these Rules (in particular Art. 32 Race Number Transfers).

The Organizer reserves the right to modify the above-mentioned entry fees from one year to another.

Entry fees are payable in advance and shall validate the participant’s registration for the race.

Art. 25 Services included in the registration fee

Registration for the Sierre-Zinal Race and payment of the entry fee (cf. Art. 24 Registration fee above) entitle the participant, subject to any contrary decision by the Organizer, to:

• participation in the Sierre-Zinal Race;
• use of the free shuttle (Art. 26 Free shuttles below) connecting Sierre railway station (in front of Restaurant Le Bourgeois, Av. du Rothorn 2, 3960 Sierre) to the start of the adult course, or use of the special buses from the Val d’Anniviers at the price of CHF [12].– (Art. 27 Buses from the Val d'Anniviers below);
• transport of the participant’s personal belongings from Sierre to Zinal (Art. 28 Transport of Personal Belongings below);
• refreshments along the course and at the finish;
• a post-race meal under the main tent in Zinal;
• a post-race massage, subject to availability;
• receipt of a medal, provided that the participant has completed the entire course in compliance with the cut-off times (cf. Art. 21 Cut-off Times) and has passed through all checkpoints and the finish line;
• receipt of a souvenir gift, subject to available stock;
• access to showers at the finish in Zinal (Art. 29 Showers below);
• a diploma;
• free return bus transport from Zinal to Sierre upon presentation of the bib;
• inclusion in the official results of the Sierre-Zinal Race (in alphabetical order for the “Tourist” category).

The participant may also purchase optional services at the time of registration (cf. Art. 30 Options below).

The Organizer reserves the discretionary right to modify the above-mentioned services depending on weather conditions, public health circumstances or any other circumstances, even if attributable to the Organizer. Even in the event of a reduction in services, the participant shall have no right to any refund — whether partial or full — of the registration fee, unless otherwise decided by the Organizer (cf. also Art. 33 Registration Fee no-refund policy).

By registering for the Sierre-Zinal Race, the participant consents to receive the Sierre-Zinal Race newsletter. The participant may unsubscribe at any time. Notwithstanding such unsubscribe request, the participant or his/her representative shall continue to receive pre-race information, including the allocated starting block and start time.

Art. 26 Free Shuttle Buses

The Organizer provides free shuttle services connecting Restaurant Le Bourgeois, located in the city centre of Sierre, to the start of the adult course on the morning of the race. No shuttle service is provided for the Chandolin-Zinal Junior Race.

For the “Tourist” category, the free shuttle operates every 10 minutes from [03:30] to [04:30] for blocks 1–2–3 and from [05:05] to [05:45] for blocks 4–5–6.

For the “Runner” category, the free shuttle operates every 10 minutes from [09:30] to [10:45].

Participants in the “Tourist” or “Runner” categories who have purchased accommodation and/or breakfast options at Restaurant Le Bourgeois (cf. Art. 30 Options) are requested to proceed to the railway station in order to board the free shuttle.

Art. 27 Post Buses from the Val d'Anniviers

The departure times and locations of the special buses on the morning of the Sierre-Zinal Adult Race from the Val d'Anniviers are as follows:

- Departure from Zinal Gondola Lift (via Ayer, then Vissoie) :

• At [3 am] (majority of buses), then at [4:15 am] (smaller number of seats) for the "Tourist" category;
• At [9:15 am] for the "Runner" category.

- Departure from Grimentz Gondola Lift (via St-Jean, then Mayoux and finally Vissoie):

• At [3 am] (majority of buses), then at [4:15 am] (smaller number of seats) for the "Tourist" category;
• At [9:15 am] for the "Runner" category.

- Departure from Chandolin Post Office (going through St-Luc, then Vissoie) :

• At [3 am] for the " Tourist " category;
• At [8:51 am] (regular post bus) for the "Runner" category.

The number of buses from the Val d’Anniviers is limited. A fee of CHF 12.– shall be charged to each participant wishing to use this transport service. No discount shall be granted for general travelcards (GA), half-fare cards or any other form of reduction.

Arrival in Sierre is scheduled approximately one hour after each bus departure.

All buses will stop at the start of the adult course and subsequently at Restaurant Le Bourgeois in the city centre of Sierre (Av. du Rothorn 2, 3960 Sierre). Participants who have not yet collected their bib must disembark at Restaurant Le Bourgeois, collect their bib at the Town Hall, and then take the free shuttle departing every 10 minutes from Restaurant Le Bourgeois (cf. Art. 26 Free Shuttles buses above).

Art. 28 Transport of Personal Belongings

Participants’ personal belongings are transported free of charge from Sierre to Zinal and, for the Junior Race, from Chandolin to Zinal. They are collected in trucks:

• For the Sierre-Zinal Adult Race: on the morning of the race at the start area in Sierre.
• For the Chandolin-Zinal Junior Race: on the morning of the race at the start area in Chandolin.

The Organizer declines any liability for loss or theft of transported personal belongings. By depositing items in the trucks, the runner confirms that such items are properly packed and suitable for the intended mode of transport. Any liability of the Organizer for damage resulting from the transport is expressly excluded.

Transport is carried out at the sole risk of the owners of the personal belongings.

Personal belongings must be collected on the same day in Zinal before 19:00, upon presentation of the bib.

Art. 29 Showers

Participants in the Sierre-Zinal Race (Junior and Adult courses) have access to the showers located in Zinal after finishing the race. The showers close at [19:00]. 

In order to access the massage service, participants are required to take a shower beforehand. The massage service closes at [17:00].

Access to the showers at the finish area is strictly reserved for registered participants of the Sierre-Zinal Race.

Art. 30 Options

When registering, participants in the Sierre-Zinal course may select the following options, subject to available places or capacity:

• Breakfast option, served on the morning of the race in Sierre, in principle at Restaurant Le Bourgeois. This option includes: tea, coffee, fruit juice, cereals, bread, jam, butter and fruit;
• Accommodation option in Sierre on the evening preceding the adult and junior races of the Sierre-Zinal Race. This option includes a mattress. Accommodation for the “Runner” category is located in the shelters of Restaurant Le Bourgeois in Sierre, and accommodation for the “Tourist” category is located in the Goubing gymnasium.

The Organizer reserves the right to offer additional options to participants at the time of registration.

These options must be paid as supplements at the time of registration. The breakfast option costs at least CHF [15].– and the accommodation option costs at least CHF [25].–. The Organizer reserves the right to modify these amounts from one edition of the Sierre-Zinal Race to another.

An “Accommodation” stand is, in principle, available in the hall of the Sierre Town Hall for information and possible payments on the Friday preceding the adult and junior races of the Sierre-Zinal Race, from [13:30] to [18:30]. Participants who have selected the accommodation option and who arrive later than [18:30] may proceed directly to the accommodation site, where a security agent will direct them to their allocated sleeping place.

Options must be paid in advance in order to be validated by the Organizer.

Art. 31 Race Number Retrieval

Bibs must be collected, subject to modification by the Organizer, as follows:

• For the Children’s Race: on the Friday of the race, until [30] minutes before the start, at the Sierre Town Hall.
• For the Sierre-Zinal Adult Race: on the day preceding the race, from [13:30] to [19:30]; on the day of the race, from [03:00] to [06:00] and from [08:00] to [11:00], at the Sierre Town Hall.
• For the Chandolin-Zinal Junior Race: on the day preceding the race, from [13:30] to [19:30] at the Sierre Town Hall, or on the day of the race at the start in Chandolin from [08:00].

A third party may collect the bib on behalf of a friend or family member, provided that proof of registration of the person concerned is presented.

Art. 32 Race Number Transfers

Any change from the “Tourist” category to the “Runner” category, or vice versa, is strictly prohibited.

Any request for change of race number and/or name is no longer possible as of [22] July of the current year. Registration options may, however, be modified and refunded.

A race number exchange may be considered depending on demand. Such exchange is not guaranteed by the Organizer. Participants have no entitlement to a race number exchange; it remains solely a possibility.

The transfer of a race number is subject to a fee of CHF [25.–] and is permitted only until [21] July inclusive. The transfer must be carried out by completing the official race number transfer form available at:

https://www.sierre-zinal.com/en/transfer-2823.html

The applicable amount must be paid in advance in order for the transfer to be validated.

Art. 33 Registration Fee No Refund Policy

Subject to the conclusion of cancellation insurance (see Art. 34 Cancellation Insurance below), the registration fee shall not be refunded if a registered participant does not take part in the Sierre-Zinal Race, regardless of the reason.

The same shall apply if the courses of the Sierre-Zinal Race are modified or shortened due to weather conditions, or if one or more races must be cancelled for the same reasons (see Art. 12 Reservation for Weather Conditions).

In the event of cancellation or modification of the Sierre-Zinal Race due to the health situation, extraordinary circumstances (see Art. 13 Reserve for extraordinary situations), or for any other reason, the Organizer shall decide, at its sole discretion, whether the registration fee will be reimbursed (not at all, partially or in full).

Should the Sierre-Zinal Race be cancelled, the options concluded by the participants (see Art. 30 Options) shall, however, be reimbursed in full.

Under no circumstances shall participants be entitled to defer their registration to a subsequent edition of the Sierre-Zinal Race.

Art. 34 Cancellation Insurance

At the time of registration, the participant may take out cancellation insurance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the official timekeeper of the Sierre-Zinal Race ([Europäische Reiseversicherungs AG – ERV]). Information is available at: [https://datasport.com/fr/erv/].

This insurance is offered exclusively by the official timekeeper of the Sierre-Zinal Race. The Sierre-Zinal Race and the Organizer expressly disclaim any and all liability in connection with this cancellation insurance.

The said cancellation insurance is not valid in the event of cancellation or modification of the race concept, in particular for sanitary reasons (see Art. 13 Reserve for extraordinary situations). It applies solely in the event of accident or illness affecting the participant (see the general terms and conditions of the official timekeeper available at [https://datasport.com/en/erv/]).

Art. 35 Exclusion of Liability

The Organizer shall accept no liability whatsoever for any accident, theft or loss occurring in connection with the Sierre-Zinal Race, whether on the course or outside the marked trail.

Each participant shall be solely responsible for any damage or injury caused to third parties and shall have no right of recourse against the Organizer.

Any participant who deliberately leaves the marked course shall no longer be under the responsibility of the Organizer.

Art. 36 Invitations and Prerequisites

Invitations are granted by the Organizer, at its sole discretion, to runners, teams or elite athletes (regardless of gender, the “Invited Runner”, collectively the “Invited Runners”).

When granting invitations, the Organizer shall take into account, in particular, the following elements:

• A potential finishing time under [2h50] for Men and under [3h20] for Women;
• Proven experience in mountain running and/or trail running;
• Track performance references ([5 km], [10 km], half marathon and marathon).

A registration form for runners and elite athletes wishing to participate in the Sierre-Zinal Race is available on the official website at:
https://www.sierre-zinal.com/en/registration-form-172.html

Runners, teams or athletes who are not invited shall have no right to contest the absence of an invitation.

Art. 37 Types of invitations

Several types of invitations exist and may be combined:

• Transport Contribution: The Organizer may, at its sole discretion, contribute to the transportation costs of the Invited Runner from their place of residence to Zinal. The Organizer shall not, however, bear any accommodation or meal expenses of the Invited Runner in Zinal.
• Accommodation – [4 nights in Zinal]: The Organizer shall cover up to four [4 nights] of accommodation in Zinal during the week of the Sierre-Zinal Race for the Invited Runner. Meals are included and borne by the Organizer.
• Conditional Accommodation – [4 nights in Zinal]: This invitation corresponds to the “Accommodation – [4 nights] in Zinal” invitation. However, upon arrival in Zinal, the Invited Runner or their representative shall pay to the Organizer an amount of CHF [90].– per day. This amount shall be reimbursed:
• if the Invited Runner completes the unmodified adult course of the Sierre-Zinal Race in less than [2h50] (Men) or [3h20] (Women); or
• at the sole discretion of the Organizer, taking into account the circumstances that led the Invited Runner to exceed the above-mentioned performance times or to withdraw from the Sierre-Zinal Race.
• Free Bib: The Organizer shall provide the Invited Runner with a race bib free of charge.

• Paid Bib: The Organizer guarantees that the Invited Runner will receive a race bib for the Sierre-Zinal Race upon payment of CHF [110].–.

Art. 38 Additional charge for failure to comply with the cut-off times

In addition, and depending on the circumstances, the Organizer may, at its sole discretion, require the Invited Runner who has failed to comply with the performance times to pay, jointly and severally with his or her representative or team, a supplementary amount of up to CHF [500].–.

This supplement may cover administrative costs, reimbursement of the race bib granted to the Invited Runner, and compensation for reputational damage (e.g., communication expenses).

In deciding whether to impose the above-mentioned supplement, the Organizer shall in particular consider: the lack of genuine sporting commitment of the Invited Runner, his or her representative or team toward the Sierre-Zinal Race; the fact that the race was treated merely as a preparatory event rather than as a competitive objective; or the absence of demonstrable intent to achieve a competitive performance.

Art. 39 Additional obligations of the Guest Runners

In addition to the obligations set out above (see Section Rights and obligations of participants of the regulations), the Invited Runners undertake to:

• Attend press conferences, activities organized by the Organizer and official ceremonies to which they are invited. In this context, the ten [10] best invited male and female runners shall travel to Sierre on the day preceding their race for a public presentation;
• Attend the prize-giving ceremony if concerned;
• Be present at the starting line no later than [20 minutes] prior to the start of the race. The start time shall be communicated at least one week in advance, subject to weather conditions;
• Attend the official brunch if invited by the Organizer. The exact date and time shall be communicated at least three [3] weeks in advance.

Art. 40 Honouring the invitation

The Invited Runner shall honour his or her invitation to the Sierre-Zinal Race, irrespective of its type, and shall participate in the race in an adequately prepared condition.

If the Invited Runner fails to appear at the start of the Sierre-Zinal Race without having previously submitted a medical certificate attesting to his or her inability to participate for medical reasons, the Invited Runner shall not be invited to future editions of the Sierre-Zinal Race, unless he or she pays to the Organizer a lump sum of CHF [500].–.

This lump sum includes the registration fee as well as compensation for administrative costs incurred by the Organizer and for reputational damage caused to the Sierre-Zinal Race.

Furthermore, should the Invited Runner have benefited from accommodation paid for by the Organizer for the days preceding or following the race, as well as complimentary meals, and fail to honour the invitation without valid justification, the Invited Runner shall reimburse the Organizer, in addition to the aforementioned amount of CHF [500].–, a lump sum of CHF [90].– per night in order to be eligible for invitation to future editions of the Sierre-Zinal Race.

Art. 41 Prizes Based on Rank and Time

For the “Runner” category of the Adult course, time-based prizes shall be awarded to the fastest participants in accordance with the table below (time prizes).

For the Veterans I to III categories, Women I to II categories, and for the Chandolin-Zinal Junior Race, rank-based prizes shall be awarded to the fastest participants within their respective categories.

For the purpose of calculating prizes, the official time shall commence at the starting gun and not at the moment when the participant crosses the starting line.

The Organizer reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify these prizes from one edition to another.

In order to be eligible for prizes, participants in the “Runner” category must be present at the official start time and within the start block assigned by the Organizer.

Art. 42 Start Prizes

The Organizers may also, at his discretion, pay starting bounties to invited Runners. The amount will be determined unilaterally by the Organizers according to the merits of the guest runner and their history in the Sierre-Zinal Race.

Art. 43 Record Prizes

In the event of a new course record on the official adult course of the Sierre-Zinal Race, the record bonus shall initially amount to CHF 2,000.–.

If the record is not broken, the bonus shall increase by CHF 1,000.– each year until such time as the record is broken.

The current records are:

• 2h25’34’’ for Men (2024);

• 2h49’20’’ for Women (2019).

No record bonus shall be awarded for the Junior courses or for the Children’s Race.

Art. 45 Disqualification

Any participant who violates one or more provisions of these Regulations shall be disqualified from the Sierre-Zinal Race.

In addition to disqualification, the participant shall be required to:

• Reimburse in full any prizes received (place and time prizes, start bonus or record bonus; seeArt. 41 Prizes based on rank and Time, Art. 42 Start Prizes and Art. 43 Record Prizes);
• Reimburse in full any accommodation and meal expenses granted (Invitation – Accommodation 4 nights in Zinal, see Art. 37 Types of invitations), as well as any transport costs borne by the Organizer (Invitation – Transport Contribution, see Art. 37 Types of invitations);
• Reimburse the registration fee of CHF [110].– if the participant was an Invited Runner.

The same shall apply if the participant’s entourage, including representatives, agents, team managers or any other private person representing the participant, violates one or more provisions of these Regulations.

In order to contest a disqualification, the disqualified runner must lodge a formal objection with the Organizer within [48 hours] of notification of the disqualification, failing which the right to contest shall be forfeited. The objection must be submitted in writing by letter or by email to:

Association Sierre-Zinal
Rue Centrale 6
3960 Sierre
Switzerland

or at:

If the participant was represented or advised by an agent, team manager or any other private person, or was part of a team with legal personality, such agent, team manager, private person or team shall be jointly and severally liable for the reimbursement of all amounts referred to in this Article.

Art. 46 Complaints

Any complaint concerning a matter other than disqualification (see Art. 45 Disqualification above) must be submitted by email to the Organizer within 10 days following the edition of the Sierre-Zinal Race concerned.

The complaint shall be examined by the Organizer and shall give rise to a written response.

However, such complaint shall not give rise to any reimbursement of the participant’s expenses or to any other form of compensation, any right to reimbursement being expressly excluded by the Organizer pursuant to the above-mentioned provisions of these Regulations.

Art. 47 Disqualification or Withdrawal

Any participant who is taken out of the race for failure to comply with the cut-off times (see Art. 21 Cut-off Times) shall have their race bib crossed out and the timing chip removed at the checkpoint where they arrived after the applicable time limit. The participant may retain the bib as a souvenir.

A participant who withdraws from the race must report to the person in charge at the nearest aid station or, at the latest, at the finish line. From the moment such withdrawal is declared, the participant shall be deemed out of the race.

The Organizer shall repatriate participants who withdraw from the Sierre-Zinal Adult Race only if the withdrawal occurs at the aid stations of Chandolin or Tignousa. Participants withdrawing at Chandolin may take the PostBus free of charge upon presentation of their race bib. Repatriation from Tignousa shall be ensured by a free shuttle organized by the Organizer. After these checkpoints, participants must make their way to Zinal by their own means.

From the moment a participant is taken out of the race or withdraws, they shall no longer be under the responsibility of the Sierre-Zinal Race or the Organizer.

Art. 48 Pursuit despite a disqualification

Any participant who has been taken out of the race and nevertheless wishes to continue the course may do so only after his or her race bib has been crossed out and the timing chip removed.

Such continuation shall occur solely under the participant’s own responsibility, at his or her own risk, and in complete autonomy. From that moment onward, the participant shall no longer be under the responsibility of the Organizer.

Anti-Doping Policy of Sierre-Zinal

• The Organizer has strengthened the provisions of the Regulations concerning doping. These provisions must be accepted by all participants, as well as by representatives, agents, team managers and any other private persons representing athletes, at the time of registration.
• For many years, Sierre-Zinal has actively fought against all forms of doping by systematically mandating anti-doping controls (WADA) in the “Runner” category. Anti-doping controls (WADA) shall continue to be conducted in collaboration with the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), which cooperates with World Athletics.
• By registering for Sierre-Zinal and thereby accepting the present Regulations, each athlete — as well as invited representatives and coaches — undertakes, in the event of proven doping, to reimburse in full all costs and expenses incurred by the Organizer under this chapter. In addition, the Organizer may claim further compensation for reputational damage caused to the event in connection with the invitation.
• In order to ensure the financial solvency of invited athletes, representatives (including coaches), agents, team managers, any other private persons representing athletes and/or teams shall be contractually and jointly and severally liable, within the meaning of Art. 143 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO), for the reimbursement of the amounts referred to above. Accordingly, they undertake personally to reimburse in full all prizes, registration fees, accommodation costs and any other expenses related to the invitation of the athlete, and to pay any additional compensation owed to the Sierre-Zinal Association.
• The Organizer reserves the right to suspend any current and future collaboration with participants, as well as with representatives (including coaches), agents, team managers, any other private persons representing athletes and/or teams, following a positive anti-doping control at Sierre-Zinal. The same shall apply to participants and their entourage who competed in Sierre-Zinal while concealing a provisional suspension.
• The Organizer further reserves the right to prohibit future participation of the athletes concerned and their entourage, being convinced that the fight against doping requires awareness and accountability at all levels.

Art. 49 Doping

Each participant in the Sierre-Zinal Race undertakes:

• To submit to any urine, blood, capillary, hair and/or saliva sampling and related analyses carried out within 30 days prior to the Sierre-Zinal Race and up to 15 days after the race. It is understood that the costs of such sampling and analyses shall be borne directly by the Organizers;
• To comply at all times with the current Prohibited List issued under the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA) (https://www.wada-ama.org/fr/liste-des-interdictions#search-anchor) ;
• To respond to any request or summons from the Organizers, whether in person or remotely (telephone or videoconference), for the purpose of assessing their fitness to participate or any potential reclassification or sanction following the competition;
• To provide, upon request of the Organizers, any anti-doping control forms relating to tests carried out within 30 days prior to the race and up to 15 days after the race;
• To spontaneously inform the Organizers of any anti-doping proceedings initiated against them by any national anti-doping organization or international anti-doping authority, as well as any provisional or final suspension affecting them that is not publicly known or known to the Organizers;
• To consent to the strictly anonymous use of their data for research purposes only. Each participant has the right to access, rectify and object to the processing of their personal data in accordance with Art. 54 Data protection.

Any unreasonable failure, refusal to cooperate, or transmission of incorrect or incomplete information in connection with anti-doping controls may result in exclusion prior to the competition or disqualification after the competition, with the consequences provided for under these Regulations (Art. 45 Disqualification).

Art. 50 Proven Doping Case

If a participant is found guilty of doping as a result of a positive test carried out within three (3) months before or after the Sierre-Zinal Race, or in connection with the Sierre-Zinal Race, and such finding is based on a final and legally binding decision, or if the results of a participant in the Sierre-Zinal Race are subsequently annulled pursuant to a final sanction imposed by competent anti-doping authorities covering the period of the Sierre-Zinal Race, or if the participant should not have taken part in the race due to a provisional suspension in force at the time, the participant shall be deemed to have committed a Proven Doping Case and shall be disqualified from the relevant edition of the Sierre-Zinal Race (Art. 45 Disqualification).

In addition, the participant shall reimburse and/or pay to the Organizers:

• All prizes received from the Organizers for the edition concerned (place and time prizes, start prize and/or record prize – see Art. 41 Prizes based on rank and time, Art. 42 Start Prizes and Art. 43 Record Prizes);
• All accommodation, transport and any other costs paid by the Organizers for the participant;
• The registration fee of CHF [110] if the participant was a guest runner;
• All costs resulting from the positive test and its consequences (including, but not limited to, administrative costs and legal expenses);
• A lump-sum compensation of CHF 10,000 for violation of these Regulations and of the fundamental anti-doping values of the Sierre-Zinal Race, without prejudice to the Organizers’ right to claim compensation for the actual damage suffered, in particular reputational damage.

If the participant was represented or advised by representatives (including coaches), agents, team managers, any other private person and/or was part of a team with legal personality, such persons and/or team shall be jointly and severally liable for the reimbursement and payment of the full amounts set out in this provision.

Art. 51 Other Consequences of a Proven Doping Case

The Organizers reserve the discretionary right to prohibit, for a determined number of years, any future participation in the Sierre-Zinal Race of a participant who has been subject to a Proven Doping Case (Art. 50 Proven Doping Case  above). The Organizers further reserve the right to prohibit, for the same period, the participation of the participant’s representatives (including coaches), agents, team managers, any other private person representing athletes, and/or teams, including the athletes represented by such persons or teams.

In exercising this discretionary power, the Organizers shall take into account the specific circumstances of the case.

A complaint may be lodged in accordance with Art. 46 Complaints. Any other legal remedy is expressly excluded.

Art. 52 Image rights

Participants in the Sierre-Zinal Race, as well as their representatives (including coaches), agents, team managers, any other private persons representing athletes and/or teams, authorize the Organizers to use visuals, photos and videos in which they may appear.

Each competitor, including the above-mentioned entourage, expressly waives their right to their image in connection with the Sierre-Zinal Race, as well as any recourse against the Organizers and their approved partners for the use made of their image.

Only the Organizers may transfer this image right to any media outlet through accreditation or an appropriate licence.

All participants, as well as their representatives (including coaches), agents, team managers, any other private persons representing athletes and/or teams, are informed that the Sierre-Zinal Race is a popular and media event followed by a large community, sponsors and public authorities, and that public communications in particular via media and social networks are made by the Race regarding events occurring in this context.

Art. 53 Sierre-Zinal Brand

Any communication relating to the Sierre-Zinal Race or any use of images of the said race must respect the name of the event, the registered trademarks and be subject to the prior official approval of the Organizers.

Art. 54 Data Protection

In accordance with Swiss data protection legislation, each participant has the right to access and rectify data concerning them.

Information is collected in the context of registration for the Sierre-Zinal Race for the proper organisation of the event and for organisational purposes, in particular in order to individually identify each participant and to communicate to them, before, during or after the Sierre-Zinal Race, all information relating to their participation.

The results of the Sierre-Zinal Race are published on the website of the official timekeeping partner of the Sierre-Zinal Race as well as on the website of the Sierre-Zinal Race.

The Sierre-Zinal Race undertakes that participants’ personal data will not be transmitted to sponsors and partners of the Sierre-Zinal Race for marketing operations.

All participants’ data are retained for a period of one (1) month after the event.

For any question, to object to data processing exceeding what is required for the proper organisation of the Sierre-Zinal Race, or for any request for deletion of their data from the results, any participant may contact, upon proof of identity:

Association Sierre-Zinal
Rue centrale 6
3960 Sierre
Switzerland

or at the following email address:

Any request for access to or modification of personal data will be processed as soon as possible following receipt of the request.

Art. 55 Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

Swiss law shall apply to any dispute arising from these Rules or in connection with the Sierre-Zinal Race. The place of jurisdiction for any proceedings shall be Sierre, in the canton of Valais.