Marianne Hogan wins the inaugural Swiss Women’s Trail

The inaugural Swiss Women’s Trail, Switzerland’s first 100% women-only trail race, brought nearly 500 participants to Couvet on September 12. Across the 19 km and 38 km courses, women of all ages and backgrounds, from experienced athletes to trail beginners, shared a day built around effort, personal achievement, kindness and solidarity. The success of the first edition confirms the appetite for an event designed to encourage women to take up trail running and tackle longer distances. The event’s ambassador, Canadian Marianne Hogan, also lined up for the 38 km after giving the starting signal.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience with the Swiss Canyon Trail, the Swiss Women’s Trail was created with a clear ambition: to give women an environment where they can take on a new challenge, improve and build confidence, without pressure or judgment. The gamble paid off. Nearly 500 runners took part in the very first edition, exceeding the organisers’ initial expectations of between 300 and 500 participants.

Beyond the numbers, the day was defined above all by a very particular energy. Beginners, experienced trail runners, friends, colleagues and clubmates arrived at the start line with very different goals, but a shared desire: to experience a powerful sporting adventure and share it with other women.

Seeing all these women gathered on the start line today was incredibly moving. Some were taking part in their very first trail race, while others were tackling a longer distance for the first time. Each had her own challenge, her own story and her own victory to chase.
Cornelia FortePresident of the Swiss Women’s Trail

Two courses through the heart of Val-de-Travers

Participants could choose between two distances: a 19 km course with 750 m of elevation gain, and a 38 km course featuring 1,400 m of elevation gain. Starting in Couvet, all the runners climbed towards Creux du Van via the famous Sentier des 14 Contours, where a large crowd was waiting to cheer them on. They then discovered some of the most iconic landscapes of Val-de-Travers, from cliffs and Jura pastures to forest trails and exceptional viewpoints.

Marianne Hogan and Carolyn Schaltegger take the wins

On the racing side, Canadian Marianne Hogan, ambassador for the inaugural edition, dominated the 38 km to win in 3:18:03. Spain’s Beatriz Roman Soriano finished second, while Swiss runner Caroline Muller completed the podium.

There was incredible energy at the start and throughout the race. Beatriz set a fast pace from the outset, which pushed me to give my best from the first few kilometres.
Marianne HoganAmbassador and race winner

The presence and enthusiasm of this exceptional ambassador, one of the world’s best trail runners, added a special dimension to the inaugural edition.

In the 19 km, victory went to Swiss runner Carolyn Schaltegger of FUGA Mountain Club, who crossed the line in 1:55:38. Sina Sprecher finished second, just over a minute behind, while Selin Scherrer completed an all-Swiss podium.

Top 5, 38 km / 1,400 m elevation gain

1) Marianne Hogan (Canada): 3:18:03

2) Beatriz Roman Soriano (Spain): 3:24:14

3) Caroline Muller (Switzerland): 3:55:07

4) Aurelia Denner (France): 3:59:32

5) Gabrielle Chedin (France): 4:00:08

Top 5, 19 km / 750 m elevation gain

1) Carolyn Schaltegger (Switzerland): 1:55:38

2) Sina Sprecher (Switzerland): 1:56:59

3) Selin Scherrer (Switzerland): 2:00:50

4) Yela Galvan (Switzerland): 2:03:22

5) Giorgia Ferretti (Switzerland): 2:03:53

Beyond the podiums, stories and plenty of emotion

For many participants, finishing the race marked the culmination of months of preparation and the achievement of a challenge they might never have imagined taking on just a few months earlier.

N., a local runner, recalls with shining eyes: « I’ve been following the Swiss Canyon Trail for years, but I always told myself it wasn’t for me. When I discovered the Swiss Women’s Trail, I found the courage to sign up and start. It was an amazing experience! Today, I’d like to take part in the Swiss Canyon Trail and perhaps even try the 31 km. To cap this incredible day, I won my age group, even though it was my first race over such a long distance! »

An after-race workshop focused on sharing experiences

The day continued in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with a strong turnout for the post-race discussion. Runners were able to exchange with ambassador Marianne Hogan, French ultrarunner and nutritionist Manon Bohard and Pippa Ebel, a trail runner and Fuga’s European marketing manager, who shared their experiences and advice.

Having just finished the 38 km, Marianne Hogan looked back on her race experience and the emotions she felt throughout the course.

Pippa Ebel discussed the role and importance of women-only trail races before turning to kit choices, with a particular focus on sustainability. Manon Bohard explained the essential role of nutrition in managing effort during a race, as well as its particular importance in supporting effective recovery. It was a unique and inspiring moment, shaped by spontaneous conversations that perfectly reflected the spirit of the Swiss Women’s Trail: sharing, learning and improving together.

A first step towards a long-term ambition

Recognised by SheRACES, which promotes gender equity in sport, the Swiss Women’s Trail is part of a long-term effort to improve women’s representation in trail running, particularly over longer distances. The organisers were extremely pleased with the inaugural edition. The participants’ enthusiasm and the many testimonies gathered throughout the day have reinforced the event’s ambition: to eventually exceed 1,000 participants and become a major fixture on the women’s trail calendar, in Switzerland and beyond. Discussions are also underway about developing a Swiss Women’s Trail series in other regions and resorts across Switzerland.

Full results