Our Story

From Run the Alps Founder Doug Mayer

Flower-covered high pastures. Centuries old herders huts. The distant cacophony of cow bells. Hut caretakers with mugs of fresh café au lait. And, all around, rugged peaks piercing Europe’s rooftop.

It’s hard to write about the Alps without sounding like a string of guidebook clichés. The thing is…it’s all true. Trail running in the Alps is pretty hard to beat.

I’ve been at it for years, now—ever since my brother and I first stuffed ten franc bills in our socks and headed off for a run, no particular destination in mind. That day, we ran to a local summit, coasted along a ridge next to the Eiger, and stopped in at a mountain cafe for warm cup of Ovomaltine and a croissant.

I was hooked.

One thing led to another, and I was soon planning trips for others. Now, together with trail-running friends in both Europe and the United States, we’ve started Run the Alps.

Our goal? Find the absolute best trail running experiences in the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps. Away from the crowds, in high Alp villages, we’ll seek out those runs that are a bit quieter, a bit wilder, and bring together the very best the Alps have to offer.

Whether a one-hour jaunt to a local hut or an all-day adventure over ridges, peaks and pastures, Run the Alps offers organized and self-guided tours through some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere on earth.

The Alps are also internationally known for some of the most exciting trail races, anywhere. Interested in checking one out? There’s a trail race every weekend, from May through October. From Sierre-Zinal to Swissalpine to Eiger Ultra to Zermatt’s Ultraks, we can help pick the event that’s right for you.

Trail running is as much about camaraderie as it is personal challenge. We look forward to helping you plan your adventure, and hope to see you on the trail! Join us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter. Share in the adventure, and get ready to run the Alps!

Run the Alps is committed to responsible international travel. We are a member of 1% for the Planet, incorporate Leave No Trace principles into all of our trips, and work to reduce the cultural and environmental impact of our trips, including purchasing carbon offsets. Here’s more information on responsible international travel.