Run the Alps Explainer: I Need a Health Certificate to Trail Race in Europe?
Yes, you do. But only in certain countries. And what you need varies by the country where you’ll race.
For many of our guests and friends, the fact that you might need a signed medical certificate from a doctor in order to trail race is a real surprise. In the US and elsewhere, most of us are simply used to suffering a bout of dubious judgement – usually concluding with, “Oh, sure, let’s do it!” – followed by an easy online application and fee payment.
In France and Italy, it’s a bit different. The federal governments in each country require trail racers (and indeed any sports competitors from golfers to horse-riders) to submit a certification that allows you to race. While Italy requires a form signed by a doctor, as of late 2024, France has moved to an online certification process.
The medical certificate is taken very seriously. If you don’t have the proper form, you won’t start. It’s that simple.
To help smooth the registration process, here are our tips for the certification requirements for racing in France, Italy, and Switzerland:
France
For racing in France, you will need to provide your Parcours de Prévention Santé (PPS) certificate, roughly translating to The Health Protection Program in English. The program is administered by the FFA, the Fédération Française d’Athlétisme, France’s national athletic association, and is designed to raise awareness of the risks, precautions and recommendations relating to runners’ health.
In the past, anyone taking part in a trail race in France was required to visit a doctor, following the same procedure as in Italy (see below). Now, however, participants in any trail race in France only need to take a simple online program that takes less than 10 minutes and will receive a PPS certificate.
You’ll painlessly watch a few short videos, confirm that you understand the issues and risks, and get a downloadable PDF certificate that is valid for three months. To finalize your race registration, you’ll need either to provide the PPS number that is on the certificate or the printed certificate in accordance with the specific race organizer’s regulations.
How to get Your Health Protection Program (PPS) certificate for racing in France:
- Go to: https://pps.athle.fr/
- Enter your personal information and the date of your trail race.
- Step through the process, watching each video and then certifying that you understand. The videos are in French with English subtitles.
- At the end of the process, you’ll need to certify that you have read and understand all the information provided.
- Now, you’ll receive your PPS certificate number. This number will need to be added to your race entry. If you are taking part in a Run the Alps trip as part of your race, we’ll be in touch with a request for this number and other information we’ll need, which varies with each race.
- Download and print your certificate. Bring a copy to your race, and if you are coming on a Run the Alps trip, please remember to bring it with you on your trip.
You can read more about getting certified to race in France on our blog.
Italy
For racing in Italy, you are required to submit a form signed by a doctor stating that you are healthy for competition.
Tips for Getting Your Medical Certificate for racing in Italy:
The certificate needs to be less than a year old on the date of the race
-Be sure to use European date format. The difference between 6.11.2018 and 11.6.2018 can create quite a hassle if your trail race is in July!
The stamp matters
-Some doctors are not used to using their medical stamp with license numbers. A few don’t even have a stamp. But, the stamp matters. If your doctor doesn’t have a stamp readily available, he or she should write, “No stamp available,” followed by their medical license number and initials.
One certificate might do the trick for several races
-Race organizations will often offer their own medical certificate on the race web site. But a standard certificate should do just fine – and then you can re-use it for other races (be sure to make extra copies!)
-You can download a general PDF of an Italian certificate for your doctor to use: Italian Medical Certificate with Translation
Everybody Loves Their Own Form
-Unless you are doing several trail races in one season, use the form suggested by your race. They’re used to seeing it, after all.
Just the form – Nothing More
-If you use an asthma inhaler from time to time, for example, that’s not relevant for the purposes of the form. Your doctor should complete the information on the form, and not add additional information.
What’s Up, Doc?
-It’s entirely up to your personal physician what to check during the certification process. Most doctors will check vitals, get a thorough medical history, and ask about any conditions that might prevent you from taking part without complications.
Schedule It
-If you’re coming on a Run the Alps trip and taking part in a trail race in Italy, plan ahead with your appointment. Get the forms to your doctor in advance, so they can ask questions before your appointment.
Got verification?
-Once you have uploaded your certificate according the the instructions of your race registration, make a note to check back in a week or two. Most races will indicate on your registration page that they have received and approved your certificate.
Print it. Twice.
-When you’re headed to the race, always bring a hard copy of your medical certificate. It just might save the day, if the race says they haven’t received a copy of your certificate.
-And, bring an electronic copy, too! Keep a copy on your phone or laptop, downloaded and easy to access. It might come in handy.
Forgot to do it?
-In mountain towns with an active population, the local doctors are generally quite familiar with the racing medical form routine. An appointment usually costs about €30, and takes about 20 minutes. If you are taking part in a Run the Alps trip, we’ll help you find a doctor and make an appointment.
Switzerland
Medical certificates are not necessary in Switzerland. You’re off the hook if you’re running Sierre-Zinal, Eiger Ultra, Matterhorn Ultraks, or any one of the hundreds of great trail races in the Swiss Alps.
Congratulations! You’re ready to race! Run the Alps guests: Drop us a note directly if you have questions.
