The Highlander 42k starts in the heart of the village of Gstaad, along its magnificent pedestrian street. After a 2 km climb past the beautiful chalets of this famous resort, the first trails lead runners to the small village of Turbach, nestled in the heart of a valley dominated by the impressive Giferspitz, whose summit rises to 2,542 metres.

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This alpine ‘pyramid’ will act as the judge of the course, with nearly 1,600 metres of elevation gain concentrated in the first 11 kilometres. Fortunately, the rest of the route promises to be more... digestible, although... Before setting off again on a pretty single track dominated by the Wistätthorn, don't forget to admire the spectacular panoramic views of the peaks that separate the cantons of Bern and Valais, such as the Wildhorn and the Wildstrubel.

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Participants then reach the summit of the Rüwlishorn (2,234 m) and its magnificent ridge, not to mention the view stretching all the way to the north face of the Eiger. The distance allows you to reach the Rüwliseeli, a lake offering a picture-postcard view of the Gummfluh, the region's iconic mountain. After the third refreshment stop at Zwitzeregg, the Hornberg plateau marks a more rolling transition, where it will be possible to ‘let loose’ until the last checkpoint at Horneggli.

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The final section first passes through the fairytale-like Hornfluh forest before beginning a long descent towards Gstaad and a triumphant finish in its splendid main street.

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A marathon distance in the form of a roller coaster. And why not try the 2D Challenge with a prologue on Saturday?