Villars will host the 2028 European Trail Running Championships!

Villars is stepping onto the stage of Europe’s major trail running events! In 2028, the resort in the Vaud Alps will have the honour of hosting the European Trail Running Championships, bringing together the continent’s elite as well as thousands of passionate runners on its trails.

European recognition for Villars

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While Villars has been hosting trail running competitions for several years through the Villars Ultraks, being awarded the 2028 European Championships confirms the appeal and quality of the playground offered by Villars and the Alpes Vaudoises.

For our destination, this represents a major milestone: it positions Villars as a must-visit trail running destination in Europe, capable of hosting top-level competitions while offering a unique experience to amateur runners.

An event open to all, from elite athletes to enthusiasts

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The European Trail Running Championships are not limited to elite competition: they also celebrate mass participation.

The programme will feature several spectacular formats:

• Mountain running races, including an Uphill race and an Up-and-down race
• Three trail formats:
  • the Sprint Trail, open to amateur runners
  • the Euro Trail, open to both elite and recreational runners
  • the Enduro Trail, designed for non-elite participants

This diversity perfectly reflects Villars’ DNA: an adventure playground accessible to everyone, from experienced athletes to leisure runners.

A strong momentum for trail running in Switzerland and in the Canton of Vaud

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As highlighted by Christoph Seiler, President of Swiss Athletics, Switzerland has a strong tradition in mountain running and trail running.

Hosting these championships in Villars will further strengthen this legacy and support the development of the discipline, particularly among young talents, thanks to initiatives such as the Junior Trail Series.

André Duvillard, President of the Villars Ultraks Association, said: “We are delighted to take on this wonderful challenge, which aims to make this event much more than just an elite competition. We want to turn it into a major popular gathering, bringing together spectators, competitors, and local residents around an innovative project. The goal is to position the 2028 European Trail Running Championships as a catalyst for the sustainable development of trail running across the entire Canton of Vaud.”