Engadin Sommerlauf: Course, Elevation & Route Profile

Course & Elevation

From the start in Sils the race follows the lake district via Silvaplana, the Surlej bridge and Champfèr. It then runs beside the Inn to St. Moritz Bad, past the French church and on to Lake Staz. This point-to-point course has a rolling middle section and a distinctive final passage through Stazerwald and back to the lake.

The official route description gives 22.9 kilometres, with 297 metres of ascent and 331 metres of descent. Lakeshore, riverside and larch-forest sections alternate before the finish at the festival grounds in St. Moritz Bad.

Pacing Strategy

Distribute effort after the opening lake sections: the course feels fast early, but its repeated rollers accumulate fatigue. The decisive phase comes later around Lake Staz and Stazerwald, where the climbing part of the profile takes effect.

The main trap is treating the flat kilometres beside the Inn as one long time trial. Keep the rhythm controlled there and use the waterside sections for fuelling; the final forest and lakeshore kilometres still demand a strong stride.

Training plan for Engadin Sommerlauf: 12-week build

For most runners this is a roughly two-to-three-hour endurance effort with a changing rhythm. Combine long runs on flatter ground with short climbs rather than training only on even kilometres.

Add a sustained faster section in the final third of long runs. This prepares you to run the Lake Staz and forest rollers with control after the flatter valley sections.

The race takes place in an alpine setting in August. Prepare for sun by the lakes, cooler forest passages and altitude; fuel early and test clothing and shoes on both asphalt and firm forest paths.