2023-08-09 18:32:33
Published on August 09, 2023 at 8:32 p.m. Modified on August 09, 2023 at 8:44 p.m.
SIERRE-ZINAL AT 50
All week, “Le Temps” returns to the mythical Valais mountain race, which will experience its 50th edition on Saturday. Relive with us the genesis of Sierre-Zinal, its first heroes, its transformation into a popular event, the appearance of the Kilian Jornet phenomenon and discover the next revolution that is preparing in Kenya.
➤ Discover the series
In 1974, when the Anniviard Jean-Noël Theytaz registered for the first edition of Sierre-Zinal, he was 26 years old and used to running in the mountains. Normal, when one was born in this valley. And in his family, many are guides. The young man has therefore already participated in races. “There was already Fionnay-Panossière, in the Val de Bagnes, the Tour des Dents du Midi, or Sierre-Montana”, he recalls.
So when Jean-Claude Pont, the Valais teacher who initiated the race, submitted to him the idea of running from Sierre to Zinal, the one who hasn’t missed any editions since found the idea simply a good one. However, this is not the case for most people to whom the organizer has presented his project. Run in the mountains for 31 km, 2200 meters up and 1100 meters down? Might as well laugh! In a world where we are just beginning to get used to seeing runners pacing the streets with their brisk stride, we are not yet ready to meet them on the mountain paths. The idea is therefore considered far-fetched, if not completely crazy.
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