A Day of Running.....
- Deborah Kade
- 12 hours ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
"Running, well actually walking, had to be the word for today. First, I ran over to the Höhematte to catch the running of the Jungfrau Marathon. Next, it was a fast dash to catch the train for Avenches. Finally it's a sprint to catch the bus out to the Stud Farm.
Swiss tradition before the race.
Elite runners warming up.
National Anthem of Switzerland
"42.195 kilometers (138,435.039 feet) , 1,953 meters (6407.48031feet ) in altitude difference, 4, 000 entries that sell out every year. These are the figures that make the Jungfrau-Marathon special. But it’s not just about the numbers – it’s also about the breathtakingly beautiful landscape along the entire course that makes both runners and spectators marvel again and again. Pure nature at its most spectacular!"
"The start in Interlaken reveals a clue as to where the journey will end. A glimpse of the Jungfrau, one of the iconic Alpine trio of peaks besides the Mönch and Eiger, sets the course.
The Jungfrau-Marathon leads through constantly changing scenery – alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, through traditional mountain villages and past an awe-inspiring mountain backdrop. And the atmosphere and enthusiasm along the entire route, underscored by flag throwers, alphorn players and bell ringers, are what bring this event together to a fascinating whole. The runners are welcomed on Eigergletscher at 2,320 meters (7611.549 feet) above sea level, at the foot of the Eiger and Mönch."
"The Pace Bike sets the speed at which participants will reach the checkpoints in Wengen or at Wixi in the time allowed. Runners who are overtaken by the Pace Bike will not be able to reach the next checkpoint within the time allowed and continue at their own risk. "
The pace bike for the women's group.
"The Sweeper's Bike marks the end of the race. Participants who are overtaken by the Sweeper's Bike may be withdrawn from the race by race stewards and may no longer take advantage of any marathon services. After the Sweeper's Bike has passed through, the course will be reopened to public traffic.Doctors posted along the route are authorized to retire a runner from the race on medical grounds."
"Participants who exceed the final checkpoint times in Wengen or at Wixi will not be ranked and may no longer make use of any marathon services (refreshments, first aid, checkpoint stewards, timing, ranking lists, medals, finisher T-shirt etc.). The marathon course will be closed after the following checkpoint closing times – the time is the determining factor, not the Pace Bike:
Wengen Railway Station (km 30,7 km), after 4 hrs 25 mins running time
The course will close at km 30,7 at 13:00 hrs/1pm local time.
Wengernalp, Wixi branch-off (km 38.5), after 5 hrs 50 mins running time. The course will close at km 38.5 at 14:25 hrs/2.25pm local time.
Runners passing one of these checkpoints after the closing times are not permitted to continue the race. The race number entitles the participant to free travel to the finish and to Grindelwald, where valuables and personal effects must be collected."
Interesting clouds over the Mönch
Jungfrau
Felt like I ran a marathon as I had to rush back home in order to catch the train to go to the Avenches Tattoo. Well, at least I got a flag.
The 20th edition of Avenches Tattoo is taking place from September 3rd to the 5th in the unique setting of the Swiss National Stud Farm.
There was entertainment at Tattoo Square and many food trucks.
Swiss believe in recycling.
Where are we?
The stadium
We had VIP tickets so we got in early and had a snack. You could also have red or white wine, soft drinks, or water.
The National Stud Farm also has storks building nests. They have already started their migration south.
THE BAND OF HIS MAJESTY’S ROYAL MARINES COLLINGWOOD – UNITED KINGDOM
"A standard-bearer of British musical excellence, The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood makes a welcome return to Avenches. Recently, its musicians have performed at iconic events such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Mountbatten Festival of Music and the Coronation of King Charles III.Under the direction of Captain Hannah Trudgeon, this ensemble ranks among the most prestigious in the world. Featuring their renowned Corps of Drums, their performance is set to be a highlight of this 20th edition."
A BANDA DE MÚSICA DA FORÇA AÉREA – PORTUGAL
"For the first time in 20 editions, a Portuguese ensemble will perform at the Avenches Tattoo. Made up of elite musicians, the Portuguese Air Force Band stands out for its diverse repertoire, combining classical works, contemporary music and iconic Portuguese pieces, offering a vibrant musical journey.Appearing exceptionally outside its borders, the orchestra’s presence promises to be one of the highlights of this edition."
MUSIQUE DES TROUPES DE MARINE – FRANCE
"Founded in 1945 and based in Versailles, the Musique des Troupes de Marine today brings together around fifty professional musicians. A true ambassador of the French Army, it upholds the traditions of this elite corps through official ceremonies, prestigious concerts and international festivals, both in France and abroad."
SWISS ARMED FORCES CONSCRIPT BAND 16-2/2026
'This year, nearly 80 talented young musicians from across Switzerland will perform within the Swiss Armed Forces Conscript Band 16-2/2026. Their training begins at the end of June in Aarau, under the musical direction of Major Roger Hasler. The show choreography will be entirely created for the Avenches Tattoo 2026 by Staff Warrant Officer Philipp Rütsche.A true embodiment of Swiss talent, the Swiss Armed Forces Conscript Band 16-2/2026 is among the most anticipated ensembles."
The crowd loved them and gave a well deserved standing ovation!!!!
MASSED PIPES AND DRUMS – UNITED KINGDOM
"The Massed Pipes & Drums, led by William Jordan and Bryon Brotherton, both former Directors of Music at the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, will stir the audience with the sound of the bagpipes, bringing together nearly 60 musicians from Scotland, Northern Ireland and England."
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MAJESTICKS DRUM CORPS – SWITZERLAND
"In 2026, Majesticks will also celebrate its 15th anniversary. An opportunity to see the group perform in a different register and in collaboration with other drum corps."
TÉNORS FÉVIGNE – SWITZERLAND
"Formed in 2019 among 5,000 performers at the Fête des Vignerons, this group is made up of five enthusiasts for a vocal quartet… of five! They notably stood out with Angèle’s “Balance ton quoi” during The Voice in 2025."
This presentation of this song was also popular with crowd who sang along. This was a standing ovation performance.
DÉLIT DE CUIVRE – SWITZERLAND
"Délit de Cuivre brings together six eccentric musician-actors who break the mold with humou and virtuosity. Without a single word, they deliver a sequence of visual gags, relentless rhythms and improbable situations."
SWISS NATIONAL STUD FARM
"Since 1899, the Swiss National Stud Farm (SNSF) has pursued three missions: training, research in the equestrian field, and the promotion and support of the Franches-Montagnes breed, the only typically Swiss horse.For this 20th edition, they will present a new equestrian and musical display."
FINALE
"The climax of this year’s production, themed “Tradition in Motion”, will see every musician in the cast unite for a spectacular musical and choral finale. Joined by the Tenors of the Fête des Vignerons, the full company of performers will come together to present a stirring rendition of the iconic Ranz des vaches (“Lyoba”).“Ten years after an edition dedicated to Gruyère, bringing Lyoba back to the finale feels entirely fitting. It promises to be a deeply moving moment, echoing both the spirit of the Fête des Vignerons in Vevey and the remarkable enthusiasm that has swept through Fribourg in recent months,” says Étienne Mounir, Musical Director of the Avenches Tattoo.Another of the production’s most anticipated highlights will be the solemn and evocative Lone Piper sequence."
Swiss National Anthem
"The Swiss Psalm is the national anthem of Switzerland. It was composed in 1841, by Alberich Zwyssig (1808–1854). Since then, it has been frequently sung at patriotic events. The Federal Council declined, however, on numerous occasions to accept the psalm as the official Swiss national anthem. This was because the council wanted the people to express their say on what they wanted as a national anthem. From 1961 to 1981, it provisionally replaced "Rufst du, mein Vaterland" ("When You Call, My Country"; French "Ô monts indépendants"; Italian "Ci chiami o patria", Romansh "E clomas, tger paeis"), the anthem by Johann Rudolf Wyss (1743–1818) that was set to the melody of "God Save the King". On April 1, 1981, the Swiss Psalm was declared the official Swiss national anthem.
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