Morning Marathon & Afternoon Tattoo

Today was a busy fun filled day. I try to attend the Jungfrau Marathon every year we are here. This is the day Michael usually sleeps in. H doesn't enjoy crowds.

On the way to the marathon, I met Ferosa who used to work at Sunny Day, which was the name of the bed and breakfast we stay at before it was sold to Marc and Thea and then became Adventure Guest House. That was long winded.

Helena got to work very early this morning as she was serving breakfast since 6:00 AM.

The marathon starts exactly at 8:30!! I instantly recognized the runner with number 104. That is Robbie Simpson!!!!

The 4,000 starting places for the marathon were sold out. Only 3,999 started because the lady runner with number 7 barfed near me and started crying so I assume she pulled out of the race.

The 42.195-kilometer (26.219 mile) course starts in Interlaken and climbs 6,407 feet (1,953 meters) in elevation to the finish at the Eigergletscher. It used to finish at Kleine Scheidegg.

The first 10 km of the course are flat. The race begins in central Interlaken and circles around the town center before moving east to Bönigen, where runners briefly run along the shore of Lake Brienz. The race proceeds southwards to Wilderswil at the 10 km mark. From there the course heads upward through Zweilütschinen (at 15 km) to Lauterbrunnen (at 20 km). The course loops for 5 km south of the town before returning to Lauterbrunnen and then heading eastward up the alpside. It is at this point that the race is steepest, zigzagging up the hillside and climbing 450 m in the 5 km to Wengen. The course heads southeast and relentlessly upward over the Wengernalp, turning east and then northeast beneath the Eiger toward the finish. It finishes at Eigerletsche at an altitude of 2,320.  Shortly before leaving the moraine and turning towards the final ascent, the runners are traditionally greeted by a bagpipe player.

I like to stand close to the starting line and watch the runners circle around the center of Interlaken. One year, I took the train up to Wengen and watched the runners go by with Käthi who used to work at the Swiss Made Shop.

You have to experience Swiss tradition before the race.

Since the first Jungfrau-Marathon over 30 years ago, the finisher medals have been minted by the esteemed partner Schwertner in Graz, Austria. The production process combines traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology: First, a motif is selected, which is then meticulously transferred onto a plaster model by hand by a sculptor. This serves as a negative, which is digitized and prepared for further production. In a final step, each medal is given a high-quality silver plating.

There is prize money in Swiss Francs (CHF) for the top 10 finishers for men and women. Minus tax at source for competitors residing outside Switzerland.

1. 6,000

2. 3,000

3. 2,000

4. 1,000

5. 800

6. 600

7. 500

8. 400

9. 300

10. 200

    
    
    
    

    

    

    

    
    

Time for the National Anthem of Switzerland

The announcer has them doing the wave.

The sweeper

The runners ran 3.5 km around Interlaken. Now, they head out of Interlaken toward Bönigen.

The last runner just passed by.

You have to stay in front o

Clean up and tearing down begins as soon as the last runner passes under the start arch.

Michael kept thinking the Tattoo was for 17:00 or 5 PM. I started my writing of the marathon and for some reason he checked the tickets. Well, the performance is at 14:30 or 2:30PM. We had our own marathon running to catch the train at the Interlaken West station. I definitely could run with the two year olds I saw run yesterday and not with any higher age bracket. We even had a couple minutes to spare before the train came in. 

We change trains in Bern and take one to Avenches. Then, we have to take the bus out to the National Stud Farm. I’m not impressed with how the transportation out to the farm was handled this year. In the past couple years, a bus was waiting when the train arrived at the station. Today, they only had one bus that ran every twenty minutes. Luckily, Michael and I caught the bus to the train station right away. We were standing next to the bus door, though. 

They must have been roasting the coffee beans at the Nespresso plant because the scent of coffee was in the air.

This is the 19th edition of the Avenches Tattoo which takes place this year at the Swiss National Stud Farm. The theme this year is "Celtic Horizons". This year's edition showcases both internationally renowned ensembles and talented artists from the Swiss music scene.

Stork nests

Brass Band of the 194th Pontoon Bridge Brigade

- Ukraine

"The Brass Band of the 194th Pontoon Bridge Brigade will perform for the first time this summer.

Affiliated with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, this band was founded in 2004 in Novomoskovsk, in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Since then, it has performed at numerous international festivals, earning a strong reputation for the diversity of its repertoire and the quality of its performances.

The ensemble is led by Colonel Bogdan Zadorozhny, an experienced conductor under whose direction the band has received multiple awards. Carefully crafted staging, subtle humor, musical precision, and powerful sound: their appearance is set to be one of the highlights of this year’s edition!"

Paris Fire Brigade Band - France

"Since the 19th century, this band has played a major role in enhancing the image and reputation of the Paris Fire Brigade. Today, it is primarily involved in military ceremonies and internal events, and also performs for the French Army General Staff, the Paris police force and the City of Paris. In 2024, it took part in the Bastille Day parade. With over 200 appearances each year, in France and abroad, it continues to showcase the Brigade’s values and excellence."

Latvian National Armed Forces Army Orchestra - Latvia

"The Latvian National Armed Forces Army Orchestra was founded on February 3, 1992, and it is one of the most recognizable Latvian National Armed Forces units. In Latvia, the orchestra is commonly known to perform at important celebrations and events. The orchestra performs multiple functions—ceremonies, parades, and festivals, as well as orchestra and ensemble concerts. Since its inception, the orchestra has participated in many international and globally revered military music festivals.

It will present a bold program featuring beatboxing on the sousaphone."

Majesticks Drum Corps - Switzerland

"Founded in 2011, Majesticks Drum Corps is a drum and percussion ensemble from Switzerland. Known for its impressive synchronicity and visually striking performances, the group blends tradition and innovation. Their original repertoire and innovative staging have seen them perform at a variety of events in Switzerland and abroad, including France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Malta and Northern Ireland. In 2024, it had the honor of representing Switzerland at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo."

Swiss Armed Forces Conscript Band 16-2/2025 - Switzerland

"This year, nearly 80 talented young musicians from all over Switzerland will perform with the Swiss Armed Forces Conscript Band 16-2/2025. Their training begins in late June in Aarau, under the musical direction of Major Philipp Werlen. The choreography for the show will be created entirely for Avenches Tattoo 2025."

Masses Pipes and Drums - United Kingdom

"This year, nearly 80 talented young musicians from all over Switzerland will perform with the Swiss Armed Forces Conscript Band 16-2/2025. Their training begins in late June in Aarau, under the musical direction of Major Philipp Werlen. The choreography for the show will be created entirely for Avenches Tattoo 2025."

Hjaltibonhogga "The Shetland Fiddlers" - Scotland

"The group was formed in 2014 at the request of Brigadier David Allfrey, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo after he had visited Shetland and wanted ‘the energy of traditional fiddling’ on the show. Shetlander, Margaret Robertson MBE took on the challenge of finding and training fiddlers to meet the standard required. 2025 sees a new dawn for the group. The ethos is still the same, welcoming players to enjoy learning and performing traditional music."

The Trippers - Switzerland

"The Trippers was formed when two siblings, along with a childhood friend, decided to bring their music to the bars of the Vevey region. Since then, the band has reinterpreted Irish anthems and standards, as well as classic rock and pop hits. Their sound has evolved to include electronic elements combined with the acoustic instruments of their early days, offering an energetic and eclectic repertoire. The band has been touring French-speaking Switzerland for six years, building its presence and success on the local music scene."

Lucerne Marching Band - Switzerland

"The Lucerne Marching Band is the parade formation of Feldmusik Luzern, which has represented the city of Lucerne in Switzerland and abroad for over 100 years. Dressed in historic blue and white uniforms, this band takes part in major events and parades. It has performed in notable tattoos, including those in Berlin, Belfast, Basel, and Avenches."

Franches-Montagnes Horses - Swiss National Stud Farm

"Since 1899, the Swiss National Stud Farm (SNSF) has been focused on the conservation and improvement of Swiss horse breeds. It is the Confederation’s center of expertise for equines, integrated with Agroscope research and affiliated with the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG). The SNSF plays a key role in preserving and evolving Swiss horse breeds, contributing to the excellence of the national equine sector.

This summer, the legendary Franches-Montagnes horses will perform a unique equestrian show at the Avenches Tattoo, specially created for the event."

Grand Finale

"The Grand Finale, composed by Etienne Mounir, will bring together all the performers in a particularly rich moment. For this occasion, they will be joined by over fifty singers from across the Canton of Vaud, gathered together in the mixed choir La Voix Des Chênes of Rueyres."

What a super terrific day!