STAIRWAYS TO HEAVEN REGULATION ENGLISH
1) The use of earphones is strictly forbidden for safety reasons.
2) There are no intermediate refreshment stations and therefore the race must be run in complete autonomy.
3) Athletes undertake to behave in a civilized manner. In particular, it is strictly forbidden to spit on the steps and in the grassy area to the right during the ascent. It is also strictly forbidden, under penalty of disqualification, to leave rubbish and litter throughout the event.
4) The descent after the race is either on foot along a demarcated path to the start (5Km) or wait until the end of the race to descend with a funicular ride offered by STH and Ritom SA. There are no shuttles.
5) The safety ropes placed at the side of the steps are for emergency use only and anyone touching or using them during the race will be disqualified instantly and without appeal. Eight safety exits are placed and signposted on the course. It is forbidden to leave the course outside them, as is absolutely forbidden to go down the steps.
6) Each participant brings equipment suitable for this type of race. A waterproof Gore-tex or similar jacket is obligatory and at the briefing, depending on the weather conditions, you will be informed whether or not you are obliged to carry it. Poles are FORBIDDEN, shoes compulsory, helmet recommended.
7) The starting grid will be communicated once registration has been completed and will NOT be changed for any reason. Please do not ask because we will not answer. Those who turn up late for the start will be sent off last. When registering, it is compulsory to indicate an estimated time to create a realistic starting time (unrealistic times will be corrected at the organizers’ discretion).
8) The maximum number of participants is set at 300. No exceptions will be made. No registration on the spot. Bibs will be sold on a first-come-firstserved basis and registration closed as soon as the maximum number is
reached. No reservations or privileges will be applied. Registration only online via the appropriate link on www.stairways.ch.
9) To facilitate the runners, the starts will be staggered every 30 seconds. The fastest runners will start at the beginning and the slowest at the end. In any case, a slower runner must IMMEDIATELY and without argument, give way to the faster runner coming in from behind, who will be given a warning in due course. In this case the slower runner will move to the right allowing overtaking. In case of deliberate obstruction of another competitor, immediate disqualification will be triggered.
10) The maximum race time is 1h45min.
11) The transport of one sack per runner to the finish is guaranteed by a funicular ride starting at 09:00 from the start area. Latecomers will not be able to use this service. The ascent is also open to supporters and family members of the athletes.
12) The race has a steep course (approx. 90% gradient in some sections) and is therefore very aerial. It requires steady pace and an absence of vertigo. An inspection to familiarize oneself with the surroundings is recommended.
13) Minimum age for participation: 14 years.
WARNING: It is categorically forbidden to walk on the racecourse throughout the year. Anyone caught on the staircase will be placed on a blacklist of competitors who will not be allowed to start the race, with no possibility of complaint. The facilities management company as well as the owner and the organizer decline all liability in the event of accidents due to non-compliance with this prohibition.
AWARDS
Prizes for the first five men and first five women in the general classification are at the organizer’s discretion. The prize-giving ceremony takes place at the start area, at the funicular station in the valley. A prize of 500 Francs is awarded for the overall course record. The condition is the passage of all checkpoints without anomalies and no changes to the course due to force majeure.
FIREFIGHTERS CHALLENGE
The Firefighters Challenge at Stairways to Heaven is a friendly challenge for men and women firefighters, wherever they come from.
The climb takes place at the back of the race participants and specifically for Challenge participants, the time taken will be for personal use only.
A ranking will be drawn up in alphabetical order of those who participated, without assigning a ranking position. This is because the various pieces of equipment have different weights and it would therefore be discriminatory to create a single ranking.
The equipment must necessarily be brought by the participants and includes:
1) Fireproof suit
2) Helmet
3) Air tank (breathing apparatus)
4) Boots
Anyone who completes the test receives a diploma of merit.
Registration is in the FIREFIGHTERS/FIREFIGHTERS category. Registration will open on 31 January at midnight on www.stairways.ch.
LOCAL CLIMATOLOGY
During the month of May, temperatures in the region can be very variable. We ask you to take both warm and light clothes with you to deal with different weather conditions, as well as rain and snow.
RACE PROFILE
RACE TRACK