Morat-Fribourg

Morat-Fribourg, known in German as the Murtenlauf, is a point-to-point road race in Switzerland, starting in Morat (Murten) and finishing in Fribourg. Held annually on the first Sunday of October, it covers 17.170 km, slightly longer than a standard 10-mile race. The course has its hilly terrain rather than being flat and fast. The participants include a mix of national and international elite athletes alongside everyday runners, making it suitable as both a serious competition and a mass-participation event. The race's origin is linked to the story of a Confederate soldier who, after the Battle of Morat, is said to have run to Fribourg with a linden branch to announce the victory. The modern race has been held since 1932. This iteration began after painter Adolphe Flückiger retraced the legendary messenger's route and collaborated with Beda Hefti to establish the first event. Initially, only members of Fribourg's ski club could participate, but subsequent editions expanded eligibility to more runners.