At its aid stations, the Marathon des Terroirs du Valais BCVS serves local Valais products as part of the race, making the event feel as much like a food-and-wine-country weekend as a running day. It is based in Martigny, Switzerland, in the Rhône plain, and is run every May with a full marathon, half marathon, 10 km, 5 km, Ekiden relay, and courses for children and families. The full marathon is a 42 km road race from Sion to Martigny, while the half marathon is a 21 km loop around Martigny.
The marathon route is gentle on paper, with about 60 m of climbing and 110 m of descent, passing orchards, vineyards, Valais landscapes, and historical sites on the way to Martigny Expo. The half marathon has about 40 m up and 40 m down and circles Martigny’s Roman heritage. Runners come solo, in teams, and with families. The event leans into its party side with music, entertainment zones, costume contests, and an 80s retro theme with bright outfits and period music. The finish at Martigny Expo is part race line, part gathering, with runners, friends, and families congregating there after the courses.