When I moved from Portugal to Switzerland about 14 years ago, it was the nature that fascinated me the most. Sports had already been a part of my life during my time with the Portuguese Marines. As I began to discover the Swiss mountains, it quickly became clear to me that trail running is the most beautiful way for me to experience this landscape. It wasn't a conscious decision. It just felt right.
Alongside my job as a production manager, I now spend almost every free minute in the mountains. My daily work life is shaped by responsibility and many decisions. Outdoors is where I find my balance. I've been training with clear goals for about four years now, and on July 19, I'll be starting at Crossing Switzerland.
It's not just the route that appeals to me. I want to find out how far my body and mind can carry me. Above all, I have a lot of respect for the sleep deprivation. You can prepare all you want—you only know how your body reacts to several days with almost no rest once you're out there.
On long runs, there is plenty of time to think. I think about my family, the future, and how much support goes into a project like this. Especially my wife has my back and makes it possible for me to walk this path. To me, that is anything but a given.
With my participation, I want to inspire others and show that with discipline, consistency, and hard work, even goals that seem impossible at first glance are within reach. For me, this project therefore means far more than just crossing Switzerland.
I also deliberately keep my nutrition strategy simple. Carbo Basic Plus and Pure Electrolytes form the basis of my fuel. If I need extra energy, I reach for Fast Energy. Everything has proven itself in training.
How Crossing Switzerland will end for me, I don't know today. But I'm looking forward to finding out. I don't run against the mountains. I don't run against others. I run to find out who I am.
Because in the end, the destination isn't Montreux. The destination is me.
Crossing Switzerland
- Date: July 19, 2026
- Route: Via Alpina from Bad Ragaz to Montreux
- Distance: Around 400 kilometers
- Elevation gain: Around 25,000 meters
- Format: Preferably non-stop
