The Swiss Women's Run Bern celebrated its 40th anniversary today with a grand jubilee festival. Around 15,000 women and girls transformed the federal capital into a symbol of movement, community, and female empowerment.
The Kenyan Vivian Jepkogei Cheruiyot triumphed easily in the 5km queens' distance.The 25-year-old from Iten led the elite field from the start and won the race in 16:13 minutes. She relegated Swiss marathon runner Fabienne Schlumpf (16:24) to second place. Third place went to Fabienne Müller from Oberkirch LU in 16:33 minutes. Cheruiyot, who arrived with personal bests of 32:32 minutes for 10 kilometers and 1:08:16 hours for the half marathon, underscored her international class with her victory.
A run for women – a jubilee celebration for everyone
For the anniversary, the women's run went beyond sports and became a celebration for everyone. Participants of all ages and skill levels were at the start in various running and walking categories over distances from 500 meters to 10 kilometers. Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and Bern's Mayor Marieke Kruit were also present, completing the 3-kilometer course together.
The Food Village, numerous opportunities for people to mingle, and an open-air concert by Sina on Bundesplatz created a vibrant atmosphere and invited runners, their companions, and the general public to celebrate together.
Since its founding in 1987, the Swiss Women's Run has stood for movement, equality, and community. What once began as a vision has developed into Switzerland's most significant women's mass sports event.
Jacqueline Ryffel, co-founder of the Swiss Women's Run and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Ryffel Running AG, said: "For 40 years, the Swiss Women's Run has been far more than just a race. It connects generations, promotes the joy of movement, and creates unforgettable encounters. We are very proud to be able to celebrate this anniversary with so many women."
Facts Women's Race Bern Switzerland
The biggest women's sports event in Switzerland
Category for every woman: The distances of the women's run range from 500 meters to 10 kilometers.
Top-level sport over 5km
With the start and finish in the heart of Bern, the Women's Run, with its unique atmosphere, is considered the gem among running events.
Women from 3 to 90 years old, from beginners to world-class athletes
1987: 1st Swiss Women's Run Bern initiated and presided over by Verena Weibel and Jacqueline Ryffel
· 1997: World best by Lydia Cheromei, Kenya with 14:57.2.
1997: First time over 10,000 female participants at the start.
2003: New route in the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Bern with a finish on Bundesplatz
2008: Swiss victory with Mirja Jenni (last Swiss victory in 1989).
2009: Introduction of "Girls Sprint" (500m).
2015: Over 15,000 participants for the first time.
· 2016: 30th anniversary, record number of participants with 16,199 participants
· 2020: Cancellation due to Corona
· 2026: Coop becomes new Gold Partner, 40th anniversary
