Goms – The 52nd edition of the International Goms Run took place at the weekend in perfect conditions and good weather. A total of 1598 cross-country skiing enthusiasts (out of 1,643 registered) took part in the five different competitions. The 42-kilometer race was won by the favourite Susi Meinen from Boltigen and Mattéo Correia from Gérardmer FRA in the men’s race. Around 3,000 spectators were able to watch the action live at the start and finish area in the newly expanded Nordic Center Goms. For the first time on Sunday, the marathon race could also be followed via live stream on Channel 9 and Swiss Sport TV.
Successful staging of the 52nd International Gommerlauf
With around 3,000 spectators, the organizing committee can look back on a successful weekend. Despite a lack of snow in the lower section, the athletes were offered top cross-country trails with the alternative route. The conditions were also very fast. A varied program was offered in the village and the exhibitor stands invited visitors to stroll and linger. The Gommerlauf also benefited from the newly expanded Nordic Center Goms, with new changing rooms and showers available to the athletes. The festival catering could also take place in the new premises and a visit to the bistro was also worthwhile, with an excellent panoramic view of the entire start-finish area.
On Saturday, February 25, a total of 220 runners took part in the Gommer Classic, 21 km. As well as 544 runners for the Gommerlauf, 21 km free technique. In the Swiss Biathlon Cup Kids and Challenger, 94 kids competed in the U11, U13 and U15 categories.
On Sunday, February 26, a total of 601 runners took part in the International Gommer Ski Marathon, 42 km, free technique, 178 more than last year. At the Mini-Gommer, 139 children and young people took part in the U10, U12, U14 and U16 categories. The age range at the Gommerlauf extended from 4 to 83 years, which makes the organizers very happy for a fun run.
Pure excitement right to the end
The men’s elite race remained exciting right to the end. In the end, Mattéo Correia won the race by a hundredth of a second with an excellent time of 1:39.11.7 ahead of the Swiss Ricky Steinauer from Einsiedeln 1:39.11.8, followed by the Swiss Severin Bässler 1:39.13.8. Toni Livers finished in 6th place. In the women’s race, the highly rated Susi Meinen from Boltigen won in 1:46.24.9, ahead of the Frenchwoman Océane Bepoix 1:46.36.7 and Franziska Müller from Germany came third with 1:51.00.4. The local Rahel Imoberdorf finished her 20th Gommerlauf in an excellent fourth place.
