Swiss Alps 100 Ultrarun

How Swiss Alps 100 uses Mapdirector flyovers to prepare ultra-runners and attract new participants.

When Jakob Herrmann, Race Director of the Swiss Alps 100, first saw a rough Mapdirector flyover of his 50KM course, he immediately recognized the impact it could have — not just on his race, but on every runner who signs up for the challenge.

"This is exactly what I was looking for," he told us.

In ultra-running, preparation is everything. With steep ascents, remote aid stations, and over 10,000 meters of elevation gain across the longest course, the Swiss Alps 100 isn't a race you take lightly.

But how do you communicate the magnitude of a course like this to both experienced athletes and first-time ultra-runners? Jakob found the answer in dynamic, high-resolution flyover videos that bring the terrain to life.

A Glimpse from Above

We created two flyover videos for Jakob's team: one widescreen for the website and YouTube, and one vertical format optimized for mobile and social media. Each was tailored to show off the unique character of the course.

Full-Length Course Flyover

The widescreen version gives a cinematic overview of the race. It’s the perfect asset for race pages, newsletters, and YouTube — letting runners study every section of the course in detail before race day.

“The flyovers help my athletes prepare; and they help me attract more of them. It's hands-down one of the most useful and beautiful animations I've ever used for our race.”
— Jakob Herrmann, Founder & Race Director

Two Videos, One Goal

From the start, we aimed to create videos that did more than look good — they had to be useful, too.

Here’s what we focused on:

Widescreen Flyovers
Long-form visual guides for websites and pre-race materials. These walk runners through the entire course — highlighting elevation changes, terrain, and key sections.
Mobile-Optimized Vertical Videos
Built for platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok. Fast-paced and dramatic, designed to grab attention and drive interest.
Course Detail Overlays
Each video visualizes terrain profiles, aid stations, pacer zones, drop bags, and cutoff points — everything an ultra-runner needs for strategic planning.
Dual-Purpose Content
These flyovers double as marketing tools, helping Jakob attract new participants while supporting returning athletes with race prep.

Another Flyover (Vertical Run)

Whether viewed on a phone or big screen, these videos bring the Swiss Alps 100 to life — making it easier than ever for runners to see what they're signing up for.

Results That Elevate

Jakob now uses these flyovers as a core part of his race marketing toolkit. They're featured on the course info pages, shared in social campaigns, and sent out in registration emails.

The result? Better-prepared runners — and a stronger story that gets more of them to the starting line.

Want to bring your own course to life like this? Let’s talk.