Military categories | 06.06.2025

The Biel/Bienne Running Days are inextricably linked with the military. The military has always been an integral part of this special event, shaping its tradition and history. This year, too, we can look forward to the indispensable support of the military – a partnership that makes the Biel/Bienne Running Days complete.

In the 100km military patrol, two participants complete the entire 100km together (maximum permitted time interval: 2 minutes). This category is considered the supreme discipline and can also be completed as a “march”.
The 100km 5-man military relay is the most popular military category of the Biel Hundred. In this category, five runners divide up the 100km in accordance with the specifications, so that each runner covers a distance of between 17 and 22km.

Participation in the Biel Running Days is entered in the military service record (MLA). Hand in your MLA at the Infopoint on Saturday after your finish. Successful participation in the 100km military patrol counts towards achieving the military sports competition award (military sports level 3).

The following tenue regulations apply to both the patrol and the relay:

  • Members of the armed forces and members of blue light organizations wear a uniform in accordance with the regulations / rules of the respective organization so that they clearly represent it to the public;
  • Members of the armed forces are permitted to dispense with the camouflage jacket – the T-shirt that is visible must be an orderly T-shirt.
  • The wearing of civilian pants or modified uniform pants (e.g. shortened) is not permitted;
  • The wearing of running shoes is permitted;
  • Members of foreign armed forces are subject to the regulations of their respective armed forces – they themselves are responsible for obtaining permission to wear the uniform from the sending armed forces and from Switzerland as the host country.

Eligible to participate in the military categories are:

  • active and former members of the Swiss Armed Forces;
  • Members of foreign armed forces;
  • Members of the uniformed Swiss blue light organizations (civil defence, police corps, border guard, fire department, ambulance)

Military patrol

In the 100km military patrol, two participants run the entire distance of 100 kilometers together – with a maximum allowed gap of just 2 minutes. This category is regarded as the true supreme discipline of the Biel/Bienne Running Days and can also be completed as a “march”. A competition that combines team spirit, endurance and willpower at the highest level!

In order for the patrol to appear on the ranking list, both people must finish together. The finishing times of the two people must not differ by more than 2 minutes.

Participation in the military categories is free of charge. Late registrations after June 1st cost CHF 25.00 per person.

The military patrols start on Friday, June 6 at 10:00 pm.

The following closing times must be achieved in order to finish the race successfully. Runners who do not reach the closing times can be taken out of the race by the race management.

Transition zone Kirchberg: 07.06 | 10:00 am
Transition zone Bibern: 07.06 | 14:30 pm
Aid station Büren: 07.06 | 16:30 pm
Finish Biel: 07.06 | 19:00 pm

In order for the patrol to appear in the ranking, both participants must reach the finish line at the same time. The finishing times of the two must not differ by more than 2 minutes.

It is possible to register a drop bag for the military patrol run. If this is booked, a piece of luggage can be handed in before the start in Biel. The bag will be transported to Kirchberg and can be collected there during the run. As soon as the broom wagon reaches Kirchberg, the luggage will be transported back to Biel.

The drop bag can be booked when registering and costs CHF 5.00.

All finishers of the military patrol will receive a T-shirt and a medal after crossing the finish line. This is included in the entry fee.

GPX file

The route is subject to change. There may be route adjustments due to roadworks and traffic restrictions.

5-man military relay

In the 100km 5-man military relay, five runners share the 100km, with each person completing a section of 17 to 22 km according to the specifications. This relay combines team spirit with individual commitment and provides a unique community experience on one of the most prestigious routes of the Biel Running Days.

Participation in the military categories is free of charge. Late registrations after June 1st cost CHF 25.00 per team.

The military relay starts on Friday, June 6 at 10:30 pm.

The T-shirt is included in the entry fee. All team members can pick up their T-shirt in the finish area in Biel after crossing the finish line.

The medal can be booked when registering for CHF 10.00 per person. The medals can be collected after the finish in the finish area in Biel.

Sections: Biel – Lyss (22 km)
Lyss – Oberramsern (17.8 km)
Oberramsern – Kirchberg (18.5 km)
Kirchberg – Bibern (21.2 km)
Bibern – Biel (20.5 km)

The transition zones are in Lyss, Oberramsern, Kirchberg and Bibern.

Runners must register at the transition zones before the handover so that the handovers can be checked.

GPX file

The route is subject to change. There may be route adjustments due to roadworks and traffic restrictions.