The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) successfully raised $506,000 during its inaugural Maritime Mountain Race, with $336,000 earmarked for essential programs. This significant fundraising event, held on June 27, 2026, near Le Bouveret in the Swiss Alps, attracted 32 teams from the global maritime sector, who participated in a challenging one-day hiking and running competition. Participants chose between two routes: the 11 km ‘Lighthouse’ or the more demanding 16 km ‘Sails & Summit’ course, with teams vying for both race accolades and fundraising recognition.
The event commenced with a warm welcome on June 26 from Secretary General Peter Rouch and Director of Development Jan Webber BEM, followed by a dinner overlooking Lake Geneva. On race day, teams began at 8:30 am to take advantage of cooler temperatures before the heat rose above 30°C. Despite the tough conditions, participants completed their routes, benefiting from pit stops and stunning mountain views. The day concluded with a post-race barbecue and an awards ceremony.
Jan Webber expressed pride in the event’s success, highlighting the remarkable spirit and teamwork exhibited by all participants. The funds raised will directly support vital welfare initiatives for seafarers, including refurbishments of seafarers’ centers and expansion of critical training programs. This generosity will provide tangible assistance to those in some of the world’s most challenging maritime environments.
