The Mission to Seafarers raises $506,000 at inaugural Maritime Mountain Race

July 3, 2026

The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) has raised $506,000 with $336,000 to go towards core work at its inaugural Maritime Mountain Race. The landmark fundraising event that brought together 32 teams from across the global maritime industry for a demanding one-day challenge in the Swiss Alps.

Held on 27 June 2026 near Le Bouveret, the event saw more than 90 participants tackle one of two hiking and running routes on the mountain trails: the 11 km ‘Lighthouse’ route or the more challenging 16 km ‘Sails & Summit’ course. Teams competed not only for race honours but also for fundraising recognition, with the overall winner determined by a combination of both.

The Mission to Seafarers would like to thank the sponsors whose support and commitment have helped make this event possible: NorthStandard (Medals), BSM (Hoodie), Lloyd’s Register (Finish Line), AET (Event Bag) and HFW (Polos).

The funds raised through the event will be directed towards The Mission to Seafarers’ frontline welfare work, funding projects spanning seafarers’ centre refurbishments in the UK and Mombasa, new operations in Piraeus, Dubai, and Georgia, and the expansion of Critical Incident and Stress Management training for frontline staff worldwide.

Participants arrived on Friday, 26 June to a warm welcome from Secretary General Peter Rouch and Director of Development Jan Webber BEM, before a dinner overlooking the shores of Lake Geneva. On race day, teams set off at 8:30 am to make the most of the cooler morning temperatures before the heat climbed above 30°C. Despite the challenging conditions, participants completed their chosen routes, supported by pit stops along the way and buoyed by spectacular mountain scenery. After crossing the finish line, teams gathered for a post-race barbecue, before ending the day with an awards ceremony.

Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Jan Webber, Director of Development of The Mission to Seafarers, said:

“The Maritime Mountain Race has exceeded every expectation. The spirit, determination and camaraderie we witnessed across all 32 teams was remarkable, and the funds raised will make a real and lasting difference to seafarers in some of the most isolated corners of the world. This is exactly the kind of event that shows the maritime industry at its very best.”

Funds will make a direct and tangible difference to seafarers in some of the world’s most remote and challenging ports. Whether placing chaplains in regions where seafarers face abandonment and rights violations, or simply ensuring crews have access to SIM cards and basic supplies to stay connected with their families, the generosity of all teams and donors translates into real support for those working at sea.

The Mission to Seafarers looks forward to welcoming the maritime community back for the next Maritime Mountain Race. The winners list for 2026 can be found below:

Fastest Team – Sails & Summit Trail