About

About We Run for Tibet

About We Run for Tibet & Patronage Committee

We Run for Tibet is a private initiative created by Dominik Kelsang Erne and Friends in collaboration with the Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association (GSTF). We Run for Tibet holds special significance as it coincides with March 10, a day when thousands of Tibetans in Lhasa rose up against Chinese rule in 1959.

Patronage Committee

Maya Graf, Council of States – Basel-Landschaft
Fabian Molina, National Council – Zurich
Katharina Prelicz-Huber, National Council – Zurich
Nicolas Walder, National Council – Geneva
Mario Fehr, State Councillor – Zurich
Raphaël Mahaim, National Council – Vaud
Francisco Rodriguez, former professional footballer
Wangpo Tethong, Tibetan activist and Executive Director International Campaign for Tibet
Yangzom Brauen, actress and Tibetan activist
and others

A Global Stand for Tibetan Freedom and Identity

“Run for Tibet is a creative and powerful action to remind people across Switzerland and the world of the peaceful struggle of Tibetans for freedom and self-determination. In a world where the People’s Republic of China is striving for dominance, while inside the country attempting to erase Tibetan culture, religion and identity, we must continue with our support for their cause.”

– Dr. Uwe Meya (Member of Board at the Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association)

Background

Hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have fled their homeland after the Chinese invasion and bloody crackdown on the Tibetan uprising in 1959 and are now dispersed across the world. Over time, the physical and emotional hardships they endured for freedom have often faded from public memory. Each year, on Tibetan Uprising Day (March 10), Tibetan communities and supporters unite in powerful, non-violent actions to support the Tibetan cause.

The Birth and Mission of We Run for Tibet

We Run for Tibet is one of many peaceful actions supporting the Tibetan cause, but it stands out as a truly unique initiative. Unlike traditional demonstrations, this is a freedom run—where Dominik Kelsang Erne and supporters run across Switzerland, meeting with Tibetans scattered throughout the country as well as Swiss politicians who support Tibet. Together, they raise awareness for the Tibetan cause. Organized in collaboration with the Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association (GSTF), a long-standing advocate for the Tibetan Cause, this event symbolizes endurance, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice. By honoring the legacy of non-violent resistance on Tibetan Uprising Day, we ensure that Tibetan voices are heard through this powerful and peaceful action.

We Run for Tibet – 1st Edition in 2022

After the successful premiere of We Run for Tibet in 2022, where Dominik Kelsang Erne completed the route from Bern to Geneva, Along the way, he was joined by supporters as he passed through key Swiss cities and towns.

We have been privileged to have the support of prominent people from the Tibetan and Swiss communities. Our valued supporters include National Councillor Nicolas Walder as well as important Tibetan organisations.

We Run for Tibet – 2nd Edition in 2025

We Run for Tibet will now expand across all of Switzerland. The run starts on Saturday, 8 March at 8.00 at the Kinderdorf Pestalozzi in Trogen – where many Tibetan children found refuge in the 1960s and 70s – and ends on Monday, 10 March at the United Nations in Geneva.

Led by Dominik Kelsang Erne, a Five-time Swiss ultramarathon champion with Tibetan roots, the We Run for Tibet event will cover a 380-kilometer nonstop route, traversing Switzerland from east to west.