Ötztal Trail Running 2024

For the 7th time already, participants can prove themselves at the Stuiben Trail Run in Umhausen and the Glacier Trail Run in Gurgl in the Austrian Tirol Region.

From 23 to 25 May and from 18 to 20 July 2024, Tirol’s longest valley will once again attract countless running enthusiasts to the trails of Ötztal. Starting with the Stuiben Trail Run in Umhausen in May, followed by the Glacier Trail Run in Gurgl in July. For the coming season, the duration of the events has been extended by one day. An expert talk followed by a Trail Running Movie Night on Thursday evening will kick off the long running weekends.

Another new feature is that starting places for both events are limited to a maximum of 850 participants. At the Stuiben Trail Run there will be 75 starting places for the sprint, 200 for the 42K, 250 for the 24K and 200 for the 12K.

125 children aged four and over are admitted to the WIDI Trail Run. As part of the Glacier Trail Run, a maximum of 75 athletes will take part in the Top Mountain Run, 100 in the 62K, 175 in the 42K, 225 in the 26K and 200 in the 14K. 75 starting places are planned for the WIDI Trail Run.

“This is intended to ensure an increased level of safety and pay even greater respect to sustainability and regionality,” an event spokesperson said.

Stuiben Trail Run: around Tirol’s largest waterfall

At 159 meters, the Stuiben Falls are not only the largest waterfall in Tirol, but also the heart of the four different disciplines of the Stuiben Trail Run. Regardless of the distance chosen, this event involves climbing 728 natural and steel steps.

All those who have mastered the steps in the sprint can be cheered at the finish line next to Gasthof Stuibenfall in Niederthai. In the 12K, the starting field runs past the waterfall and up to Niederthai, over Rauher Bichl towards Höfle and Bichl, downhill along the high-altitude path to Sattele trail and along Steppsteig back to the village centre and finish line.

In fine weather, the demanding 24K class offers impressive panoramic views once you reach Narrenkogel before a steep single trail leads back down over mountain meadows and continues to the finish in the same way as the 12K route.

If you really want to put your running skills to the test, take on the challenge of the 42K trail: the starting point is at 1,036 meters in Umhausen, the highest point on Mahdebene at 2,392 meters. In total, you have to conquer 3,100 meters in altitude on this exhausting but scenically outstanding route. The last stage of the race takes the participants along Steppsteig towards the Stuiben Falls to myth-enshrouded Stuiben Nannele, where the legendary witch really challenges everyone again for the last 1,500 meters to the village center and the finish line.

Glacier Trail Run: Challenge between 2,000 and 3,000 Metres

Anyone who takes on the challenge of the Glacier Trail Run with technically demanding stages between 2,000 and 3,000 meters in altitude will be rewarded with fabulous views of Ötztal’s glacier world. The starting point for all competitions is Obergurgl. The Top Mountain Run takes the athletes into the stone pine forest and Rotmoostal with a great view of Hohe Mut Alm. The 14K variant is recommended for beginners, this route is equal to the previous one but followed by a downhill through Gaisbergtal towards Obergurgl. The running track that covers half-marathon distance offers a dreamlike scenery, but is technically very demanding.

The highlight in the truest sense of the word: Ramolhaus beyond 3,000 meters above sea level. The very demanding 42K run on marathon distance offers a unique view of Ötztal’s glacier world as a reward after mastering the demanding downhill run to Piccard Bridge.

The premier class of the event, the 62K Glacier Trail, includes route highlights such as Timmelstal with Lenzen Alm, Nedersee, Küppelehütte, Ramolhaus, Piccard Bridge, Schwärzenkamm, Langtalereckhütte as well as Rotmoostal side valley.

Running tracks

Top Mountain Run 6.3km 750 alt.m

Glacier Trail 14K | 13.7km 800 alt.m

Glacier Trail 26K | 25.8km 1,900 alt.m

Glacier Trail 42K | 42.5km 2,800 alt.m

Glacier Trail 62K | 61.1km 3,600 alt.m

More Information

Pics credit: Tobias Siegele