Most Beautiful Trail Running Races in Tirol, Austria
Disclaimer: The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. These outdoor activities involve inherent risks, and conditions may change. I am not responsible for any injuries, losses, or damages resulting from the use of this information. Undertaking these activities without proper experience, equipment, or a qualified guide can be dangerous. Always assess your skill level, check local conditions, and proceed at your own risk.
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After living in Tirol for over 15 years and guiding hikers through many of the stunning areas this region has to offer, I finally did something a bit mad last year: I took up trail running.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit I’m no elite runner – far from it, actually. But swapping hiking boots for trail shoes has opened up a whole new way to experience the Alps I thought I already knew. Moving light and fast(er) through these mountains is my new favourite way to travel.
So if you’re trail-curious, or looking to sign up for a destination trail race with views that make the suffering worth it, here are some of the most beautiful trail running races in Tirol, Austria — handpicked by someone who knows these paths like the back of their hand (just with a bit less oxygen in the lungs these days, haha):
Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun Festival
When: 29 April – 2 May 2026
Distances: 7.5km to 110km
The Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun Festival is my home race, and I love it! It’s probably the largest trail running event in Tirol (in 2025 there were around 7000 participants), and the energy around the whole event is electric. There are races that cater to all ages and abilities, including a 7.5km night race, a kids race, a vertical kilometre, and trail races up to the 110km ultra distance. The races explore the stunning mountains around Innsbruck, but all finish in the historical city centre, right outside the Hofburg Palace.
Stubai Ultratrail
When: 3-4 July 2026
Distance: 16km – 78km
This one is definitely on the “aspirational” list for me. The Stubai Valley is one of my absolute favourite places to hike in all of Tirol, with dramatic high mountains, cascading waterfalls, and magnificent glaciers. For experienced trail runners who love high, technical trails, the Stubaier Höhenweg starts in Neustift and takes you along the full 78km of the Stubai High Trail, with passages crossing snow and even some sections of climbing and scrambling. For those who prefer things a bit less extreme, there are four other distances to choose from.
Kaiserkrone
When: 26-27 June 2026
Distances: From 8km to 100 miles
The Kaiserkrone Trail includes five different competitions, making it accessible to runners of all levels. From the challenging Ultra Trail for seasoned endurance athletes to the more approachable Short Trail, there’s something for everyone. The Medium Trail offers a balanced option for runners with some trail experience, while the Kids Trail adds a fun and family-friendly element to the event. Each course showcases the stunning natural beauty of the Wilder Kaiser, with routes that wind through forests, meadows, and alpine terrain.
One of the standout events is the Kaiserkrone Skyrace, known for its technical difficulty and dramatic route. This race leads runners across steep ascents, exposed ridgelines, and sections of via ferrata, culminating in incredible views from the iconic peaks of the Wilder Kaiser. Designed for experienced skyrunners, the Skyrace is not for the faint of heart—but it offers a truly unforgettable challenge. The 2025 edition attracted a competitive field of elite athletes, and the 2026 race is expected to be just as exciting.
PIUT – Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail
When: 10-11 July 2026
Distances: From 10km to 100km
The PIUT (Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail) serves up four unique routes that range from seriously challenging to more manageable, so there’s something for every level of trail runner. The races start in the picturesque villages of See, Kappl, Galtür, and Ischgl—each offering its own character and charm. No matter which route you take on, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views, rugged alpine terrain, and an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Paznaun Valley.
Ötztal Glacier Trailrun
When: 16-18 July 2026
Distance: 6km – 62km
I haven’t taken on the Glacier Trail Run in Gurgl yet, but it’s very high on my list. The courses wind through some of the most dramatic high-alpine terrain in Tirol. With trails sitting between 2,000 and 3,000 metres above sea level, it’s suited to runners who have experience running on technical terrain, and at higher elevations. I know the area well from guiding, and it’s raw, rugged, and absolutely stunning. One of the race highlights is a suspension bridge strung high above a glacial stream — the kind of feature that turns a tough run into a proper adventure. The 62K course comes with over 3,600 metres of elevation gain, so it’s definitely a big one — but it’s exactly the kind of challenge I’m working toward. Maybe I’ll see you on the start line in 2026?
Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail
When: 1-3 August 2025 (2026 dates TBC)
Distances: From 15km to 105km
The Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail is a high-alpine trail running event held in Pitztal, Tirol, offering technically demanding routes through the rugged glacier landscape surrounding the Wildspitze. The event challenges runners with steep climbs, exposed ridgelines, and high-altitude trails reaching over 3000 metres. Starting from Mandarfen, the race features panoramic views, glacier crossings, and a variety of terrain, making it one of the most spectacular and challenging trail races in the Alps. It’s also part of the Golden Trail World Series.
KAT100 by UTMB – Kitzbühel Alps
When: 6-8 August 2026
Distances: From 8km to 100 miles
Now this is serious business. Part of the famous UTMB World Series, this race takes you on a tour of the Kitzbühel Alps. While this event offers one of the longest race distances at 100 miles, the shorter distances are absolutely doable if you’re trail-fit and looking for an adventure in the Alps. The landscape here is much more lush and green than in Ötztal or Stubai, but still full of beautiful climbs and panoramic views.
Hochfügen Hightrails
When: 10 August 2025
Distances: 5km or 18km
A new race in 2024, the Hochfügen Hightrails is back in 2025 with another edition. Runners can choose between the easy 5km “Almen-Lap” FunRun or the more challenging 17.7km “Gilfert-Lap” High Trail. For those who take on the high trail, you’ll climb up to the summit of the Gilfert, running along epic ridgelines with panoramic views across Zillertal and the Inn valley.
Zillertaler Steinbockmarsch
When: 23 August 2025
Distances: From 8km to 100 miles
The Steinbock March & Run is a challenging 30 km mountain route that starts at the Nature Park House in Ginzling and takes participants through the stunning Floitental Valley, past alpine huts like the Tristenbachalm and Steinbockhütte, up to the first aid station at the Greizer Hütte cable car. The most demanding section is the climb to the Mörchnerscharte at nearly 2,900 meters, after which the trail descends past Rosskar, Schwarzsee, and the Berliner Hütte (second aid station). The route continues through the scenic Zemmgrund Valley, passing several more mountain huts before returning to the valley floor and finishing at Alpengasthof Breitlahner, where spectators welcome participants after a spectacular and strenuous alpine journey.
Karwendelmarsch
When: 30 August 2025
Distance: 52km
The Karwendelmarsch is legendary in Tirol. Originally it was a hike, but in recent years there has also been a trail run option. I’ve guided in the Karwendel region loads of times, and running this race is pretty high on my bucket list – however, getting one of the limited starting places is almost as challenging as the race itself! Starting in Scharnitz and ending in Pertisau on the stunning Lake Achensee, it’s a long day out — but the scenery is classic Tirol: rugged limestone peaks, pine forests, and open alpine meadows.
Mayrhofen Ultraks
When: 5-6 September 2025
Distances: From 7km to 101km
The dramatic peaks of the Zillertal and Tux Alps will once again set the stage for the Mayrhofen Ultraks Zillertal, a standout event on the trail running calendar. Known for its stunning scenery, vibrant atmosphere, and challenging course options, this race has been drawing runners of all levels since its debut in 2019. With a variety of routes to suit different abilities, participants can expect steep ascents, fast downhills, and panoramic views at every turn, always accompanied by the four iconic mountains that define the landscape around Mayrhofen: Kolm, Ahornspitze, Grünberg, and Tristner.
Koasamarsch
When: 13 June 2026
Distances: From 20km to 44km
Sitting on the border with Germany, the Koasamarsch offers three trail running and four hiking categories. The shortest distances stay in the foothills around Ebbs and Kufstein, while the longer distances take you into the Zahmer Kaiser and Wilder Kaiser mountains, where you’re surrounded by rocky limestone peaks and green alpine meadows.
Kalkkogel Trail
When: 27 September 2025
Distances: 18km and 42km
The Kalkkogel are known locally as the “Dolomites of Tirol” for its steep, dramatic limestone peaks. 2024 saw the first edition of the Kalkkogel trail, and it’s back again in 2025 (hopefully with less snow). The trails take you from Telfes in Stubaital into the ski area of Schlick 2000, and along the foot of the magnificent Kalkkogel. It’s a great way to end your 2025 running season before moving into winter.
Have you already done any of these races? Let me know in the comments your favourites, or which ones you’re adding to your bucket list – and maybe we’ll see each other on the start line!
