Grossglockner Ultra-Trail
A breathtaking and at the same time gruelling experience through the rugged beauty of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
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An alpine race unlike any other
For mountain and trail runners, July each year brings an alpine challenge: the Grossglockner Ultra-Trail. Runners from all over the world gather in the Zell am See-Kaprun region of Austria to tackle trails around the country’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner. The route offers a breathtaking but gruelling experience through the rugged beauty of the Hohe Tauern National Park, a landscape of glaciers, high mountain passes and stunning views of the Alps.
The Grossglockner Ultra-Trail is renowned as one of the best running events in Austria. At its heart is the GGUT 110, a 110km ultramarathon that requires runners to climb more than 6,500 metres and traverse some of the toughest terrain in Europe. Runners will cross three federal states and pass a staggering 300 peaks over 3,000 metres high. The route takes runners past 14 glaciers, providing both a challenging course and a visual journey through Austria’s breathtaking landscapes.
Choose between several challenges
Participants can choose from four different competitions, each offering a unique experience and level of difficulty:
Grossglockner Ultra-Trail
This is the flagship of the event, an intense 110 kilometre loop with 6,500 metres of climbing. The GGUT 110 runs mainly along the famous ‘Glocknerrunde’ trail, which circles the Grossglockner (3798 metres). This is not a race for the faint-hearted: runners need to be experienced in running at high altitudes and have the stamina to tackle peaks, snowfields and technical terrain.
Osttirol Trail
The Osttirol Trail is an 84km route with 5,000 metres of climbing, making it a challenging endurance race. This trail winds through some of the most scenic and challenging trails in East Tyrol, ideal for experienced runners looking to push their limits.
Grossglockner Trail
This 57km trail starts in Kals am Grossglockner and offers 3,500 metres of elevation gain. It takes runners through the Dorfertal valley and the stunning glacier scenery of Kaprun, offering a challenging but slightly shorter option for those who prefer medium distance alpine running.
Weissee Glacier World Trail
With 1,500 metres of elevation gain over 35 kilometres, this run takes participants through the Weissee Glacier World and showcases some of the park’s most scenic trails. This is a great option for runners looking for a shorter but still challenging mountain run.
A demanding route through Hohe Tauern National Park
All routes run through the High Taur National Park, mostly at altitudes above 2,000 metres, with passes over 2,500 metres. Runners will encounter breathtaking views and challenging climbs, including sections through snowfields and demanding technical trails. The GGUT 110 is particularly intense as it takes runners through some of the highest altitude routes, including key high altitude points such as: Kapruner Törl (2639 metres), Kalser Tauern (2515 metres), Stockerscharte (2465 metres), Untere Pfandlscharte (2663 metres). The route also crosses passes known for their steep climbs and descents, requiring experienced runners to navigate snow and technical terrain, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Race requirements: Fitness and skill
The Grossglockner Ultra-Trail is an extreme test of endurance and skill that requires participants to be in excellent physical and mental condition. Experience in long-distance alpine running of 70 km or more is strongly recommended. Runners must also have the necessary equipment as required by the race rules to ensure safety in the unpredictable weather conditions that snow, rain or plummeting temperatures can bring.
Each runner should have extensive mountain running experience, particularly on technical trails and high altitude routes in a variety of weather conditions. The race combines a variety of terrain, from steep rocky passes to more moderate descents, requiring excellent footwork, stamina and resilience.
Grossglockner Ultra-Trail is more than just a race
The Grossglockner Ultra-Trail is a testament to the strength and determination of every runner who faces its challenging trails and difficult altitudes. Participants will be surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Alps, facing snowfields, glaciers and the awe-inspiring heights of Austria’s highest peaks. For those seeking the ultimate alpine challenge, GGUT promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Europe’s most beautiful and challenging landscapes.
Courses:
GROSSGLOCKNER ULTRA-TRAIL – Distance: 110 km Elevation: +/- 6500 m
OSTTIROL TRAIL – Distance: 84 km Elevation: + 5000 m/- 5700 m
GROSSGLOCKNER TRAIL – Distance: 57 km Elevation: + 3500 m/- 4000 m
WEISSEE GLETSCHERWELT TRAIL – Distance: 37 km Elevation: + 1500 m/- 2200 m
Event website: www.ultratrail.at
Photography: WISTHALER Photography