More participants, more nations, more records – Gurgl thrills with a superlative Trail Run
Last updated on 22.07.2025
Gurgl was once again the scenic venue for one of the most spectacular mountain running events in the Alps. For the very first time, 1,000 female and male runners from all over the world took on the challenge of the 2025 Glacier Trail Run – more than ever before. The three-day event was marked by several records: new top times were achieved in no less than four disciplines.
Starting from the village center in Obergurgl, the athletes battled for the top places between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level. Due to the expected change in weather, the challenging routes were adjusted at short notice on Saturday afternoon to ensure that all runners could still reach the finish line safely.
Record-breaking event
Edith Zell (AUT) set a new course record in the premier discipline over a distance of 61.1 km covering 3,600 altitude meters. The two Austrians Simon Wieser and Anna Plattner also achieved new personal bests at the Glacier Trail 42K. The latter also impressed with her first-class performance in the Top Mountain Run, while Germany’s Sarah Kistner set a new record at the Glacier Trail 26K.
Even during the run-up to event, it was clear that the high alpine running spectacle at the “Diamond of the Alps” has long been a fixture in the trail running calendar for many. All competitions were fully booked and a total of 1,000 runners from 33 nations participated in the races.
The Glacier Trail Run is characterized not only by its unique route and fabulous alpine scenery, but also by its international field of participants. Athletes from Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, Venezuela, Belgium, the Czech Republic and many other nations were represented this year.
Strong performances
The ultimate 62K discipline started at two o’clock in the morning. North Macedonian Alexandar Stojkoski was the first to cross the finish line after a good eight hours (8:12:24 hours) while Edith Zell from Ötztal dominated the women’s race with a time of 8:59:49 hours: she not only was the female winner of the day but also set a new course record.
The other competitions also ended with top-class performances and highly emotional finishes:
- Simon Wieser (AUT) won the Glacier Trail 42K in 5:07:51 hours, ahead of Anna Plattner (AUT) who won the women’s category in 5:19:54 hours. Both achieved new course records.
- Philipp Brugger (AUT, 3:06:01 h) and Sarah Kistner (GER, 3:36:43 h) triumphed in the Glacier Trail 26K, the all-rounders’ favorite race. The German female athlete delivered the best performance to date in this discipline.
- The shortest distance at the Glacier Trail 14K promised a quick start on 13.7 km and 800 altitude meters. Hans-Peter Innerhofer (AUT, 1:10:36 h) and Lilly Becker (GER, 1:39:25 h) celebrated the day’s victories.
- Italy’s Samuel Demetz (40:49 min) and Austria’s Anna Plattner (44:13 min) won the Top Mountain Run. For the first time in three years, it was possible to run the original route up to Hohe Mut Alm.
Sporting challenge with a demanding community
On Thursday, an expert presentation by Hannes Namberger and Daniel Jung opened the entire trail running weekend in Gurgl. Friends, families and all those interested also followed the exciting races on Saturday via live stream. Martin Scheiber, chairman of Ötztal’s Trail Running Association, is particularly happy about the enormous enthusiasm of the participants and fans as well as the high number of registrations: “I am convinced that the unique mountain scenery is a strong motivational factor for the athletes from around the globe.”
The combination of fascinating landscapes, challenging trails and a heartfelt atmosphere makes the event a highlight of the annual trail running calendar. “A big thank you goes to all the helping hands, partners, sponsors and runners,” Scheiber states.
Visionary event
This year, the organizing team once again paid particular attention to sustainability. The organizers relied on local and regional partners for catering, consciously avoided disposable cups and encouraged travel by public means of transport. Medals and trophies were exclusively made from local materials in collaboration with “Lebenshilfe Tirol”.
2026 event preview
Next year, the Stuiben Trail Run in Umhausen will take place from 14 to 16 May and the Glacier Trail Run in Gurgl from 16 to 18 July – registration for both events will start on 01 November 2025.
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