Running high

Ötztal trailrunning 

By definition, trail running begins where the asphalt ends. In the Ötztal, this implies uphill running. Good, because happiness comes in metres of altitude. And more and more sports enthusiasts want a slice of this happiness. Martin Scheiber from Umhausen, himself a trail runner from the very beginning, founded the Ötztal Trailrunning Association with this intention in 2016. The association now has 40 members - and the trend is rising. Among other things, they meet for joint runs, which take place every 14 days between April and October. The focus is primarily on correct running technique and improving coordination. But also the exchange with like-minded people, the mutual pushing and the joint preparation for competitions make running in a group so special.

Natural spectacle Stuibenfall

The running environment in the Ötztal is also special. The (natural) diversity of the individual valley levels, a multitude of marked trails and climbs as well as the varied terrain make the Ötztal a true trail running Eldorado. Martin Scheiber was also convinced of this when he initiated two running events in the Ötztal: The Stuiben Trailrun and the Gletscher Trailrun. The top-organised events are now fixed events in the local and international trail running scene.

They do not only attract runners with sporting challenges at the highest level, but also with an extraordinary setting. On distances of between 12 and 61 kilometres and ascents of between 700 and 3,600 metres in altitude, you run in front of the most important natural spectacles in Ötztal, the Stuibenfall waterfall and the glacier world. The much-cited runner's high is guaranteed here. Registration for the 2025 events is now open. However, for all those who have now acquired a taste for it and want to start running straight away: one step at a time. A solid foundation should be laid before heading uphill. Stamina, sure-footedness, coordination and knowledge of the terrain are probably the most important factors to be considered apart from the right equipment.