The Ötzi Trailrun becomes an ultra.

The Ötzi Trail Run becomes an ultra

The Alpenplus Ötzi Trailrun Naturns is expanding its program to include an ultra-distance race. At the seventh edition on Saturday, April 10, 2027, the new Ötzi Ultra Trail will cover 45 kilometers and 3400 meters of elevation gain. Runners will have a total of seven races to choose from. Registration is now open.

01 October 2026

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Around 800 participants took part in the last edition in April 2026. This has established the Alpenplus Ötzi Trailrun Naturns as a fixture in the South Tyrolean trail running scene, and it is increasingly attracting runners from northern Italy and German-speaking countries. The seventh edition, on Saturday, April 10, 2027, is expected to draw even larger numbers of participants.

The new Ötzi Ultra Trail offers an additional sporting challenge. "The new route covers 45 kilometers and 3400 meters of elevation gain. This adds the longest and most demanding course to the program so far. This distance is aimed at experienced trail runners who possess the necessary fitness and alpine experience. As with the other races, the start and finish are located at the town hall square in Naturns," explain Uli Stampfer, Lea Schweitzer, and Daniel Jung from the organizing committee.

Seven competitions for different performance levels

With the addition of the Ötzi Ultra Trail, the program of the South Tyrolean trail classic now comprises seven races. The second longest route is the Sunny Mountain Trail, covering 30 kilometers and 2100 meters of elevation gain. Participants in the Skyrace Naturns tackle 15 kilometers and 1150 meters of elevation gain.

A shorter alternative is the Ötzi-Just for Fun run, covering eight kilometers and 400 meters of elevation gain. This run is especially geared towards beginners and can be completed without a medical certificate. The Ötzi-Junior Run, for young people born between 2009 and 2014, will take place on the same course. "A medical certificate is required for participation in the Junior Run. Even younger running enthusiasts can participate in the Ötzi-Kids Run, which offers two shorter distances tailored to the respective age groups," the organizers added.

The race program kicks off on Thursday evening, April 8th, with the Ötzi Vertical. The course runs from the valley station to the mountain station of the Unterstell cable car. Participants must conquer 760 meters of elevation gain over just 4,2 kilometers. This mountain run, which offers both competitive and recreational categories, thus represents the first real athletic challenge of the three-day event.