Numerous runners took part in the event. © David Rouge

Almost 300 participants at the highest finish line in South Tyrol

On Saturday the Stelvio Trail Run took place again at the Stilfser Joch. The event was once again a complete success.

July 21, 2024

From: pm

For the eighth time in a row, the Stelvio Pass was transformed this Saturday into the impressive backdrop for one of the most prestigious running events in South Tyrol: the Stelvio Trail Run. Almost 300 runners from 10 nations accepted the challenge and mastered the demanding route, which required them to climb 2.100 meters and cover 21 km.

The starting signal for the participants of the “Jochmarsch” was given at 07:15 a.m. in the center of Prad am Stilfserjoch. The “Competitive” and “Just for fun” categories started at 08:00 a.m. The varied and challenging route led through the mountain village of Stilfs to the Furkelhütte and further along the Goldseeweg to the Dreisprachenspitze at an altitude of 2.845 meters - even above the highest point of the Stilfserjoch road and the highest finish line in South Tyrol.

Familiar faces, international winners

Defending champion Konstantin Wedel from Germany secured victory again this year with a time of 02:09:10 hours. "Today's run surpassed everything, the landscape up here is fantastic. I will definitely come back next year," said Wedel enthusiastically immediately after crossing the finish line.

Konstantin Wedel was the outstanding winner yesterday. © David Rouge

Philipp Plunger from South Tyrol came in 11 minutes behind after 02:20:10 hours. With a smile he said: "Difficult rhythm changes, but I did well on the steep sections and I'm overjoyed with second place." 19-year-old Sam Holtke from the Netherlands came in third with 02:21:41 hours. It was his first mountain run and a special experience: "I loved every moment of the course."

The fastest woman - Michaela Gerychova from the Czech Republic - reached the finish line after 02:40:45 hours. She liked the last part of the route the most, also because of the view of the glacier, which makes the route unique. Second place went to German Katharina Esswein with a time of 02:42:39 hours. She achieved the same ranking as last year and commented with a smile on her face: "It's always so beautiful here, and I'll be back next year." Third place also went to Germany: Franziska Schmieder crossed the finish line after 02:45:32 hours.

The women's podium. © David Rouge

This year's medals are part of an inclusion project and were made by the talented clients of the Latsch work rehabilitation service and the Prad workshop for people with disabilities and presented by them at the finish line. The medals represent more than just an award - they represent solidarity, creativity and the strength of the community.