The Ötzi Trailrun Naturns is just around the corner. © PM Sportissimus

One more month until the alpine running spectacle in Naturns

March 11th marks a significant milestone in South Tyrol's sporting calendar: In exactly one month, the starting gun will fire for the Alpenplus Ötzi Trailrun Naturns. While the trails on the Sonnenberg are already in excellent condition, the organizing committee's preparations are entering the final stretch. Anyone wanting to participate should hurry – the coveted starting places are almost completely sold out.

March 11, 2026

From: pm

The excitement is palpable: In four weeks, Naturns will once again transform into the epicenter of the trail running scene. "Preparations are in full swing, the team is highly motivated, and the course is just waiting to be conquered," say the organizers, Uli Stampfer, Daniel Jung, and Lea Schweitzer. The event has long since established itself as a fixture on the racing calendar, as the current registration numbers impressively demonstrate.

Anyone wanting to be at the starting line on April 11th shouldn't wait too long. Spaces are particularly tight for the main events: Only a few spots remain for both the Sunny Mountain Trail, a challenging 30-kilometer course with 2.100 meters of elevation gain, and the technically demanding Naturns Skyrace (15 km / 1.150 m elevation gain). Demand has been exceptionally high this year, underscoring the race's status as one of the most popular spring trail runs in the Alps.

Children and young people have always been the focus of the organizers. © PM Sportissimus

The organizers are also placing special emphasis on children and teenagers. For the first time this year, young people born between 2008 and 2013 can test their skills in the Speed ​​Trail. There are currently around 50 places still available for the Kids Run. "It would be fantastic if we could also put up a 'sold out' sign here. The enthusiasm of the many children at the finish line is a highlight for us every year," the organizing team added. Parents are encouraged to register their young runners as soon as possible to give them this unique experience in front of a large crowd.

Expert talk on Friday

This year's Ötzi Trailrun is more than just a sporting competition. One of the absolute highlights of this year's sixth edition is the high-caliber panel discussion, which will take place on Friday evening in the Naturns town hall. Various professional athletes, including Dani Jung, himself a member of the Alpenplus Ötzi Trailrun organizing team, and psychologist Heike Torggler, will discuss various topics in competitive sports on Friday, April 10th, starting at 19 p.m.

Thanks to the mild conditions on Naturns' sunny mountain, the trails are already in excellent condition. The combination of alpine challenge and the already noticeable spring sunshine makes the Ötzi Trailrun a unique experience. In the coming weeks, the final markings will be put in place and the aid stations coordinated so that everything is ready for a top-class trail running event on Saturday, April 11th.