The Ultner Höfelauf race is just around the corner. © ENDU

Ultner Höfelauf: Great anticipation for the anniversary edition

It's no longer a hidden gem; on the contrary, the Ultner Höfelauf has become one of the great classics in the South Tyrolean running scene. The 20th edition takes place on Sunday, July 19th. And there's a major new feature this year: for the first time, the event in what is arguably South Tyrol's most rustic valley is part of the prestigious Top7 running series.

July 09, 2026

From: pm

The Ultner Höfelauf (Ultner Courtyard Run) impresses with its friendly atmosphere, scenic beauty, and a course that, in terms of length and elevation gain, presents a challenging but by no means impossible task. The classic distance is 18 kilometers, featuring 493 meters of ascent and the same amount of descent. After the starting gun at 10:00 AM, the route leads from Kuppelwies on the sunny side of the valley to St. Gertraud, before returning to Kuppelwies along the opposite side.

“This varied route along the Ultner Höfeweg, the valley’s most famous hiking trail, allows participants to experience centuries-old farmsteads, quaint villages, and impressive sights of the Ultental Valley up close during the run. The course alternates between asphalt, forest roads, and hiking trails, presenting an exciting challenge for all participants,” explain the organizers of the main race of their traditional event, which is part of the Top7 series. The defending champions of the Ultner Höfelauf are Andrea Schweigkofler from Merano and Andreas Reiterer from Haflinger.

Season premieres, shorter distances also possible

For the 20th anniversary, the organizing ski club Ulten and the Ulten/Proveis tourism cooperative have come up with a novelty: a two-person relay race. However, contrary to what one might expect, the classic course isn't divided into two roughly equal sections. Instead, the relay runners have their own separate route. After the start, the first runner circles the picturesque Zoggler Reservoir. At the finish line, after approximately 8 kilometers, they hand the baton to their teammate. The teammate then continues along the main race course to St. Nikolaus and then back to the finish line, a total distance of 8,5 kilometers.

Speaking of fun runs: Of course, the Ultner Höfelauf wouldn't be complete without one. The course, with 192 meters of elevation gain and 180 meters of descent, can be completed by running – or, in the "Guat Gongen" category, by walking. The competition program is rounded out by the children's and youth run, which takes place from 9 a.m. around the start and finish area in Kuppelwies. Children's entertainment is available from 10 a.m., and guests can enjoy the culinary festival "Guat Gessn" throughout the day, complete with musical entertainment.

The starting field is limited to 1000.

The demand for starting places is high. "We have limited the field of participants to 1000. We currently have almost 600 registrations, which is why we recommend that all interested parties register as soon as possible, ideally by Monday, July 13th. Late registrations are possible on-site on Saturday, July 18th, between 15 pm and 17 pm. Anticipation for the anniversary edition is high, and preparations are in full swing. We would like to thank all the volunteers and our loyal sponsors in advance, without whom we could never hold our event," the organizing committee concluded.

The remaining dates of the Top7 running series 2026 at a glance:

Sunday, July 19, 2026: Ultner Höfelauf
Saturday, August 29, 2026: South Tyrolean Erdäpfllauf
Sunday, September 27, 2026: Panorama Run Soltn
Saturday, October 24, 2026: AgeFactor Run Branzoll and awards ceremony