Over 1,200 participants lined up at the start of the PIUT (Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail)

This weekend, the Paznaun region will be all about trail running: more than 1,200 participants are expected at the third edition of the Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail, or PIUT for short. This impressively confirms the event’s status as a fixture in the trail running calendar and as a sporting highlight of the Paznaun–Ischgl region.

Under the motto “Four Villages. One Passion.”, the PIUT brings together the four Paznaun villages of Galtür, Ischgl, Kappl and See to create a truly unique alpine trail running experience. At the heart of it all is the Paznaun High Trail, which once a year becomes the stage for ambitious runners from Austria and abroad. The routes wind through a stunning mountain landscape, over technically challenging sections, past striking landmarks and culminate in thrilling finishes at Silvrettaplatz in Ischgl.

Five distances – from ultra-distance to getting started in trail running

The race programme offers the right challenge for different ability levels. The longest route, the PIUT 100, covers 100 kilometres and 6,300 metres of elevation gain from See via Kappl and Galtür to Ischgl. The PIUT 85 also starts in See, covering 85 kilometres and 5,200 metres of elevation gain. The PIUT 50 begins in Kappl and challenges runners with a distance of 50 kilometres and 3,100 metres of elevation gain. Starting from Galtür, the PIUT 30 covers 30 kilometres and 1,540 metres of elevation gain towards Ischgl, whilst the PIUT 20, covering 20 kilometres and 1,300 metres of elevation gain, starts in Ischgl.

The sporting programme is complemented by the PIUT TEN, a 10-kilometre charity run from Galtür to Ischgl. As well as the shared experience of running, the event also focuses on charity: for every kilometre run, the tourism board donates 2 euros to the association for innocent people in need in the Paznaun valley.

A strong field of competitors featuring well-known names

A glance at the start list reveals that the PIUT also boasts a top-class field of competitors. In the flagship 100-kilometre race, the path to victory will take competitors past, amongst others, Marie-Luise Mühlhuber and Markus Burger, both of whom have previously triumphed at the PIUT. Also on the starting line-up is local hero Martin Mattle from Ischgl. Spectators can look forward to exciting races across the other distances too. In the PIUT 50, well-known trail running names such as Sven Koch and Sanna El Kott Helander will be on the starting line.

The whole valley is gripped by running fever

The PIUT gets the whole of Paznaun on the move. The PIUT KIDS DAY gets underway in Ischgl as early as Friday at 1.00 pm. The PIUT Kids Run, presented by Volksbank Tirol, kicks off at 3.00 pm. This will be followed by the prize-giving ceremony, a raffle and a children’s concert featuring ANNIE & BONNIE.

The action continues this evening: the PIUT 100 and the PIUT 85 will start at 11.00 pm at the swimming lake in See.

The remaining events will take place on Saturday:

The finish line for all races is at Silvrettaplatz in Ischgl.

A trail running highlight featuring an expo, side events, spectator areas and a children’s programme

Alongside the sporting competitions, a varied programme of events awaits participants and visitors. The PIUT EXPO at Silvrettaplatz invites you to explore, relax and chat with leading partners such as ASICS™ on Friday and Saturday. New additions this year include the ASICS™ Shakeout Run and a yoga session on Friday evening, serving as a communal kick-off to the race weekend. There’s plenty on offer for children on Friday too: from 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm, a pirate-themed programme awaits, featuring an obstacle course on the kids’ track, medals, ice cream from Kurz Bakery, great prizes from Volksbank Tirol, ASICS™ and LEGO®, as well as a raffle with experiences from across the valley. At 2.00 pm, trail running expert Bene Hoffmann will give a fun introduction to the sport for kids in a session called “What is trail running?”, right in front of the stage. The PIUT KIDS DAY will round off with a children’s concert featuring Annie & Bonnie.

There are special cheering points along the routes for all spectators. By the time they reach Silvrettaplatz in Ischgl – where the finish line, prize-giving ceremonies and the after-run party all take place – the PIUT becomes a major gathering place for the trail running community.

The PIUT brings the Paznaun to life as a trail running paradise

“The PIUT is a striking example of what the Paznaun has to offer in summer: sporting challenges, breathtaking natural experiences and genuine Tyrolean hospitality. With over 1,200 athletes taking part, we are sending a strong message about the importance of trail running for tourism in our region.”

I am particularly delighted that all four locations – Galtür, Ischgl, Kappl and See – are coming together as part of this trail running experience, turning the entire valley into a stage. At the same time, we attach great importance to actively involving families and young athletes: with the extensive children’s programme and the PIUT Kids Run, we are creating an offering that playfully inspires children to get active in nature and makes the event an experience for our young guests and local residents alike,” said Thomas Köhle, Managing Director of the Paznaun – Ischgl Tourist Board.