Ötztal Trail Running Events in the spirit of regionality and respectful treatment of nature

The Stuiben Trail Run (19 & 20 May) and the Glacier Trail Run (21 & 22 July) will once again attract national and international athletes to the Ötztal mountains in 2023. Both organizers and participants will join forces when it comes to protecting the environment. Specifically, we are talking about the use of regional products, waste avoidance along the route and that athletes use public transport to travel to the Ötztal trail running events. Early registrations also benefit from attractive entry fee discounts until 31 March (Stuiben Trail Run) or 30 April (Glacier Trail Run).

Trail running is one of the disciplines that are particularly close to nature. That is why trail runners also attach great importance to protecting the environment. This applies in particular to running events. In Ötztal, people are aware of this high level of responsibility. "As a passionate trail runner, I enjoy the beauty of nature all year round while doing sports. This is why this topic is an important concern for us as event organizers. We are constantly working on taking new measures and developing further programs in terms of sustainability. This year, for example, we are doing without cups at the refreshment stations in order to minimize the amount of waste," explains Martin Scheiber, chairman of the "Ötztal Trail Running" association.

Regional gastronomy instead of “pasta party"

The topic of catering is a key point, especially at sporting events, to avoid long transport routes and at the same time to strengthen regional economic cycles. The organizers of the Stuiben Trail Run and Glacier Trail Run obtain necessary products such as vegetables, fruit and dairy products from regional suppliers. The athletes’ carbohydrate stores are filled already in advance with local dishes instead of a "pasta party". Social responsibility is also an important part: members of “Lebenshilfe Tirol” produce the indispensable trophies and medals using local materials. Also on the sponsor side, the trail running events in Ötztal are a perfect match. "The Stuiben & Glacier Trail Runs fit perfectly with our philosophy," states Thomas Miedl, Marketing Manager at Scarpa. The traditional Italian outdoor sports brand is promoting the "Re-Shoes" initiative, which supports the reuse of used shoes in new models. Second in line is catering partner Hammer Nutrition, which guarantees no refined sugar, no artificial flavors or colors in its products.

International field of participants

The high level of interest already shows what reputation the Ötztal trail running events enjoy in the scene. By the end of February 2023, some 200 participants from 15 nations had already registered for the Stuiben Trail Run. The number of registrations for the Glacier Trail Run is around 220 athletes from 18 nations. The ranking is led by trail runners from Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, France, Italy and Austria. Among others, the top athletes Daniel Jung from South Tyrol and Germany’s Sascha Pirke will be at the start in Gurgl. Last year's winner (42K) Christian Stern from Neustift has confirmed his participation in the Stuiben Trail Run. For the Tirolean it is a perfect preparation and ideal training in the run-up to the Trail Running World Championships held in nearby Innsbruck-Stubai in June. But being early is not only worthwhile for reasons of optimal preparation. Those who register for the Stuiben Trail Run by 31 March or for the Glacer Trail Run by 30 April will still receive the regular booking discount. In the run-up to the competitions, Martin Scheiber appeals to the starters to check the possibility of arriving by public transport: “The express train station in Ötztal-Bahnhof is very well connected to the international railway network. In Ötztal we have a very dense network of bus lines that run throughout the valley every half hour."

More detailed information: www.oetztal.com/trailrunning

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Ötztal Tourismus
PR & Media
ANNA PIRCHER
anna.pircher@oetztal.com
T +43 (0) 57200 935