Perfect weather, hot conditions and a record number of participants: nearly 1,300 runners at the Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail
Favourites David Niegemann and Marie-Luise Mühlhuber triumph over the flagship distance – 146 young runners take part in the PIUT Kids Run – €2,520 raised during the Charity Run. Glorious sunshine, midsummer temperatures and a new participation record defined the third edition of the Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail, or PIUT for short. Nearly 1,300 runners took on the various races over the event weekend. Across six distances ranging from ten to 100 kilometres, they experienced challenging trails, spectacular views and the scenic diversity of the entire Paznaun valley.
Competitors could choose from distances of 100, 85, 50, 30, 20 and ten kilometres. The flagship race covered 100 kilometres and approximately 6,300 metres of elevation gain. Large sections of the routes followed the Paznaun High Route, linking the four villages of See, Kappl, Galtür and Ischgl.
In addition to the sporting challenge, the summer temperatures demanded a great deal from the competitors. Nevertheless, dry trails, excellent course conditions and the support of numerous volunteers ensured a highly successful trail-running festival amid the mountains of the Paznaun valley.
Favourites triumph over 100 kilometres
Germany’s David Niegemann lived up to his billing as favourite over the demanding 100-kilometre distance. He reached the finish after 13 hours and 4 minutes to claim victory in the men’s race.
In the women’s race, Marie-Luise Mühlhuber of Germany also confirmed her status as favourite. With a time of 15 hours and 24 minutes, she won the flagship distance.
“The PIUT 100 is one of the absolute highlights of the trail-running calendar for me. I have raced in many places, but the combination of technically demanding singletrack, breathtaking views across the Paznaun and the tremendous support from all the volunteers makes the race in Ischgl one of my favourite events,” David Niegemann said after his victory. The race had been extremely demanding, Niegemann added: “That is why I deliberately managed my energy from the very beginning. This strategy paid off, because good energy management – particularly with the final long climb in mind – is crucial to success on this course.”
A total of 78 athletes took on the 100-kilometre challenge.
Hannah Marquard and David Wöhrer win the PIUT 85
The PIUT 85 also demanded endurance, technical ability and careful race management from its 64 competitors.
In the men’s race, Austria’s David Wöhrer celebrated victory after 11 hours and 46 minutes. Hannah Marquard of Germany won the women’s race in 13 hours and 55 minutes.
Winners over 50, 30 and 20 kilometres
Over the 50-kilometre distance, Sven Koch won the men’s race and Sanna El Kott Helander the women’s race.
Lars Völter and Anna Strakova claimed victory in the PIUT 30. Over 20 kilometres, Lukas Ehrle triumphed in the men’s race and Johanna Eppler in the women’s race.
Winners at a glance
- PIUT 100 men: David Niegemann, 13 hours 4 minutes
- PIUT 100 women: Marie-Luise Mühlhuber, 15 hours 24 minutes
- PIUT 85 men: David Wöhrer, 11 hours 46 minutes
- PIUT 85 women: Hannah Marquard, 13 hours 55 minutes
- PIUT 50 men: Sven Koch
- PIUT 50 women: Sanna El Kott Helander
- PIUT 30 men: Lars Völter
- PIUT 30 women: Anna Strakova
- PIUT 20 men: Lukas Ehrle
- PIUT 20 women: Johanna Eppler
Four villages, one trail-running event
The unique concept behind the Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail brings all four villages in the valley together for a single event. The courses pass through See, Kappl, Galtür and Ischgl, allowing competitors to experience the Paznaun’s scenic and sporting diversity at first hand.
The approximately 130-kilometre Paznaun High Route plays a central role in the event. It normally attracts numerous long-distance hikers each year, but once a year selected sections are transformed into PIUT racecourses.
The stages are as varied as the region itself, ranging from relatively short, runnable sections to long passages that are particularly demanding from both a technical and physical perspective.
146 children take part in the PIUT Kids Run
Young trail runners took centre stage as early as Friday. A total of 146 children lined up for the PIUT Kids Run presented by Volksbank Tirol. The young runners completed their age-appropriate courses with great enthusiasm, providing a successful start to the event weekend.
€2,520 raised during the PIUT TEN Charity Run
The PIUT TEN Charity Run combined sporting commitment with support for a good cause. A total of 126 runners took part, with two euros donated per person for every kilometre completed. This raised a total of €2,520.
The donation will go to the association supporting people in the Paznaun valley who have fallen into need through no fault of their own.
Organisers reflect on a successful event
“The Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail impressively demonstrates just how diverse our region is. Nearly 1,300 athletes – a new participation record – made the third edition a truly special experience. Despite the high temperatures, the weather and course conditions were perfect. The routes through all four villages and along the Paznaun High Route combine a sporting challenge with our unique mountain landscape.
Friday’s PIUT Kids Run was also a wonderful demonstration of the next generation’s enthusiasm. I warmly congratulate all the winners and competitors on their outstanding achievements and am already looking forward to the fourth edition,” said Alexander von der Thannen, President of the Paznaun – Ischgl Tourism Association.
Race Director and co-organiser Lukas Kocher was also extremely pleased with the third edition. The new participation record, the impressive performances across every distance and the tremendous dedication of the many volunteers all contributed significantly to the event’s success. Special thanks also go to all the emergency services, whose professional cooperation and invaluable support ensured that the entire event ran safely and smoothly.
Following this successful race weekend, attention now turns with great anticipation to the fourth edition in 2027. Once again, it will be time to work together, witness outstanding sporting performances and create unforgettable moments.
SAVE THE DATE: The fourth edition will take place from 9 to 10 July 2027.
Results and further information
The full results from the third edition of the Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail are available via TIME2WIN and on the organiser’s website:
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