11th GROSSGLOCKNER ULTRA-TRAIL

23 - 26 July 2026

Over the past ten years, around 15,000 runners have been safely guided along the spectacular Hohe Tauern mountain routes during the Grossglockner ULTRA-TRAIL powered by DYNAFIT. Safety was once again a top priority in 2025, as the event celebrated its tenth anniversary.

GGUT showcased its most challenging side, proving once again why it is considered one of the toughest trails in the Alps. Stormy weather, including strong winds, bitter cold and sleet, caused exhaustion and hypothermia for many runners and meant that the organisers had to stop the race. The decision to cancel the race was taken by the Race Director, in consultation with the mountain rescue team in Kals, the race doctor in Kals, and the Route and Safety Manager. The reason for the abandonment was that several hypothermic runners in the Glorerhütte area had already required treatment by the (mountain) rescue team, coupled with the forecast of persistent rainfall until midday.

In view of this, continuing the race would have posed too high a safety risk, and the decision was made in the spirit of safety. This was despite the fact that almost 30 mountain rescuers were deployed in the area from the Glorerhütte to the Pfandlscharte. Unfortunately, and in particular after consulting with the mountain rescue services, we had to learn that many of the hypothermic runners between Kals and Glocknerhaus had ignored the instructions from the race briefing and were dressed far too lightly. This carelessness at least contributed significantly to the cancellation. We find this reckless, irresponsible, and lacking in solidarity. Our basic approach so far is to point out dangers and encourage responsible action, rather than issuing countless regulations. But we will definitely have to reconsider this.

Nevertheless, there were winners. After victories in 2016 and 2019, 'Mr GGUT' Florian Grasel celebrated his third win in Kaprun, finishing alongside Mathias Deutschbauer (both AUT). Both agreed that the race organisers' decision to interrupt and cancel the competition was the right one. Local hero Hans-Peter Innerhofer from Salzburg and Mari Wetterhus from Norway won the 37 km race on Friday.

Hats off to all those who have taken part in the GGUT over the last ten years. And to those yet to finish: come to Kaprun and conquer the Hohe Tauern trails! Save the date: from 23 to 26 July 2026, the Grossglockner ULTRA-TRAIL will celebrate its eleventh edition. Be there!