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ItalianoUpdated on 21 July 2021
Back in the summer of 2018, it was still just a dream for Reinhard Wohlfarter: to run all the way round the Pitztal valley through the mountains – in trail running shoes. After months of planning, this dream is finally becoming a reality. 12,000 metres of elevation gain, four glacier crossings and six peaks over 3,000 metres along a 160-kilometre running route. The starting gun for the Pitztal 100-Mile Summit Trail will be fired on 22 July.
Until a few years ago, the longest Reinhard Wohlfarter had ever run in one go was ten minutes. After an accident at work, Reinhard – better known in the Pitztal as ‘Gustl’ – took up running and, following the Pitztal Glacier Marathon and the Transalpine Run, ended up taking up trail running.
Ever since, it has been his heartfelt wish to run the full circuit of the Pitztal mountains. And to do so competitively, at a running pace. On 22 July, he will realise this dream and take his place at the start – alongside around ten trail runners, including Stephanie Lieb, Lukas Kocher and Marcel Mair – at the famous Benni Raich Bridge, which also marks the finish line. If the weather plays along, it will be a night run illuminated by the almost full moon, as the starting gun will go off at exactly 10.00 pm. The alternative date is 29 July.
This run covers an incredible 12,000 metres of elevation gain over 160 kilometres. The route follows the left-hand side of the valley from the Benni Raich Bridge to the Rüsselsheimer Hut and the Braunschweiger Hut, back down the valley to Mittelberg and from there towards Rifflsee and the Kaunergrath Hut, on to the Arzler and Neubergalm, Gogles, and after around 43 hours, the runners return to Arzl.
Along the way, the runners conquer six 3,000-metre peaks, including the Mittagskogel, the Sonnenkogel and the Wassertalkogel – the highest point at 3,247 metres above sea level. Other peaks the runners must tackle include, for example, the Hochzeiger, the Schoaßkogel and the Glanderspitze. Another highlight is the four glacier crossings.
Over the course of the 100 miles, the runners are self-catering, with the Alpine Club huts (Rüsselsheimer, Braunschweiger and Kaunergrathütte, and Taschachhaus) serving as supply stations. As is well known, there is no shortage of fresh water in the Pitztal; you’ll find a stream at virtually every junction.
You can view the impressive route via this link.
The runners’ own initiative proves once again that the Pitztal is one of the top running destinations. Following the Glacier Marathon, the Salomon4Trails and the 100-Mile Trail, the 9th edition of the Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail will take place from 6 to 8 August.