The KAT 100 also goes shorter

Updated 27.06.2022

Amateur runners and trail running beginners will find the KAT100 in the Kitzbühel Alps the perfect opportunity for an enjoyable start to the world of trail running. Five different routes lead through the impressive mountain world around the PillerseeTal.

Trail running or "mountain running", as the Tyrolean would say, is all the rage. This is also the case in the PillerseeTal, where the third edition of the KAT100 will take place from 4 to 6 August. Austria's longest ultra trail has not only made a name for itself in the professional scene, but is also very popular with amateur runners. No less than five routes of different characteristics lead through the impressive mountains of the Kitzbühel Alps. While the KAT100 Miles with 173.9 kilometres as well as the Endurance and Marathon Trail with 91.5 and 48.2 kilometres respectively are intended more for experienced runners and are considered qualifiers for the Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc (UTMB), there are two easier to master but no less attractive runs to choose from for beginners, hobby runners and those on short notice.

The Easy Trail is a great way for beginners and those on short notice to slowly get to grips with mountain running and to get a taste of trail running even without a lot of experience. From the centre of Fieberbrunn village, the 8-kilometre route leads past the picturesque Lauchsee lake to Schwarzhäusl, where the majority of the 243 metres in altitude have already been covered. The route leads back to the village centre along the wildly rushing Pletzerbach stream. "The Easy Trail is ideal for beginners. A manageable distance with only a slight ascent on easy terrain and yet varied, so that you really enjoy running," explains Angelika Hronek, KAT100 project manager at the TVB PillerseeTal. If you want a little more, we recommend the Speed Trail with a length of 24.2 kilometres, which guarantees two fantastic summit experiences with Wildseeloder and Henne. To ensure that the 1640 metres of altitude difference are not a torture but an experience, "you should start training now at the latest. There are still six weeks to go and you should already be prepared for the Speed Trail," Hronek continues. The Kids Trail has become a real success. From U6 to U16, the youngsters can compete on distances of 500 to 1500 metres in the centre of Fieberbrunn . The fun is clearly in the foreground and for the kids the atmosphere at the finish is at least as great as for the top runners at the longest Ultra Trail in Austria.

Registration for all distances is already in full swing and is possible online until 31 July . Late registrations are also still possible up to 1 hour before the start - depending on availability on the respective course.

With a little luck, you can also win a starting place in the competition organised by the PillerseeTal Tourism Association.

All information about the routes, registration and the competition can be found at www.kat100.at