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ItalianoUpdated 12.08.2022
With a new course record, the KAT100 provided another sporting highlight last weekend. The biggest summer event in the PillerseeTal is also convincing in terms of added value and medialisation.
The KAT100 Miles is undoubtedly the biggest sporting event in the PillerseeTal summer. The key data are impressive: 9,996 metres in altitude over 173.9 kilometres, making it the longest ultra trail in Austria. All the more impressive are the sporting achievements of the runners, which this year resulted in a new course record for the men. it took Michael Dengg from Lungau 25 hours, 43 minutes and 26 seconds, about half an hour less than last year's winning time. But it is not only the sporting extremes that make the KAT100 so special. ""I am simply overwhelmed and first of all I would like to thank all the people along the course who cheered me on and motivated me. It was an incredible atmosphere and support. It was definitely tough and the temperatures were very high today, but you run from highlight to highlight through such a grandiose landscape - just dreamlike," enthused the winner at the finish, for example.
In addition, the KAT100 offers numerous other routes, such as the Marathon Trail with 48.2 kilometres, which are also easily manageable for normally trained runners. With the Speed Trail and the Easy Trail, there are also routes for beginners. "The KAT100 is not only about extreme performance, but above all about the fundamental values of trail running, namely enjoying nature and the mountains . We also want to motivate beginners to get to know this fascinating world," explains the project manager at the TVB, Angelika Hronek. The strong starting fields for the short and middle distances as well as the Kids Trail, which was an absolute highlight for the youngsters and the spectators again this year, show that this was successful.
The third edition of the KAT100 was not only convincing from a sporting point of view, but also in terms of economic and tourist added value, as the TVB managing director emphasises: "Once again, around 500 starters from 30 nations were at the start. On average, each runner brings 3 to 4 accompanying persons and spends around 4 nights in the region. "This means that the KAT100 generates direct added value in the form of additional overnight stays, but above all an additional impulse for the local economy. From sports shops and restaurants to retailers and souvenir shops, businesses in the region benefit from the participants and their companions.
The KAT100 is also well received in the media. In addition to extensive coverage in the print media, especially the major running and trail running magazines, contributions were also provided for TV stations. In addition, the social media channels ensure an enormously high reach. "Medially, the KAT100 continues to be on the upswing. The interest in all media categories is noticeably high," explains Kuen, who sees the KAT100 as an important instrument for positioning. "The PillerseeTal is a sporty family region and with the KAT100 we are well on the way to establishing a fascinating, trendy sport. The goal is now to take the next step after three years." This is somewhat reminiscent of the beginnings of the Biathlon World Cup or the Freeride World Tour, which have also ensured that the region has developed into a top brand in both the Nordic and freeride sectors.