Zugspitz Ultratrail 2026

The Zugspitz Ultratrail, a trail running series held in June, takes place in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This Bavarian town sits below the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak at 2,692 meters. As Germany's largest trail running event, it draws over 5,000 athletes from more than 60 countries, alongside approximately 50 exhibitors and thousands of spectators during the race weekend. The event offers a variety of distances, including short mountain races, long alpine ultras, and a 100-mile option spread over three days. The main schedule features six courses. These range from the 16 km Grainau Trail, which includes 760 meters of elevation gain, to the 106 km Ultratrail with 5,080 meters of climbing. Intermediate distances include a 29 km route from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a 44 km race at Mittenwald, a 68 km course at Leutasch, and an 86 km event at Ehrwald, all increasing in distance and elevation. The courses encircle the Zugspitze and extend towards the Wetterstein Mountains, ensuring even the shorter events are genuine alpine trail races. The Garmisch-Partenkirchen Trail is also a qualifying event for the Golden Trail National Series, attracting both elite specialists and a mix of club runners, ultra athletes, and novice mountain racers.