Grossglockner Mountain Run 2026

The Grossglockner Mountain Run begins in Heiligenblut's village center, ascending to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, situated high above a significant Austrian alpine valley. This mid-July mountain trail race, held annually within the Hohe Tauern nature reserve, sees approximately 1,500 participants tackle a course of about 13.3 km with 1,300 metres of elevation gain. Though brief on paper, the course presents a demanding uphill challenge from the outset, suited for those adept on steep alpine terrain rather than flat road racing. The course departs the village, crossing meadows, forests, alpine pastures, and rocky ground as it ascends toward the Grossglockner. Participants will pass Briccius Chapel, the Trogalm, the Margaritzen reservoir, and the Pasterze, the longest glacier in the Eastern Alps, before reaching the finish at Franz-Josefs-Höhe. The participants include dedicated mountain runners, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking the complete ascent. The race weekend also features a running exhibition and additional activities for participants and visitors.