Kalkkögeltrail Stubai defies the weather conditions and celebrates a successful premiere

On Saturday, September 29, 2024, the Kalkkögeltrail in Telfes in the Stubai Valley celebrated its successful premiere. Despite difficult weather conditions with snow-covered trails and cool temperatures, more than 200 enthusiastic participants took on the challenges of the new trail running event. This also included that the original 42 km long course had to be changed, and the starters ran the shorter 18 km course twice instead. The beaming winners were Claudia Sieder in the women's category and Christian Stern from Stubai in the men's category.

A successful premiere despite adverse conditions

The weather conditions on the day of the competition posed great challenges for both the participants and the organizers. In particular, the K42 route, which is one of the most demanding trail routes in the region with 42 kilometres and almost 3,000 metres of altitude, had to be redesigned at short notice due to too much fresh snow on the higher sections. The announcement that the short K18 course would have to be run twice instead could not dampen the motivation of the runners.

In the women's race, the South Tyrolean Claudia Sieder triumphed, followed by the British Laura Barraclough and Katharina Hutter from the Stubai Valley. "I'm tired, but infinitely satisfied to have won this beautiful, technical course," says Sieder after her victory with a clear lead of over 25 minutes.

Christian Stern, local hero from the Stubai Valley, secured victory in the men's race and was also enthusiastic: "It was a great course, the race was fast and the conditions were slippery, but good." Second place went to Alexander Hutter, winner of the Stubai Ultratrail 2024, also from the Stubai Valley, and Philipp Außerhofer from South Tyrol, who lives in Telfes.

On the 18-kilometer course, Germany's Diona Gorla won the women's race ahead of the two Austrians Nadine Gleirscher and Sonja Brandauer. In the men's race, Clemens Blaßnig (AUT), Robert Peal (GBR) and Daniel Peer finished first to third.

Positive response from all sides

The Kalkkögeltrail, which was held in this form for the first time as a further development of the Schlickeralm Run, earned praise from athletes and spectators alike. The varied routes, the impressive mountain scenery and the perfect organization left lasting impressions.

"We are very proud of the successful premiere of the Kalkkögeltrail. Despite the difficult conditions, the participants showed great performances and enjoyed the breathtaking nature of the Stubai Valley to the fullest," said OC boss Andreas Stern from the Telfes sports club. "The response was consistently positive, and we are already looking forward to the next edition next year."

All results for the Kalkkögel Trail HERE!

Further information about the Kalkkögel Trail: www.kalkkoegeltrail.at