Hochkönigman Trailrunningfestival: The Ultimate Challenge!
A tough running race on a beautiful trail in the fresh mountain air, surrounded by stunning Austrian mountain ranges. Doesn’t that sound like the ultimate challenge? This is exactly what you can experience during the Hochkönigman Trailrunningfestival! It’s the perfect opportunity to push your boundaries, embark on a real adventure, and at the same time, enjoy the breathtaking Alpine landscape. Read on if you don’t want to miss out on this event!
What is the Hochkönigman Trailrunningfestival?
The Hochkönigman Trailrunningfestival is one of the most popular running events in Austria, offering something for every type of trailrunner. In the stunning mountain setting of Hochkönig, you can run both short, fast trails and long, tough marathons. The festival isn’t only of interest to participants; there are also various parties around the event, making it a popular choice for spectators!
When and Where?
The festival takes place in the beautiful Maria Alm, a charming village in the Hochkönig mountain range, from Friday, 30th May to Sunday, 1st June 2025. After such an intensive trail run, you’ll definitely want to relax, and there’s no better place to do that than in one of ChaletsPlus' comfortable chalets. Located in the region around Maria Alm, right in the heart of nature, the chalets offer the ideal place to unwind after a long day of running. Whether you’re coming alone or with friends or family, you can enjoy the mountain views from your chalet and prepare for the next day. Many chalets also have wellness facilities such as a sauna or Jacuzzi.
What Types of Trails Are Available?
As mentioned earlier, the event offers something for every trailrunner. Children can take part in the Kids Trail, beginners can run the Uniqa Easy Trail of 10 km, and those seeking more of a challenge can try the Speed Trail of 19.9 km with an elevation gain of 1,020 metres. The Marathon Trail, with 48.6 km and an elevation gain of almost 3,000 metres, is a serious test of your endurance. For hardcore trailrunners, there’s even the Endurance Trail, an impressive 84.2 km route with approximately 5,000 metres of elevation.
For runners who enjoy breathtaking views, there’s the K3 Panorama Trail, a 32.7 km route introduced in 2024. There’s also the Raiffeisen Business Trail, a relay race for companies – a fun way to take on the adventure with your colleagues. Additionally, there’s the Downhill Race, where, as the name suggests, you run downhill, and the Hochkönig Skyrace; these trails are 2.57 km and 31.2 km long respectively.
Who Participates?
As long as you’re adventurous, both children, beginners, and experienced trailrunners can take part in the event. The festival is all about joining thousands of other sports enthusiasts on an adventure. It’s not only about the race, but also about the experience around it. It’s about fun, meeting people, and sharing the experience of having a fantastic time.
Why Should You Join?
Besides having an amazing time, this event gives you the ultimate opportunity to challenge yourself in one of the most beautiful places in Austria. The mountains, the views, and the course make this event unique. The atmosphere around it is, of course, fantastic too, so the question “Why not?” could be the perfect answer to why you should take part.
How Do You Train for It?
Now that you’re excited and maybe even secretly decided to take part, it’s important to prepare well. First, it’s essential to build your endurance by doing long runs. As the event takes place on uneven and hilly terrain, it’s also important to get used to these conditions. Don’t forget to eat healthily, get plenty of sleep, and work on your overall fitness by doing strength training, so you’re fully prepared when you reach the start line!
Are You Ready?
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trailrunner, the Hochkönigman Trailrunningfestival offers an unforgettable experience for everyone. The combination of a stunning course and the friendly atmosphere surrounding the event makes participating in this festival truly unique. So, lace up your running shoes, get yourself well-prepared, and book a ChaletsPlus accommodation – we’ll see you at the end of May in Maria Alm!