New distance, new record, another home win

The Stubai Ultratrail 2026 – powered by SCOTT, which took place on the weekend of 3 and 4 July under the motto "Epic Trails. Epic Valley.", impressively demonstrated why the Stubai Valley is one of the leading trail running destinations in the Alps. With over 1,800 runners from 30 nations, the high-alpine trail running event set a new record number of participants. There was a festival atmosphere on five different distances, all of which ended in the atmospheric centre of Neustift - including the premiere of the new STUBAI 100 and a separate children's run.

In the best weather conditions and perfect track conditions in particular the new STUBAI 100 with 101 kilometres and 5,800 metres of altitude difference provided top sporting performances and emotional moments.

Sensational victory for Christian Stern at the premiere of the STUBAI 100

Christian Stern from Stubaicrowned himself the premiere winner of the STUBAI 100 with a dream run in under 12 hours - and thus impressively continued his series of successes on home soil. Stern, multiple winner of the Stubai Ultratrail and on the Stubai High Trail (Höhenweg) last year, made perfect use of his knowledge of the route: Just under the magic 12-hour mark (11:58:59 h), he crossed the finish line in the centre of Neustift as the outstanding winner. "To win the STUBAI 100 after winning the Höhenweg last year – and here at home in the Stubai Valley – is simply incredible. The course, the atmosphere, the fans: That was something very special today," Christian Stern said at the finish line. Second and third place went to Johann Obermüller and Tobias Fritz, both from Germany.

In the women' s race, Manuela Kastner from Germany was the first to enter the list of winners on the 100-kilometre distance. She crossed the finish line in a time of 16:41:35 hours ahead of her two compatriots Sandra Stummer and Elisabeth Gamperl. "It was a wonderful, hard run and I'm really happy to have won - especially because I was able to run so well despite the short training," said the beaming winner at the finish.

Four more spectacular races with impressive results

In addition to the STUBAI 100, four other competitions were held this weekend, which once again presented the Stubai Valley as a real trail running Mecca. At the STUBAI ULTRA over 57 kilometers and 4,200 meters of altitude, the two South Tyroleans Claudia Sieder and Philipp Ausserhofer took the victories. On the 31-kilometre STUBAI CLASSIC with 2,300 metres of altitude, Edith Zell (AUT) and Daniele Roccon (ITA) triumphed. The STUBAI EXPRESS over 23 kilometers and 1,240 meters of altitude became the stage for the Germans Nadine Hübel and Nils Bergmann.

The day before, the STUBAI SUNNENSEIT'N TRAIL over 14 kilometres and 700 meters of altitude provided fast times and exciting battles for positions: Maren Hamm from Germany and Samuel Demetz from Bolzano (ITA) won here and thrilled the audience along the route.

Premiere for the children's run and festival atmosphere in the Stubai Valley

A special highlight this year was the KIDS TRAIL, which was held for the first time. Numerous young runners from the age of 6 got a taste of trail running and crossed the finish line to the enthusiastic applause of parents, spectators and professionals. The new competition provided emotional moments and underlined the family character of the event - many children ran hand in hand with their role models and proudly picked up their first medal in the finish area.

The conditions in the Stubai Valley could hardly have been better for the participants and the organizing team: A dry night, pleasant temperatures and lots of sunshine on race day provided optimal conditions on all distances. The excellent organization was praised by athletes and spectators alike and contributed significantly to the success of the event.

The chairman of the Stubai Tirol Tourism Association, Adrian Siller, was also enthusiastic about the development of the event: "With the introduction of the STUBAI 100, the new record number of participants with over 1,800 runners from 30 nations and the first children's run, we have consistently developed the Stubai Ultratrail. The response of the runners and the unique atmosphere in the valley confirm us in this path. The Stubai Valley is and remains an attraction for trail runners from all over the world - from professionals to young talent."