More than 1,000 participants at the 2nd edition of the Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail. Favourite victories by Christian Stern and Marie-Luise Mühlhuber

The weather gods smiled on the more than 1,000 participants who took part in the second edition of the Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail on Saturday. Participants could choose from distances of 100, 85, 50, 30, 20 and 10 kilometres and up to 6,300 metres of elevation gain. The routes led through the beautiful mountain landscape on the Paznaun High Trail.

The extended royal distance of 100 kilometres and 6,300 metres of elevation gain demands everything – a trail running highlight along the entire Paznaun High Trail.

The Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail (PIUT) set new standards this year: The royal distance was extended to 100 kilometres and 6,300 metres of elevation gain for the first time – an absolute highlight for endurance athletes and a challenge that pushed even experienced ultra runners to their limits. The technically demanding route led through the impressive mountain world of Paznaun and offered an interplay of steep climbs, challenging trails and rapid downhills.

What makes the PIUT special is not only the sporting challenge, but also the concept: 4 locations – 1 event. With starting points in See, Kappl, Galtür and Ischgl, the scenic and sporting diversity of the entire valley is emphasised. Participants experience the Paznaun High Trail, which otherwise attracts countless long-distance hikers every year, from a completely new perspective. The approximately 130-kilometre route becomes the setting for a unique trail running experience at the PIUT – with stages that are sometimes short and pleasant, sometimes long and challenging.

The Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail combines sporting excellence with impressive nature and regional character – and is increasingly becoming a fixture in the European trail running calendar.

Christian Stern with outstanding best time, Marie-Luise Mühlhuber wins in the women's category

With an outstanding performance, Christian Stern from Stubai secured victory in the long distance race covering 100 kilometres and 6,300 metres of elevation gain, setting an impressive best time of 13 hours and 22 minutes. Behind Germany's Adrian Niski, Marcus Burger from Vorarlberg came in a strong third. The 100-kilometre women's race was won by Germany's Sonka Kinna.

Tyrolean winner. Unstoppable: Christian Stern wins the PIUT ultra distance

"The PIUT was an extraordinary experience – with everything that makes a real ultra. The 100 kilometres were marked by many ups and downs, and my condition changed constantly. That's exactly what makes this course so exciting. The start at night, the transition to day and the view of the mountain scenery – it was simply impressive. The full moon bathed the scenery in a special light and gave me extra energy. The refreshment stations were excellently run, and the markings were really top-notch this year. All in all, a unique event that is challenging in terms of sport and inspiring in terms of scenery." Christian Stern, winner of the 100-kilometre distance.

In the women's 85-kilometre race, Marie-Luise Mühlhuber once again came out on top, repeating her success from last year. Czech runner Thomas Hudec won the same distance. Markus Lindl was the best Austrian, coming in third. The favourites won across all the other distances. Isabell Speer secured a local victory in the 50-kilometre race. Lukas Gasser from South Tyrol was unbeatable in the 30-kilometre race. David Walzthöni finished ahead of Clemens Blaßnig from East Tyrol. Johannes Nussbaumer secured another Tyrolean victory in the 20-kilometre race.

Detailed results:

https://time2win.at/event/686/results?round=4273&gender=F

An inspiring event – organisers completely satisfied

"Today's Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail was a complete success – for the sport, the region and every single participant. Over 1,000 runners took on the challenges of six different routes – from the children's run to the 100-kilometre ultra route. It was impressive to see the ambition and endurance with which they ran. I have particular respect for all those who made it to the finish line – a strong performance on what was, in parts, a very demanding route. I was also particularly impressed by the young participants. Their commitment and enjoyment of running show how important it is to get young people interested in exercise and nature at an early age. A big thank you to the entire organising team, the mountain rescue service, the emergency services and all the volunteers. Thanks to their professionalism and commitment, the event went off without a hitch and without any accidents in perfect weather conditions. This is not something that can be taken for granted and underlines the strong sense of community that we have in Paznaun," said Alexander von der Thannen, chairman of the Paznaun – Ischgl Tourism Association.

"We can look back on a fantastic race day – over 1,000 runners, very varied routes and perfect weather. The atmosphere was unique from start to finish. Today has shown the potential that this format has. We are already looking forward to further developing the Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail and attracting even more trail running fans to Paznaun in the future," said Lukas Kocher, race director of the Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail.