THE WORLD’S ELITE RETURNS TO INNSBRUCK: IATF PRESENTS A UNIQUE ELITE RACE WITH TRAIL HUNT

Innsbruck, December 2, 2025 – Anticipation is rising, and the adidas Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun Festival is once again set to deliver a sensation in 2026: the IATF – TRAIL HUNT. One of the absolute highlights of the international trail calendar in 2026.

Under the motto “Come to hunt — or be hunted!”, the event agency Laufwerkstatt – organizer of the WMTRC 2023 – is once again inviting the elite of this sport to Innsbruck to return to the legendary sections of the World Championship and compete for €30,000 in prize money at the highest level.

A format built for power, precision, speed, and fearlessness. For athletes who thrive when the pressure is on. It’s raw. Loud. Unpredictable. The most intense version of trail running will be unleashed where world champions were already crowned in 2023.

At the same time, the entire IATF is heading toward an unprecedented registration record: over 6,000 starting spots have already been sold. That means that in less than three months, 83% of the spots have already been taken, and the first races will soon be sold out. So act quickly to secure your last chance to be part of the four-day festival.

FORMAT & CRITERIA

The IATF – TRAIL HUNT will be held as a pursuit competition over two races and will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, and Friday, May 1, 2026.

Day 1: Vertical Race

Athletes will cover 7.4 km with 1,330 meters of elevation gain. Mass start on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. from Innsbruck city center to the Nordkette and Seegrube.

Day 2: Trail Race

On the second day, the challenge continues over 25 km with 1,700 meters of elevation in an exciting pursuit format (loop course with start & finish in Innsbruck, along the Nordkette on the tracks of the WMTRC 2023). Start times: Friday, May 1, 2026 – 9:30 a.m. (women), 10:00 a.m. (men), 10:30 a.m. (mixed).

Only the top 50 men and women from the Vertical Race, or athletes within a maximum 15-minute buffer, qualify for the nerve-wracking pursuit start on the second day and will be ranked in the overall standings.

Participation in the TRAIL HUNT is tied to strict athletic criteria and limited starting spots. Eligible are men with 750+ ITRA points and women with 650+ ITRA points.

HIGH PRIZE MONEY

A total of €30,000 in prize money will be awarded! The winners (male/female) will each receive €7,000. Prizes are awarded up to fifth place, which still receives €1,000. This makes it one of the few trail running events offering such high prize money.

FOR ALL TRAIL ENTHUSIASTS

Those who want to watch the thrilling hunt for victory should experience it live! Be there before it’s too late!

Demand for IATF 2026 starting spots is enormous. Over 6,000 registrations in less than three months speak for themselves. Those who want to secure their dream of a trail running adventure in the alpine capital must act fast. With limited spots, 83% are already taken, and the most popular races will soon be sold out.

Be at the course or at the finish line as the elite athletes compete on the World Championship trails! Secure one of the best spectator spots and experience top-level trail running up close! This is a MUST for every sports fan!

Secure your starting spot and become part of IATF 2026: https://my.raceresult.com/351313/registration

All details about the TRAIL HUNT can be found here: https://innsbruckalpine.laufwerkstatt.at/trail-hunt/

More information and registration for the festival: https://innsbruckalpine.at/