Trailrunning in Reit im Winkl: my first time in an UTMB race

Trail runners in the Chiemgau Alps during the MountainMan Reit im Winkl 26K, UTMB World Series race

A runner from flat Hamburg travels to the Bavarian Alps to experience his first UTMB-style trail race in Reit im Winkl. What begins as a search for mountains becomes a story about memory, belonging, kindness, and discovering what trail running truly feels like above the clouds. From silent mornings by the river Lofer to brutal climbs, Kaiserschmarrn at mountain aid stations, and crossing the finish line as “Elio Rivero aus Argentinien,” this is a personal account of the MountainMan Reit im Winkl trail race in the Chiemgäu Alps.

Crossing the Alps: Days 5, 6 & 7 · Mayrhofen through Pfitsch to Sterzing

Zamser river in Zillertal

The final three days crossing the Alps hiking into Südtirol, climbing misty ridges, spotting glaciers, descending into green valleys, and walking the long farewell stage into Sterzing. After 7 days, 120 km, and 3 countries, the Alps Crossing ended with history, culture, and unforgettable alpine moments.

Crossing the Alps: Days 3-4 · Along the Achensee to Hochfügen

Lake Achensee in Austria

On the third and fourth days crossing the Alps, I walked from the gorgeous shores of Lake Achensee to the Zillertal valley and climbed up towards Hochfügen at 2000 meters. From refreshing buttermilk at an Alm, to getting stung by a wasp and escaping a storm, these trails were wonderful.