Zugspitz Ultratrail 2025: 5,000 athletes conquer Garmisch!

Zugspitz Ultratrail 2025: 5,000 athletes conquer Garmisch!

On Friday evening, June 16, 2025, Garmisch-Partenkirchen will once again become a mecca for trail runners from all over the world. Around 5,000 participants from 66 nations have registered for the region's legendary Zugspitz Ultratrail, which takes athletes on a challenging 100-mile route with breathtaking views. The Ultratrail, which began in 2011 with 700 participants, has developed into an important event for the region. [Merkur].

With an estimated added value of around 1.5 million euros in 2025, the Ultratrail also shows how closely tourism and sport are linked. The high volume of visitors not only generates revenue for hotels and restaurants, but also creates a lively atmosphere in which participants and spectators exchange ideas and motivate each other. Another plus point for the region is the shuttle bus service, which makes it easier for participants from surrounding towns such as Mittenwald, Grainau, Ehrwald and Leutasch to get to the event.

A first in the trail landscape

What's particularly exciting this year is the premiere of the 100-mile route, which has the trail running community excited. The organizers have decided to limit the number of participants to a sensible level in order to preserve the original character of the event. Despite growth, they are therefore cautious and have already rejected larger racing series in order to protect their brand as a leading trail running event. They receive support from around 350 helpers who work tirelessly to offer the participants an unforgettable experience.

Of course, there are also challenges in the world of mountain running. Participation requirements have become stricter and the professionalism of events has increased, leaving some traditional events struggling to keep up. The Institute for Outdoor Sports and Environmental Research sees this development as not only risks, but also opportunities for sports tourism offers in the region. DSHS Cologne emphasizes that sport and leisure activities are of central importance for the well-being of society and are closely linked to tourism development - aspects that must definitely be taken into account when organizing such events.

Competition and community

On race day itself, the competition doesn't start until 7 a.m. in Mittenwald. The runners expect a 44 kilometer route with 1,900 meters of altitude, and it is reported that the first 10 kilometers in particular are easy for the participants to manage. But things can get challenging on the technical sections. Taking advantage of the cool streams along the route to cool off is a welcome way for many to beat the heat. Spectators – often part of the so-called #trail community – create a great atmosphere and do everything they can to support their favorites to the finish.

The emotional experiences that the participants have are numerous: encounters with like-minded people, conversations, support and hugs that strengthen the community and underline the special atmosphere. The Ultratrail is perceived not only as a personal competition, but also as a shared experience. All of this contributes to the fact that this event is becoming increasingly important not only for the athletes but for the entire region, as Zugspitz Ultratrail reports.

Overall, it can be said that the Zugspitz Ultratrail is not only a sporting highlight, but also an important economic factor for Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the surrounding communities. The region shows that it has a good knack for events that bring both people and the economy together.