The world’s elite return to Innsbruck: IATF presents TRAIL HUNT a unique elite race
The adidas Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun Festival (IATF) is kicking off TRAIL HUNT – a unique elite race in a tough pursuit format. The organiser of the 2023 WMTRC is once again inviting the world’s elite to Innsbruck to compete for €30,000 in prize money over two stages.
INNSBRUCK, Dec. 2nd, 2025 – Anticipation is mounting and the adidas Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun Festival is set to cause another sensation in 2026: the IATF – TRAIL HUNT. One of the absolute highlights of the 2026 international trail calendar.
Under the motto ‘Come to hunt — or be hunted!’, the event agency Laufwerkstatt — organiser of the WMTRC 2023 — is once again inviting the elite of this sport to Innsbruck to return to the most legendary sections of the World Championships and compete at the highest level for €30,000 in prize money.
A format built for power, precision, speed and fearlessness. For athletes who thrive when the pressure mounts. It’s raw. It’s loud. It’s unpredictable. The most intense version of trail running is unleashed where world champions were crowned in 2023.
At the same time, the entire IATF is heading for an unprecedented registration record: over 6,000 race bibs have already been sold. This means that in less than three months, 83% of the starting places have already been allocated and the first races will be sold out shortly. So you need to be quick and seize your last chance to take part in the 4-day festival.
FORMAT & CRITERIA
The IATF – TRAIL HUNT will be held as a pursuit competition in two races and will take place on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, and Friday, May 1st 2026.
Day 1: Vertical Race
Athletes will complete 7.4 km and 1,330 metres of elevation gain. Mass start on Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from Innsbruck city centre to the Nordkette mountain range and Seegrube.
Day 2: Trail Race
On the second day, the race covers 25 km and 1,700 metres of elevation gain in an exciting pursuit format (start and finish in Innsbruck, along the Nordkette in the footsteps of the 2023 WMTRC). The start is on Friday, May 1st, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. (women), 10:00 a.m. (men) and 10:30 a.m. (mixed).
Only the top 50 men and women from the Vertical or athletes within a maximum grace period of 15 minutes qualify for the nerve-wracking pursuit start on the second day and are classified in the overall ranking.
Participation in the TRAIL HUNT is subject to high athletic requirements and limited starting places. Men with 750+ ITRA points and women with 650+ ITRA points are eligible to participate.
HIGH PRIZE MONEY AWAITS
A total of €30,000 in prize money will be awarded! The winners (m/f) alone can look forward to €7,000 each. Prizes will be awarded up to fifth place, which still comes with €1,000. This is prize money that can only be won at very few trail running events.
FOR ALL TRAIL RUNNING ENTHUSIASTS
If you want to watch, the best way to experience the thrilling race for victory is live! Be there before it’s too late!
The rush for starting places in the IATF 2026 is huge. Over 6,000 registrations in just under three months speak for themselves. If you still want to secure your dream of a trail running adventure in the capital of the Alps, you need to act fast. Starting places are limited and 83% are already sold out. The most popular competitions will be sold out shortly.
Be there on the course or at the finish line when the elite compete to determine the who’s got what it takes! Secure one of the best spectator spots and experience topclass trail running up close! This is a MUST for every sports fan!