25. Veitscher Grenzstaffellauf 2011

This atmospheric 54-kilometre trail race in Austria takes place every year at the end of June in the old mining village of Veitsch, situated in a narrow valley on the eastern edge of the Alps.

Veitsch is close to the railway line between Vienna and Graz, Austria's two largest cities.

The route is very challenging as it includes 2200 metres of ascent and 2200 metres of descent. Thus, the majority of the runners usually takes part in the 3-person relay race (16.5+16+21km).

Participants run up to the 5km-long, grassy ridge of the Hohe Veitsch, and then down another route. Start is at an elevation of 670 metres, the highest point on the course is at 1860 metres.

Most of the race follows dirt roads and trails through forests and mountain pastures. Only the first and the last 1.5 kilometres are on asphalt roads.

In 2010, the top ultra runners were Reinhold Pototschnik (4:26:45) and Monika Weinzierl (6:19:31). The course was two kilometres longer.

Country: Austria

Venue (Map): Veitsch (83km from Graz, 123km from Vienna)

Date: 25 June 2011 (Saturday)

Race distance: 54km; 3-person relay (16.5+16+21.5km)

Start time: 9.00

Start and finish: Hallenschwimmbad (public swimming pool) in Dorf Veitsch

Entries: online or by e-mail; payment by bank transfer; late entries on the day

Entry fees (individual runners): 32/34 EUR (until 19 June/until 25 June 2011)

Entry fees (relay teams): 90/96 EUR

Entry fees (relay teams, first member runs 54km): 92/98 EUR

Race centre: Public swimming pool in Veitsch (Friday 24 June 17.00-20.00, on the day 7.00-8.30)

You get: T-shirt, photo service, prize raffle, bus service for relay runners, free entry to the public swimming pool after the race, free camping near the start

Prizes: trophies to the first 3 in each category

Showers and changing facilities: yes

Award ceremony: ca. 17.00

Number of finishers 2010: 346 (109 individual runners, 79 relay teams)

Event website (in English): ultraalpinemarathon.jimdo.com

No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page.