Stelvio Marathon

The Stelvio Marathon starts in Prad am Stilfserjoch and follows an asphalted path through the peaceful Agums with its Church of St. George. On to Lichtenberg, where runners are greeted by the view of the castle ruins of the same name. At the edge of the town, the route alternates between asphalt and gravel sections and runs through gently hilly terrain to the medieval town of Glurns. Through the town center and along the imposing town walls, it continues along the Etsch bike route Via Claudia Augusta to the Prad fish ponds. Upon arrival, runners get their first view of the impressive ice and rock formations around the Stilfserjoch.

We come across the village of Prad again, located at the foot of the Stilfserjoch National Park. Here, after about 16 km, the actual ascent to the Stilfserjoch begins. First moderately steep over the Mitter and Patzleidhof, we reach the quaint mountain village of Stilfs via a path that starts flat and then rises steeply. Stilfs is known for the steepness of its alleys. These also lead us out of the village towards Platzhof, not far from the picturesque little church of St. Martin. Here, the runner’s first clear view of King Ortler and its companions opens up.

The route from Platzhof alternates between narrow forest paths and wide gravel roads, creating a constant change of rhythm. On this section, runners may also catch a glimpse of some wild animals that roam in the Fragges wildlife enclosure or freely nearby. Soon we reach a long mountain ridge, on whose slopes are the Prader Alm and the mountain station of the Trafoier chairlift, the Furkelhütte. From here, the route changes onto a high alpine hiking trail, the Goldseeweg.

The view of the Ortler group is now a constant companion of the runner. After a longer stay on the narrow mountain path, the route descends about 300 meters above the Upper Tartscher Alm to bend number 25 of the legendary Stilfserjoch road. From here, the view to the finish line is free, and the runner begins to climb the remaining 24 bends, passing the mountain inn Franzenshöhe, up to 2,757 meters.