Transalpine Run is a 260km / 7 stages ultra marathon in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Distance: 260km. Elevation: 15,000m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 70/100). DNF rate: 15%. Time limit: 70h. Surface: trail. Established 2005.
Transalpine Run
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany
"Cross the Alps from Germany to Italy in 7 stages as a team of two — 260km with 15,000m of climbing."
The ultimate Alpine stage race — 7 days crossing the Alps from Germany to Italy in mandatory teams of two with 260km and 15,000m climbing.
The Course
A 7-day stage race crossing the Alps from Germany to Italy in teams of two. Each stage is 30-50km with massive elevation. Routes change yearly but always traverse multiple alpine passes, national parks, and mountain villages.
mountainous
point-to-point
4
2,800m
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
10°C
065%
40%
September alpine conditions. Cool mornings, pleasant midday, cold at altitude. Weather can shift dramatically between stages and within a single day.
Stats & Records
2005
300
42:00:00
24:15:00
Martin Lustenberger & Marcel Tschannen (2019)
Entry
€1200
November
months
Lore & Trivia
The Transalpine Run is an 8-day team race across the Alps — pairs of runners cover approximately 260km from Germany to Italy, crossing high passes, running through Alpine villages, and sharing the suffering and triumph of a mountain traverse. The team format creates bonds that solo races cannot: you depend on your partner, pace each other, and finish together. The event has been called the Tour de France of trail running — a multi-day alpine grand tour.
- ▸ Teams of two must stay within visual contact throughout each stage — you're only as fast as your partner.
- ▸ The race crosses the entire Alps from north to south, typically from Germany through Austria to Italy.
- ▸ Routes change each year, so no two editions are identical, keeping repeat runners engaged.
- ▸ With 15,000m of total climbing over 260km, the Transalpine is one of the most demanding stage races in Europe.
- ▸ Established in 2005.
Eight days crossing the Alps in pairs — the Transalpine Run is the relay race that turns strangers into lifelong partners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Transalpine Run? +
Transalpine Run is a 260km / 7 stages (260km) ultra marathon with 15,000m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is Transalpine Run? +
Transalpine Run is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 70/100 (Demanding). The DNF rate is 15%. Runners have 70 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Transalpine Run? +
Average temperature is 10°C with 65% humidity and a 40% chance of rain. September alpine conditions. Cool mornings, pleasant midday, cold at altitude. Weather can shift dramatically between stages and within a single day.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Transalpine Run? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Transalpine Run? +
The men's course record is 24:15:00 set by Martin Lustenberger & Marcel Tschannen in 2019.
What is the average finish time for Transalpine Run? +
The average finish time is 42:00:00. About 300 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 15%.
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