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."
Score Breakdown
Based on distance, vertical gain per km, terrain difficulty, weather extremes, historical DNF rate, and race format.
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.
Experience ratings are based on runner reports, race reviews, community feedback, and editorial assessment. Scenery reflects the visual quality of the course. Organization covers aid stations, logistics, and communication. Community measures the atmosphere, inclusivity, and camaraderie among runners.
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)
25%
30
65%
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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