On Sunday 24 September, the 44^th edition of the Hochfellnberglauf takes place in the Bergen/Chiemgau region of Germany. It is the penultimate round of the World Cup of Mountain Running and every year the race welcomes a strong group of Mountain Running talent and this year is no exception with World Cup points on the line.

Top action in the race is sure to come from Italians Francesco Puppi, who hopes to post a top-10 finish on the mountain, and fellow countryman Antonio Toninelli, a perennial favorite in this race shooting for yet another podium finish.  On the women’s side, Austrian Andrea Mayr is always tough to beat, but has only a few starts on the World Cup series, so it will be more difficult to follow her World Cup victory in 2016 with another this year.

Bergen will of course attract strong local German mountain runners including Michelle Maier. With top international results in 2016 and 2017, Maier will vie with Mayr for the top spot on the podium. Other contenders include Toni Palzer and Jonas Lehmann, both with top results in 2016 and 2017, hoping to achieve a top-10 finish.

Former race winner and course record-holder Jonathan Wyatt will be back again to race as well as support the event in his new role as the President of the World Mountain Running Association.  His wife, Antonella Confortola, also a former winner and Olympic cross country skier will also compete.

The race always includes former and current World and/or European Champions and is a great chance for every runner to join one of the most iconic and scenic mountain courses held at the foot of the Bavarian alps offering superb views over the surrounding mountains and countryside.  With easy travel connections to and from Salzburg airport it is also an accessible mountain race for all.

A big incentive at the finish line awaits – the best cakes made by locals. Enjoy these treats once the 8.9km course boasting 1074 meters of ascending is completed. Plenty motivation to put this race on every mountain runner’s list as one of the most beautiful trails to run!

Photos and story courtesty of the LOC.