For days like 6 July, the day of the 19th Pitztal Glacier Marathon, you train, torture yourself and give your all. Our third marathon trip to the Pitztal was a complete success, both in sporting terms and beyond. But step by step.

After arriving on Friday, we were immediately drawn to the marvellous Rifflsee. A dream of a mountain lake between the mountains of Tyrol and also the scene of the highest raft trip in Europe. Unfortunately, after a long journey, we were too late to enjoy a raft trip on the lake ourselves. However, we were still able to enjoy the lake, the unique mountain panorama and everything that goes with it, which was even free of charge thanks to the Pitztal Summer Card, which you automatically receive as a guest in the Pitztal between 7 July and 19 October 2025. A great bonus that sweetens your stay under the "roof of Tyrol". In the evening, we had a quick sauna session at Hotel Bergland before enjoying an excellent dinner.

The next day, a relaxed shake-out run awaited after breakfast to get the legs rolling for the big day. Then it was off to the Hochzeiger for the first time, where this year the start number distribution was located at the valley station and the pasta party at the middle station. Compared to the previous location, the Pitz Park, this was a clear upgrade, which also meant that we were not only able to take a look at the children's runs, but also try out the Zirben carts, which you can use to race down the mountain for four kilometres. Cool stuff with maximum fun factor in a marvellous setting!

On the Sunday of the marathon, it was an early start again. The marathon started at 8.00 am. The half-marathon and the 5.5-kilometre run started one and two hours later, respectively. Once again, Natalie and I were able to run at our planned pace and gradually pull away from the other runners. After the newly integrated additional loop towards the end of the first half of the race, my lead was already large, so I concentrated fully on chasing a fast time. At 11:22 a.m. Natalie was able to celebrate after 1:22:22 hours and 21.388 kilometres. Six minutes later, I had also made it after 2:28:49 hours. Third double victory in Pitztal in a row! What a day, on which we were also able to meet a number of familiar faces again.

The fact that nobody had ever managed to win the marathon or half marathon three times before and that we were now able to do it together and in succession makes us extremely proud. After a detour to the Pitz Park in Wenns after the award ceremony, we relaxed at the end of the marathon day. On Monday, we headed up high and paid a visit to the Pitztal Glacier. We climbed up to an altitude of 3,440 metres. Spectacular and the perfect end to a brilliant trip to this year's Pitztal Glacier Marathon with over 1,000 participants!