10 highlights for your family winter vacation
24.09.2025 Lace up your running shoes & go! | Lechlauf Race #3.0
Running is one of the most popular sports – and trail running is inspiring more and more people, including here in the Reutte Nature Park Region. It’s no surprise: anyone who has experienced the famous runner’s high knows that indescribable feeling. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, these moments of flow become even more intense – and incredibly addictive.
Lechlauf #3.0
On September 20th, the time has come again: the Lechlauf (Lech Run), one of the largest running events in the region, took place in Weißenbach for the third time. Over 600 athletes participated, creating an amazing atmosphere. As an enthusiastic trail runner, I had long wanted to test myself in a race – and the Lechlauf was the perfect opportunity to do so.
Since 2023, the Lechlauf has been held in memory of Elias Feineler – a passionate mountaineer and trail runner from Weißenbach who tragically passed away in a mountain accident in Pakistan in 2022. His great dream was to create his own running event. Today, that dream lives on: every year, numerous runners come together to celebrate Elias’ passion for sport and his zest for life. With various distances and disciplines, the Lechlauf offers an unforgettable experience for both beginners and experienced trail runners.
New: The Lechlauf isn’t just for runners. In the Run & Fly discipline, a paraglider and a mountain or trail runner form a team.
Courses
| KinderLauf (Kids' Run) | 1 km | Obstacle course from age 4 – the main thing is to have fun! |
|---|---|---|
| HobbyLauf (Hobby Run) | 6,5 km | 50 m elevation gain | A route along the Lech River, Lechausee Lake, and Baggersee Lake – perfect for anyone who enjoys running, walking, or simply staying active, including youth. |
| HauptLauf (Main Run) | 11 km | 65 m elevation gain | The extended version of the hobby run over the suspension bridge in Forchach – perfect for runners, walkers, and youth looking for a bigger challenge. |
| BergLauf (Mountain Run) | 14 km | 1400 m elevation gain | A new, exciting race – all the way up to just below the Schwarzhanskarspitze. Also available as a Run & Fly team competition, where runners and paragliders compete together. |
| TrailLauf (Trail Run) | 24,5 km | 1633 m elevation gain | The longest distance follows the mountain run route up to just below the Schwarzhanskarspitze, continues along the ridge, and finishes with a full loop back to Weißenbach. It can also be completed as a Run & Fly team competition together with a paraglider. |
| Paragliding | This discipline is only possible as a Run & Fly team – with a mountain or trail runner. Just below the Schwarzhanskarspitze, the paraglider takes over after the handoff, runs a short distance, and then launches from the ridge – for a spectacular flight all the way to the finish. |
I chose the trail run myself, the longest and at the same time most challenging route of the event. Even before the start, I knew: it was going to be tough – but unforgettable. Early in the morning, the sun was already shining bright and warm like in the summer. Perfect conditions to enjoy the breathtaking landscape – but also an extra challenge for us runners.
Off we go!
After picking up their race numbers and starter packs at the football field in Weißenbach, the runners were ready to go. The excitement was palpable – it was about to start! Right on time at 10 a.m., the starting gun fired, and more than 150 trail and mountain runners set off.
The first kilometers led slightly uphill along a gravel path to the exit of the Orchideenleiterweg. After the first 300 meters of elevation gain, a flowing downhill followed along the Orchideenleiterweg, before continuing along the Lech River to the suspension bridge in Forchach. A true goosebump moment: the roaring water beneath us, and ahead, the majestic mountain range that still awaited us.
The grueling ascent
Beyond the bridge and the first aid station began the most demanding part of the route: the steep climb over the Älpele toward the Schwarzhanskarspitze. Roots, rocks, and steep sections now required strength, endurance, and full concentration. The long ascent had already taken a lot of energy – fortunately, runners could refuel at the Älpele and gather new strength for the final 400 meters of elevation.
Tip: Although the Schwarzhanskarspitze peak itself is not directly on the race course, it’s a fantastic destination for training runs or hikes – with breathtaking views!
The climb behind us – stunning views ahead
Reaching the ridge, most of the 1,633 meters of elevation were already behind us – an incredible feeling! From here, the route was mostly downhill, with only a few short uphill sections challenging our tired legs once more. The path was very runnable, but some short, rocky sections required extra caution – especially with already fatigued legs.
Along the ridge, a spectacular view opened up: over Reutte, the wild Lech River, the Lechausee Lake in Weißenbach, and the Baggersee Lake in Forchach, whose turquoise waters sparkled in the sun. With a cloudless sky, a full 360° panorama was on display – a view in every direction!
Finish in sight
Then came the final downhill: first steep along a hiking trail, then after the last aid station at Halander, along a forest road back to the sports field – where the finish line awaited, already audible from a distance. The last kilometers were a special running experience, accompanied by the thought that the finish was just ahead.
It was an amazing feeling to cross the finish line and receive the medal! Everywhere I looked, I saw happy faces – pure joy and relief. The run wasn’t easy; there were tough moments, but we made it!
Finishing as the eighth fastest woman with a time of 03:37:01 was incredibly exciting – I even exceeded my goal by a wide margin. As a special highlight, a sensationally fast new course record was celebrated. In the finish area, a colorful supporting program awaited: a small expo with games for children, delicious food and drinks for all hungry participants and spectators, and the opportunity to have your medal engraved on site – a lasting memory of these amazing achievements. After the awards ceremony for all distances and categories, an exciting raffle took place. Prizes included great items such as Lumagica tickets or a starting place for the Lowa Trail Trophy 2026.
What makes the Lechlauf so special is the combination of varied trails, breathtaking views, and a warm, family-like atmosphere. You can really feel the regional commitment – from the organizing team to the many volunteers and spectators cheering along the route. For me, it was my first race – but definitely not the last!
Be part of it!
Are you ready to conquer the trails and take part in an exciting running event?
The date for the fourth Lechlauf is already set: September 19, 2026
Registration opens at the beginning of 2026. Planning is already in full swing, and participants can look forward to exciting news – and perhaps even a surprise!
In addition to the Lechlauf, the Reutte Nature Park Region offers other running event highlights, such as the Lowa Trail Trophy, the Dürrenberg Race, and the Ehrenberg Castle Race.
Discover all the possibilities and get practical tips for your next trail running adventure:
Written by:
Anna