WORLD CUP PREVIEW 2022 PART 4: Großglockner Berglauf
After starting the season with 3 new races, on the 10th of July the 2022 World Cup returns to an established classic; Großglockner Berglauf in Heiligenblut, Austria.
From the start in the village the route takes runners through alpine meadows, forest tracks and finally into the high alpine terrain beneath the Pasterze glacier and Großglockner itself, Austria's highest mountain at 3,798m.
An excruciating final climb, 521 steps with the finish line in view the whole way, takes runners to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe and the wooden finish arch which marks the end of their effort. Having spent the race's final kilometres staring at the heels of the person in front, runners finally get a chance to take in one of the most spectacular arenas in Mountain Running.
At 13.4k and 1,265m, this Classic uphill is a race that rewards a balance of flat speed and climbing strength. First run in 2000, Großglockner Berglauf has been the playground for some of Mountain Running's greatest champions. Izabela Zatorska, Anna Pichrtová and Andrea Mayr all have multiple wins here, while Jonathan Wyatt won 6 in a row from 2003 to 2008.
Recent years have usually seen at least one Kenyan athlete on the top step of the podium. 2018 World Cup winner Geoffrey Ndungo has matched Wyatt's number of wins, while 2 time World Champion Lucy Murigi has come out on top 3 times. When the World Cup visited last year it was a different Kenyan pair, Purity Gitonga and Lengen Lolkurraru who came 1st. Check out the results on the World Mountain Running Ranking.
This is a race which thrives off the enthusiasm of the local community, with the combined efforts of 300 volunteers providing a wonderful atmosphere and experience for the athletes.
The area around Heiligenblut is understandably popular with tourists year-round. Steep mountains, steeped in history, there are records of the area's inhabitants going back thousands of years. While traditionally an area for agriculture and gold mining, in recent years it has become a mecca for anyone interested in mountain sports, from skiers and alpinists to hikers and mountain runners
In terms of running, it's hard to go wrong. You're in the Alps after all. Grab a map, follow some dotted lines. You'd be very unlucky indeed not to end up somewhere spectacular. (Still not sure? Here are some suggestions.)
The closest airports are Klagenfurt and Salzburg, but travelling by train to Leinz or Mallnitz-Obervellach is the most scenic, environmentally friendly way to arrive. Local taxis will take you from either station to Heiligenblut itself.
A few of the 1,200 bibs are still available. Elite athletes seeking a free place should complete the form here.