Drei Zinnen Alpine Run 2026 – Mountain Running in the Heart of the Dolomites

 

17.9 kilometres, 1,354 metres of elevation gain and a mountain panorama that is hard to forget: the Südtirol Drei Zinnen Alpine Run is one of the most spectacular mountain running events in the Dolomites. On 12 September 2026, around 1,000 runners from more than 20 nations will once again take on the challenge of running from Sexten into the high alpine world of the Dolomites and towards the iconic Three Peaks.

But the Drei Zinnen Alpine Run is much more than a race. It is an experience in the heart of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, a sporting challenge and, at the same time, a wonderful opportunity to experience the mountains around Sexten from a very special perspective.

From Sexten into the world of the Three Peaks

The race starts in Sexten. From there, the route initially heads towards Moos and then continues into the famous Fischleintal Valley – one of the most beautiful valleys in the Sexten Dolomites.

Between alpine meadows, larch trees, mountain forests and the impressive rock faces of the Dolomites, it quickly becomes clear what makes this race so special. With every metre of elevation, the landscape changes and the views become more spectacular.

From Fischleintal, the route climbs towards the Zsigmondy Hut and then continues to the Büllelejoch Hut. Here, the race becomes a true alpine adventure. Above the tree line, the trail leads through an impressive mountain landscape and reaches its highest point at around 2,575 metres.

The route then continues above the Bödenseen lakes before finally reaching the finish at the Drei Zinnen Hut.

And there, the runners are rewarded with something no medal could ever replace: the breathtaking view of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo.

17.9 kilometres and 1,354 metres of elevation gain

The current Südtirol Drei Zinnen Alpine Run course is 17.9 kilometres long with 1,354 metres of elevation gain.

It is undoubtedly a demanding challenge for anyone taking part.

But the Drei Zinnen Alpine Run is not only about running as fast as possible.

Some runners fight for every second. Others simply want to achieve the goal of completing this extraordinary mountain race. And for many, the most important part is sharing the experience with runners from all over the world while moving through one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in the Alps.

This combination of sport, nature and international atmosphere is what makes the Drei Zinnen Alpine Run in Sexten so special.

A mountain race with a long history

The Drei Zinnen Alpine Run has been held in Sexten since 1998 and has developed into one of the best-known mountain running events in the Dolomites.

What began as a sporting event has become a firm fixture in Sexten's annual calendar. Over the years, more than 18,800 runners have reached the finish line, while around 300 volunteers help make the event possible year after year.

Perhaps that is one of the most special things about the Drei Zinnen Alpine Run: behind an internationally renowned event there is still a great deal of passion for the mountains, for sport and for Sexten.

More than just a race for runners

You don't have to take part in the race to experience the Drei Zinnen Alpine Run weekend.

Sexten comes alive with runners, families, friends, spectators and mountain enthusiasts. Along the route, people cheer on the athletes, while the finish at the Three Peaks offers a truly unforgettable setting.

The youngest mountain runners also get their own special moment during the Mini Drei Zinnen Alpine Run. Children and teenagers up to the age of 18 can take part, with distances ranging from 300 metres for the youngest participants to 1,500 metres for juniors.

For them, it is not about the result. It is about one thing above all: having fun while being active.

A special weekend in Sexten

For us at Hotel Gruber, the Drei Zinnen Alpine Run is a particularly wonderful event because it represents so much of what we love about Sexten.

Here, sport, mountains and hospitality come together.

Even the evening before the race, there is a special atmosphere in the village. Some runners are thinking about their strategy and checking their equipment one last time. Others are simply looking forward to the experience ahead.

Then race day arrives.

From Sexten into Fischleintal, higher and higher through the alpine world of the Sexten Dolomites and finally towards the Three Peaks.

When the first runners reach the finish line, they have many kilometres and more than 1,300 metres of elevation gain behind them.

But above all, they have experienced a mountain adventure they are unlikely to forget.

When the Three Peaks become the finish line

There are mountains you photograph.

And there are mountains you experience.

For us, the Three Peaks definitely belong to the second category.

After so many kilometres and more than 1,300 metres of climbing, reaching the finish and standing in front of the mighty Three Peaks of Lavaredo is a truly special moment. For a little while, the effort fades into the background.

Perhaps that is why runners from more than 20 nations travel to Sexten every year.

They come for the race.
They stay for the mountains.
And many come back for both.

Drei Zinnen Alpine Run 2026

The 29th Südtirol Drei Zinnen Alpine Run will take place on Saturday, 12 September 2026, in Sexten. The start is scheduled for 9:00 am. The route covers 17.9 kilometres and 1,354 metres of elevation gain through the Sexten Dolomites, finishing at the Drei Zinnen Hut with its spectacular view of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo.

Anyone wishing to take part can register online through the official event website.

Our tip: If you would like to experience the Drei Zinnen Alpine Run weekend in Sexten, we recommend booking your accommodation early. When around 1,000 runners from many different countries come to Sexten, the whole village comes alive and the atmosphere becomes something truly special.

One race. One valley. Three Peaks.

The Drei Zinnen Alpine Run is not an ordinary mountain race.

It starts in Sexten, leads through the Fischleintal Valley, climbs into the high alpine world of the Sexten Dolomites and finishes in one of the most spectacular places in the Alps – with the Three Peaks of Lavaredo as the backdrop.

At Hotel Gruber, we are looking forward to another special weekend celebrating mountains and sport – and perhaps welcoming some of our guests back after the race, when their running shoes finally deserve a well-earned rest.