The 7th Heinfels Tower Run took place on Saturday, 8 August, in ideal running conditions. Organised by the Brauchtumsverein Strassen, the challenging course once again led from the Punbrugge Bridge up to Heinfels Castle. Participants had to tackle 1,100 metres, 140 metres of elevation gain and 265 steps before reaching the finish line on the highest level of the keep.

The impressive setting of the castle once again made the race a special sporting experience. This year, however, a new feature attracted attention not only among the runners: for the first time, the race was broadcast live on a large LED video wall at the festival grounds. Spectators could follow the competition from the starting line to the finish and cheer on athletes who were still making their way up to the top of the castle.

Armin Leiter claims the fastest time of the day

The competitive category saw slightly fewer participants on the starting line this year. Armin Leiter claimed the fastest time of the day with 6:00.9 minutes, followed by Julian Clemens (6:15.2) and Niklas Weitlaner (6:21.8). In the women's category, Lorena Plankensteiner was the fastest, finishing in 7:36.8 minutes. Elisabeth Trenker, Angelika Taschler and Elisabeth Bürgel also achieved impressive times. As usual, the recreational category was not about being the fastest, but about getting as close as possible to the average target time of 10:52.20 minutes. Petra Wurzinger came closest with a time of 10:52.7 minutes, securing first place.

Peter-Paul Kofler and Mario Bodner (Brauchtumsverein Strassen) with the day's winners, Lorena Plankensteiner and Armin Leiter.

Tessenberg wins the relay race

The relay race was equally exciting. Nine teams of three took on the challenge and competed in a closely contested race. In the end, team "Tessenberg 1", consisting of Helena, Klemens and Peter-Paul Hofmann, narrowly claimed victory in 5:41.5 minutes, finishing just six-tenths of a second ahead of "AC 2000 Toblach 1". Third place went to the "Tessenberg Oldies".

Twice as many children at the starting line

The children's race was particularly encouraging, with a total of 29 young participants – around twice as many as in the previous year. The 400-metre course led from the North car park to the festival grounds. Although it had no steps, it still involved a climb of 35 metres in elevation. Julius Stallbaumer won the boys' category in 1:26.31 minutes, while Stefanie Steidl took first place in the girls' category with a time of 1:32.29 minutes.

 

A great turnout for this year's children's race.

Results – 7th Heinfels Tower Run 2026
Results – Children's Race 2026

 

Photos: ©Toni Außerlechner, osttirol-fotos.at