119 kilometers and 7,850 meters in altitude: The hard facts of the Südtirol Ultra Skyrace alone instill a good deal of respect in all extreme athletes. Also because the mountain runners are out and about in high alpine terrain. A head for heights and sure-footedness are absolute basic requirements for meeting this challenge. The starting shot will be fired on Friday at 8 p.m. at Waltherplatz in Bolzano.

The Südtirol Skyrace, which starts almost at the same time as the Südtirol Sky Marathon on Saturday, is a little more than half as long. From Bozen it goes up the Rittner Horn, on to the Sarner Scharte and finally to the Totenkirchl, where the descent to Sarnthein begins. While the "Marathonis" can be celebrated there for their sporting achievements, the "Skyraceler" have to go back up to the Auener Jöchl, on to the Stoanerne Mandlen, down to the Möltner Kaser and over the Salten to Jenesien.

The Südtirol Sky Trail is also part of the event. The start takes place in Sarentino. The route is identical to the second section of the Südtirol Skyrace and is ideal for anyone who wants to try trail running.

Registration and information: www.suedtirol-ultraskyrace.it