A steep uphill climb

Laurin Höllrigl - mountain runner from Navis

Laurin Höllrigl, a young mountain runner from Navis, inherited his love of running from his father. The 24-year-old explains how his father, who was a Nordic walking world champion himself, introduced him to running at an early age. "At the age of 8, he took me with him on his smaller training routes and he immediately recognized that I had a talent for running," Laurin recalls. "Step by step, he taught me the right techniques, and at the age of 19 I took part in my first competition - the legendary night race in Kitzbühel, 'Vertical Up the Streif'." This race awakened an enthusiasm and ambition in him that continues to this day.

The world of trail running and mountain running
Laurin makes a clear distinction between trail running and mountain running. "A trail running route has a maximum of 20% paved roads and paths. Most of the time you run on narrow hiking trails and paths. With trail running, you don't just run uphill, but also downhill, whereas with mountain running, the focus is mainly on the vertical meters uphill," explains Laurin. He himself prefers mountain running.

The perfect training
How do you prepare for such strenuous runs? "Get into my running shoes, warm up a little, stretch and then the training can begin," he describes his routine. "I choose my training routes so that they include as many different inclines as possible. The transitions are a challenge for the body, especially for breathing and running speed." His insider tip for effective training? "Mountain biking! It works your muscles and improves your fitness enormously."

The characteristics of a mountain runner
For Laurin, a successful mountain runner is someone who is light, has a lot of stamina and strong leg muscles. "But that alone is not enough," he emphasizes. "Stamina, willpower and enjoying running are just as important. These three qualities are not only essential for mountain running, but also for life as a whole. With enough willpower, even big tasks seem small."

Favorite runs and destinations

Laurin has already taken part in many races. "Vertical Up the Streif in Tyrol, Dreiländereck Arnoldstein in Carinthia, Karrenlauf in Dornbirn, Pyramidenkogel-Turmlauf in Carinthia, Schlickeralmlauf in Tyrol and Nordkette Vertical Up in Tyrol are some of my favorite races," he says. His big goal? "To get the best out of myself in every mountain run, to get a few podium places and, of course, to realize my dream of becoming world champion. Until then, I enjoy every race, the breathtaking scenery, the atmosphere and I'm grateful to be able to do this sport."

Favorite routes

If you've now got the urge to start mountain running, you can find Laurin's favorite training routes here:

• via the Schafalm to the Bendelstein
• via the Mieslalm to the Mieslkopf
• via the Stöcklalm and the Kreuzjöchl to the Lizumer Reckner

Preparations for the current 2024 season were unfortunately marked by injuries. Laurin is therefore planning to start the competitions later this year. The big goal this year is to get a few places on the podium again in order to score points in the World Cup.