The project
Celebrating Unity on the AlpFront Trail
Ten trail runners take on the Alps to observe the folly of division.
Europe was once divided. It was nation against nation, alliance against alliance. Borders were militarized and wars claimed millions of lives. No longer.
One of the former conflict zones is the border in the Alps between South Tyrol, Italy, and its northern neighbor, Austria. Opposing troops fought over this line when Italy annexed South Tyrol on 10 October 1920.
One hundred years later, starting on 6th October, four teams of two runners will run along this historic frontier to celebrate the hard won and fragile unity that Europe now enjoys. Follow their journey as they run 850 km and climb 55,000 m in elevation-gain in breathtaking scenery.
The border – a thing of human imagination – pens its way through majestic mountain landscapes and breathtaking nature. Relics of darker times – forts, bunkers and trenches – are dotted along the border where mountain soldiers battled during the First World War.
The aim of the AlpFrontTrail run is to celebrate Europe’s unity and freedom, and to observe the historical tragedy of division and rigid nationalism. By running this line of separation, the athletes seek to remind us all of the importance of unity and Europe’s shared cultural heritage. We take this for granted at our own peril.
Why the Alpfront Trail?
THE ALPINE FRONT - AUSTRIANS AND ITALIANS FIGHTING ABOVE THE CLOUDS
Exactly 100 years ago, Italy annexed South Tyrol against the wishes of a large part of the population, and after fierce battles between Austro-Hungarian troops and Italian army units. These forces battled along the alpine front, from Grado on the Adriatic Sea, via the Julian and Carnic Alps, across the Dolomites to the Stelvio Pass. Due to the rugged and precipitous terrain more soldiers in the First World War lost their lives due to avalanches, snow and ice, and disease than in battle. Today, numerous ruins – mighty fortresses, trenches and military positions – remind visitors that what is now a pleasant alpine environment was once a conflict zone. Local museums, military cemeteries and ossuaries down in the valleys remind us of how many lost their lives here during the First World War.
SOUTH TYROL BECOMES A PART OF ITALY
The changes resulting from the First World War are well known: The historical Tyrol was divided up and the border between Austria and Italy was redrawn. East and North Tyrol remained part of Austria while South Tyrol and Trentino became part of Italy. The population of South Tyrol subsequently suffered under the fascist Italian government. It aimed to completely replace the German language and culture with Italian. After the Second World War, a long and arduous process of negotiations followed, leading to an autonomous administration of the territory, which finally led to the protection of the German and Latin population.
THE BORDER TODAY
The border between the once hostile nations is, especially after Austria's accession to the EU, no longer an obstacle, neither for the free movement of goods nor for the movement of people.The European region Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino has further strengthened the cooperation/collaboration and networks between South Tyrol and Austria. The border is now perceived more as a sign of connection and less as a sign of separation. Nevertheless, global events, such as the 2015 refugee crisis or more recently the COVID-19 crisis, show us again and again that our progress and freedoms can quickly be restricted and that the Austrian-Italian border can suddenly change from a line in the landscape to a wall.
INITIATORS OF THE RUN
South Tyrolean photographer Harald Wisthaler and German trail runner and organiser of the 2020 Wall Run Philipp Reiter have initiated the AlpFrontTrail. Wisthaler and Reiter will accompany the team as a photographer and to capture the historical places and landscapes.
HArald Wisthaler (It)
Innichen
33-Y Photographer
Project Lead with Philipp
Working as a full-time photographer for more that 10 years now, you sometimes need new projects, this is why Philipp and I had the idea to connect sport with culture. Also, because it seems to be the perfect timing to combine it with the historical 100th anniversary, we started the project AlpFrontTrail.
PHILIPP REITER (DE)
Bad Reichenhall
29 Y - Trailrunner - Videograph
Project Lead with Harry
I am called the “flying photographer”, a hybrid from a trailrunner, skialpinist and mountaineerer – basically a mountainlover! I have won quite a lot of international trailraces and completed several challenges as “Der lange Weg”, before I found my passion for outdoor-photography and filmmaking. Being very interested in history and after the “Wall-Run” last year, I had the idea to run the former AlpFrontLine to set a sign for reunification.
Track
Athletes
Hannes Namberger (DE)
Ruhpolding
31 Y- Police Officer and Professional Trailrunner
Record holder Pitztal Alpine Glacier Trail 106km
Watzmann Traverse "Unsupported" FKT
I heard from my friend Dani Jung that he is a part of this project and I have to confess, I was a bit jealous. So when Philipp asked me whether I would like to be part of this adventure, I confirmed right away. After a successful competition phase, this is the best way to end the season.
Laura Dahlmeier (DE)
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
26 Y- Studentin - Ex Biathlete
2x Gold Olympia
7x Gold World Championship
In 2019, she won the Zugspitz Ultratrail in Germany and because of this success, she qualified for the mountain run World Championship in Argentina (41,5km; 04:20:47). She is always searching for new challenges and that's why she takes part in this project!
Daniel Jung (IT)
Vinschgau
36 Y - Professional Athlete
2.Ultra World Tour Hongkong
3 x Top 3 Skyrunning World Series
Since this project runs along the borders of my home country, I can follow the historical traces. The mountain world has fascinated me as a passionate trail runner for many years and I am looking forward to learn more about the impressive history of our country and to share these experiences with other mountain enthusiasts.
EVA SPerger (DE)
München
40 Y Psychologist
German Champion
Winner Großglockner Ultra Trail
I love the Dolomites and the Dolomites World Natural Heritage, which is why I have already participated in numerous races there. This was also one of the reasons that made me immediately enthusiastic about the project another were the exceptional athletes who take part.
Jakob Hermann (AT)
Werfenweng - Salzburg
33 Y Sport Soldier
Austrian Champion
Winner Monte Rosa Skyrace
Because Philipp asked me ;)! No - I very interested in the history and for me it’s the best combination from doing what I love - to be in the mountains and run - and to cross the “historic line” between Austria, Italy, ... with good friends!
Martina valmassoi (IT)
Pieve di Cadore
33 Y - Freelancer
Record holder Sellaronda Ski Marathon
290 km Chamonix
Because I love the idea of crossing the trails where has happened the WW1 also as it goes all around where I live. And also there’s other cool people involved!
Marco De Gasperi (It)
Bormio
43 Y Athlete
5 x World Mountain Running Champion (Senior)
1 x Skyrunner World Series Winner
For me, the project has more meanings and a symbolic value with which I feel particularly connected. I come from Bormio and on "my" Ortles-Cevedale mountains the Great War was the scene of Italian troops and Austrians to protect the homeland, far above 3000 m. I am also an "Alpini" and I am proud to be able to walk on the front line to honour the memory of those who fought hard and where so much blood was shed.
Ina Forchthammer (AT)
St Johann
29 Y - Trailrunnerin - Studentin
WITH GRATEFUL SUPPORT FROM VIKING FOOTWEAR
I was immediately enthusiastic about this project. Especially in times like these, we realize again that open borders cannot be taken for granted. Projects like this show all the more how important it is to preserve our freedoms - the freedom to walk together, to move freely in the mountains, across borders.
TOm Wagner (AT)
Graz
41 Y - Research Assistant - University of Graz
Record holder 100mi of Istrien
Record holder 100mi Chiemgau
I love to learn something about the landscape I travel through by foot. The planned route is actually quite special (and the good Italian food also plays a part :-)). On the one hand, the historical background allows us to get a deeper connection with the area, and on the other hand these stories from the past- good and bad - help us to learn from the history and should further enable us to shape the future together! Did I mention that I love Italian espresso?
HAnnes Perkmann (IT)
Sarntal - Südtirol
27 Y - Sales
U23 World Champioon vertical
Winner Vertical tube 500d+
As a South Tyrolean, this project particularly appeals to me and I am very grateful to be able to take part in it.
I have always been very enthusiastic about the history of our home. I hope that this project gives me a new insight into this time, which was so important for our country.
TEAM
Gabriel Fauster (It)
Innichen
34 Y - Event Manager
For 12 years I have been organising events in various fields - culture, sports, music, culinary... The opportunity to be part of such a project in my home area, which combines sports, history, culture and the unique natural experiences of the European region Tyrol South Tyrol Trentino, is quite unique. And the team and the athletes are great. I am excited to be part of this project.
Nicolas Holtzmeyer (GER)
Munich
33 Y - Marketing Manager
After the participation in Philipps Wallrun 2020 along the former German GDR border it was clear to me that I also have to be a part of his project. I am looking forward to this adventure and the stories we will reveal and share.
caro Gredler (AT)
Tirol
28 Y - IT Project Manager
An impressive mountain panorama, a cool team and a thrilling story to tell. In the course of the current project organization I am quite sure of one thing: This will be an exciting and eventful & enjoyable time, which we will surely tell about for a long time.
freddy mair (IT)
Niederdorf
50 Y - Tour Operator
One of the first MTB professionals in Italy, multiple winner of the Kenya MTB Rally and participant in various long distance races. For over 20 years tour operator and "trailblazer" at Dolomiti superbike, Dolomites -Venice, Venice - Porec, St. Moritz - Milan, Dobbiaco - Trieste etc.
MICHAEL MAIR AM TINKHOF (IT)
Gröden
Video maker
New Project + Dolomites i LIKE it :-)
I'm looking forward to a great team and a good time.
Can´t wait…
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