The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger, a new format in hike-and-fly sports, will launch from May 28th to 30th, 2026. The event will take place in Mayrhofen in the Zillertal valley. This three-day race is aimed at ambitious athletes who want to qualify for the main Red Bull X-Alps race in 2027.
Unlike the main race, which stretches across the entire Alpine region over approximately twelve days, the Challenger is spatially concentrated in one regionThe shorter distance makes the format more compact – the sporting demands remain high.
Compact, high-intensity racing structure
The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger combines Trail running, mountaineering and paragliding in a tightly scheduled process. What is required is Endurance, efficient route selection and safe flying in alpine terrain.
The competition program is complemented by workshops with experienced X-Alps athletes who provide insights into tactics, equipment use and race strategy.
X-Alps athlete Benedikt Dornauer sees the format as a useful addition to the main race: "Mayrhofen has very diverse terrain. The Challenger gives a good impression of what is required at the Red Bull X-Alps – more compact, but still demanding."
Three days, three different challenges
The race format is clearly structured and selective:
Day 1The route climbs approximately 1.250 meters in altitude from the valley into alpine terrain. Initial time limits reduce the field.
Day 2Several short hike-and-fly loops with approximately 400 meters of elevation gain require quick decisions and efficient procedures.
Day 3: An out-and-return course of approximately 80 kilometers requires tactical awareness and physical reserves.
Only the most powerful athletes reach the final.
Springboard into the Red Bull X-Alps
The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger 2026 is designed as a platform for developing young talent and for qualification. The winners will each receive a »Wildcard powered by Bergfreunde« for the Red Bull X-Alps 2027. Other top finishers secure starting places for the prologue of the main race.
Mayrhofen as the central venue
The Zillertal region was chosen, the different terrain features and variable flight conditions offers. Launch sites are easily accessible, and thermals and topography allow for varied routes.
For spectators, this offers an advantage compared to the main race: the spatial concentration allows them to follow several race phases on site.
Red Bull X-Alps as a reference in hike & fly
Red Bull X-Alps has been considered one of the most important races since 2003. most demanding adventure races in endurance sports. Athletes cover long distances on foot and by paraglider over many days, passing predetermined turnpoints in the Alpine region.
The Challenger expands the concept with a compact entry-level format and is intended to bring new athletes up to the level of the main race in the long term.
You can find more information about the event here here on the organizer's website.
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Credits for cover photo: Lukas Pilz