Aerothlon? What do you imagine when you hear that? It sounds like a triathlon for air and mountain sports. Exactly, you’re quite right – the Aerothlon combines mountain running, paragliding and mountain biking. On the 30th August 2020 this sporting event comes to Wagrain-Kleinarl. A specific feature of this competition is, that you can take part as individual, tandem team or relay team.

You’re well prepared for the summer season 🙂 and now you can put your physical condition to the test. Best you look for your mountain buddies and off you go. (All those of you that can achieve everything on your own are welcome too (: )

The racing route

The trail runners start at the sports ground in Kleinarl. They pass the church and head up to the Gasthaus Pröll along the hiking trail and then on to the Gasthaus Galler. Then it’s along the direct route beneath the Bubble Shuttle to the Mooskopf.

Here the paragliders take over and fly to the Gründeck. That’s a challenging turnpoint. The paragliders put their skills to the test on this flying route. If the paragliders don’t make it to the turnpoint, they may land in the Hirschleitenfeld. Thereafter they have to complete the rest of the route on foot – according to the Hike & Fly principle. The Gründeck is then the new starting point for take-off. The paragliders land at the sports ground in Kleinarl, where the mountain bikers take over.

They ride along the Steineggweg and the Kreuzsalwald to the Gasthaus Galler. Then they ride downhill in the district of Brandstatt. After a short section along the main road the participants turn off to the other side of the valley towards the Kleinarler Hütte. Then it’s cross-country downhill to the Hirschleiten trail. The finish line is at the sports ground in Kleinarl. Not to worry if the weather’s not suitable for flying, the course will be adapted. Spectators can follow the competitors via live tracking.

Alone or in a team?

Yes, you’ve heard correctly, this competition can be undertaken on your own, in a team or as a relay race. As an individual you absolve all three disciplines yourself. For the tandem team variation the mountain runner teams up with a tandem pilot, that means one runs and bikes and together they fly the paragliding section – alone plus, as it were (: . In the relay team, each is a specialist in his own discipline. Everyone is welcome to take part in this competition – no matter whether male or female. Mixed teams are also allowed. There are 3 sections: solo, tandem team, relay. And there’s prize money of more than € 1,500 is to be won.

Photo credits: Wagrain-Kleinarl Tourismus – Simon Varges