Red Bull X-Alps Challenger Mayrhofen

Summary

1
Challenger 2026 Concept
2
Spirit of the Challenger
3
Competitors: women and men rising
4
Route & Format
5
Race Committee

The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger is the starting line for the next generation of adventure athletes. Mayrhofen is ready. Are you?

Red Bull X-Alps Challenger goes Mayrhofen
© zooom productions

01

Challenger 2026 Concept

The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger is a 3-day event in Mayrhofen, Austria, taking place from May 28 to 31, 2026. Designed to inspire new athletes and build the talent of tomorrow, it will test athletes across four disciplines: trail running, hiking, mountaineering, and paragliding.

Featuring separate men and women rankings, the event offers a clear pathway to the Red Bull X-Alps: the women’s and men’s winners earn a wildcard entry for the Red Bull X-Alps 2027 main race, while the 2nd and 3rd place finishers secure a spot in the 2027 main race Prologue. It’s also an opportunity to stand out and be considered for Red Bull X‑Alps 2027.

While Red Bull X-Alps spans 12 days across the Alps, the Challenger condenses into an intense 3-day event, with daily opportunities to learn from the world’s best hike-and-fly athletes. Each day includes exclusive workshops with a Red Bull X-Alps veteran, providing Challenger athletes tactical knowledge, technical skills, and inspiration from those who have shaped the history of the race.

In 2025, Benedikt Dornauer launches his paraglider during Red Bull X-Alps in Guarda, Switzerland, with stunning alpine vistas setting the backdrop for this extreme adventure challenge — Benedikt Dornauer takes flight during Red Bull X-Alps 2025
© Becknaphoto

02

Spirit of the Challenger

The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger is more than a competition – it’s about growing the sport and fostering a diverse community. For fans, it’s a unique chance to experience the magic of Red Bull X-Alps in one destination, with all the intensity and inspiration of the main race.

Mayrhofen offers everything you need: the terrain, the take-offs, and the views over the Zillertal.
Benedikt Dornauer

03

Competitors: women and men rising

Benedikt Dornauer getting ready for take-off
© Lukas Pilz / zooom productions

The Challenger features both women’s and men’s categories, ensuring equal opportunities for athletes. By introducing a women’s ranking, the event empowers female talent and opens the door to new athletes capable of joining the Red Bull X-Alps adventure.

04

Route & Format

The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger takes place entirely in Mayrhofen, Austria, and features a 3-day format combining trail running, hiking, mountaineering and paragliding.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

The 3-day race is scheduled from May 28 to 31, 2026, allowing one additional day as a weather contingency.

Benedikt Dornauer during Red Bull X-Alps 2025
© zooom / Lukas Pilz

05

Race Committee

The Red Bull X-Alps Race Committee is overseeing the Challenger – from race rules and route planning to the day-to-day running of the event.