LOWA Ultra Trail Franconian Switzerland

18.01.2024 | Against the backdrop of the ALL TERRAIN RUNNING by LOWA (ATR) trail running collection launched in 2023, the outdoor specialist is taking the next logical step in the event sector and acting as the main sponsor and namesake of the Ultratrail Franconian Switzerland (UTFS) for the next three years. The outdoor company is thus creating visibility for its new, high-quality trail running product family, presenting its brand and collection prominently in the Franconian low mountain range and enhancing the reputation of the LOWA Ultratrail Franconian Switzerland.

FRANCONIAN SWITZERLAND'S BIGGEST TRAIL EVENT GETS OFF TO A SUCCESSFUL START IN THE NEW EVENT YEAR

In its third year, the LOWA Ultratrail Franconian Switzerland once again attracted maximum interest right from the start of registration. After just two days, both the Ultratrail (66 kilometres) and the Speedtrail (33 kilometres) were fully booked. "The fact that all starting places were taken shortly after registration opened shows that our trail running event has established itself as a national season-opening race far beyond the borders of Franconian Switzerland," says UTFS race director Johannes Hendel. The LOWA Ultratrail Franconian Switzerland, which will also host the Bavarian Trail Championships for the first time in 2024, is listed as an official race in the International Trailrunning Association (ITRA) and the statistics of the German Ultramarathon Association.

"TIME TO TAME THE TERRAIN" - ATR BY LOWA MEETS FRANCONIAN TRAILS AND THE SAME VALUE BASE

LOWA CEO Alexander Nicolai is also confident about the success of the trail running event: "In recent years, the UTFS has established itself as an exciting, very professional event in the scene, which we as a brand are happy to support in the long term. We also see a large overlap of shared values in this cooperation, which supports and characterises the collaboration. These include treating people and nature with respect and appreciation, as well as the motivation to offer trail runners an unforgettable product, nature and event experience."

"There are many brands entering the market whose products are of high quality, but for which all corporate responsibility and morals are thrown overboard in order to be successful as quickly as possible," criticises Hendel and sees LOWA as a suitable main sponsor: "It was very important for us to find an internationally significant and established sponsor without ignoring our own understanding of values." With its 100 years of experience, LOWA has the ideal expertise at company and product level to impress with the highest quality, fit and comfort in the trail running sector.

The collaboration is therefore based on a long-term approach. With a three-year contract, LOWA confirms its long-term ambition in the trail segment and will play a significant role in the continued positive development of the UTFS, increase its popularity and accompany the UTFS on its way to becoming a top destination in Franconian Switzerland. "Our vision needs strong and consistent partners. We are very happy that we will be able to work with the LOWA team in the coming years," says Hendel.

"NOW IT'S TIME TO RUN" - TRAIL FUN AT THE LOWA ULTRATRAIL FRANCONIAN SWITZERLAND

On 20 April 2024, the Ultratrail and Speedtrail will offer trail fun over 66 kilometres with around 2,700 metres of elevation gain and 33 kilometres with just under 1,400 metres of elevation gain. In addition to the main races, participants can look forward to a varied supporting programme, including exciting panel discussions with athletes and experts from the scene as well as a pasta party, an extensive expo area at the Ebermannstadt market square, kids' races and much more. In the run-up to the main event, there will also be four UTFS Community Runs in Bavaria, where participants can explore the up- and downhills of Franconian Switzerland over different distances and test the models from the new trail running collection.

Johannes Ostfalk is also looking forward to the UTFS with great anticipation. The ambitious trail runner is part of the UTFS organising committee and has been under contract as an ATR by LOWA athlete since 2023. He is aware of the importance of high-quality trail running shoes and is therefore a big fan of the ATR trail running collection: "In Franconian Switzerland in particular, we recommend a shoe that masters the change from different surfaces with ease and still offers enough comfort and dynamics for the fast and easy-running passages," explains Ostfalk. Ostfalk sees the ATR by LOWA models as the beginning of a permanent fixture in trail running.

More details on routes, community runs and the supporting programme can be found at:

www.ultratrail-fraenkische-schweiz.de