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Patrick Schnitzer
Ultra Runner • Trail Runner • Sky Runner
Eiger 250 by UTMB winner 2026. Pushing limits in the mountains and on long distances - next stop: Tor des Géants 2027.
Raced & ranked at
About Me
Growing up in the Bruck an der Leitha district, known for its vineyards, mountains and ultra running were not the most obvious path. After my military service in 2023, I started running as a way of commuting - and the more I ran, the further I wanted to go.
In autumn 2024, I ran more than 100km self-supported around Lake Neusiedl and knew ultra running is what suits me most. In 2025, I won the Linz Donautrail 100km and set my first FKT. In 2026, structured training led me to win the Eiger 250 by UTMB together with my teammate - the youngest winning team in the race's history.
My ambition for 2027 is clear: build speed over winter and spring, then progressively increase endurance to arrive at the Tor des Géants start line in September ready to fight for a podium. I am still at the beginning of my journey. That is what makes it exciting.
"Every run is a new story, every challenge an opportunity to grow."
1
FKT
6
Race Wins
7
Podiums
3
UTMB World Series Events
Sports & Disciplines
My Journey to Ultra Running
From the vineyards of the Bruck an der Leitha district to the finish line of a UTMB World Series race - adventure has always been part of who I am.
Roots
Bruck an der Leitha
Growing up in the Bruck an der Leitha district, known for its vineyards, becoming passionate about mountains and ultra running was not the most obvious path for me.
First Steps
2023
After my military service, I started running - and quickly wanted more than roads. Athletes like Kilian Jornet and their inspiring journeys introduced me to trail running, and I found my way into the mountains.
The Alps Are My Playground
Trails & Peaks
Running new trails, chasing summits and ski mountaineering all winter long - the mountains are where I feel at home. From the Schneeberg and Hohe Wand on my doorstep to long, sleep-deprived training days on the Hochschwab, every vertical meter builds the endurance I need for big mountain ultras.
How Far Can I Go?
Autumn 2024
My first 100km+ run, self-supported, showed me that ultra distances suit me the most - and that my future lies on long mountain trails.
First Race
March 2025
The Linz Donautrail 100km was my very first race - and I won it in 11:21h. That day marked the start of my competition-focused running.
Training Smarter
2025
I began building my own training plan and gradually moved from stacking up mileage to understanding how to train better. Years of strength training gave me a strong baseline to push through high volume without any injuries, and the results followed quickly: my first FKT on a 120km route with 4,500m+ and my first 100 miler at KAT100 by UTMB.
Breakthrough
2026
A strong preparation, structured training and regular local racing significantly improved my speed and fitness, leading me to win the Eiger 250 by UTMB. Shortened because of severe weather, the race still amounted to 200km and 11,000m+, which I ran in 37 hours - making my teammate and me the youngest winners in the race's history.
Turning Point
Winter 2026/27
If I want to turn potential into a professional career, I need to go further: invest even more time and sweat in training, take time off work for key training blocks, and race for the podium. Step one is the right coach - Chrissi Steurer will supervise my training with a science-based structure. Step two is finding sponsors who believe in and support that potential.
Next Goal: Tor des Géants
September 2027
Winter and spring will build speed, then structured training blocks and races will progressively increase my endurance - all to arrive at the Tor des Géants start line ready to fight. I am still at the beginning of my journey. That is what makes it exciting but also mentally really deep into it.
Greatest Athletic Achievements
A collection of my most important competitions and milestones in the world of ultra endurance sports
July 2026 · UTMB World Series
Eiger 250 by UTMB - Winner in Team
Janosh Baumgarter and I won the Eiger 250. Shortened because of severe weather, the race still amounted to 200km and 11,000m+ - finished in 37:20h, making us the youngest winning team in the race's history.
Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB 2026
100 miles through the hills of Tuscany - 1st U23 in the ITRA ranking and 45th out of 671 starters.
Winter Bay Backyard Ultra 2026
Last runner standing after 33 yards - 221km of loops every hour on the hour.
Double WUT
Winner of the Double WUT - 100km with 3,400m of elevation in 10:20h.
All Results
- Eiger 250 by UTMB 2026200km · 11,000m+ · 37:20:14h · youngest winning team in race historyWinner (Team)
- Double WUT100km · 3,400m+ · 10:20hWinner
- Winter Bay Backyard Ultra 202633 yards · 221km · 3,500m+Winner
- Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB 2026100M · 5,200m+ · 13h 58min · 45th/6711st U23 (ITRA)
- Tullner Lauftage 2026 - Marathon42.2km · 2:44:07 · 41:54 min ahead of 2ndWinner
Preliminary Race Plan 2027
Building speed over winter and spring, then endurance through structured training blocks - all leading up to the Tor des Géants in September.
A Races
Main goalsSchneebergtrail
31km · 2,100m+
GGUT
110km · 6,500m+
Tor des Géants (TOR330)
330km · 24,000m+
B Races
Build-upChianti Half Trail
21km · 920m+
Rosalia Ultra Trail
80km · 1,830m+
C Races
TrainingBYU Ternberg
Backyard Ultra · 354m+ per loop
Local races
Training races and local events
Coaching
Starting winter 26/27, my training will be supervised by Chrissi Steurer, a certified trail-running coach and ultra runner. The goal: increasing quality speedwork to improve long-distance racing results.
Become a Partner
To turn potential into a professional career, I'm looking for sponsors who believe in and support that potential. Partnerships are handled by my agency ANorth - I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate.
Photo Gallery
Insights into some moments - competitions, training sessions and impressions
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Upcoming Races & Events
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