- Authorzooom productions
- Published 01 December 2025
Red Bull X-Alps Challenger 2026
A new chapter begins in mayrhofen
We’re proud to launch the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger, a 3-day event designed to test, inspire and prepare the next generation of adventure athletes. With the spirit of the world’s toughest adventure race, the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger will take place from May 28 to 31, 2026, in Mayrhofen, Austria.
The essence of Red Bull X-Alps
While Red Bull X-Alps spans two weeks across the Alps, the Challenger condenses this adventure into an intense 3-day format. Participants will be pushed to their limits through trail running, hiking, mountaineering, and paragliding, all within the breathtaking scenery of the Zillertal valley.
But the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger is more than competition. It’s about growing the sport and fostering a diverse community. For fans, it’s also a unique chance to experience the magic of Red Bull X-Alps concentrated in one destination, with all the inspiration of the main race.
The Challenger is a great way to get a feel for Red Bull X-Alps. It’s shorter but still demanding — you get a real taste of what the race is like. Mayrhofen offers everything you need: the terrain, the take-offs, and the views over the Zillertal.
Benedikt Dornauer, Red Bull X-Alps athlete
Opening doors to new talent
The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger also carries a clear mission: to open the door to new talent and create equal opportunities within adventure sports, featuring both women’s and men’s categories. By introducing separated rankings, the race empowers female athletes to step up and be part of the Red Bull X-Alps adventure.
“The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger creates equal opportunities for adventure athletes and opens the door to new talent.” – Ulrich Grill
For the winners, the stakes are high: both the top male and female athletes will earn a wildcard entry for the Red Bull X-Alps 2027 main race, while the 2nd and 3rd places in each category will secure a spot in the 2027 main race Prologue.
The vision behind the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger
At zooom, we’ve been shaping the Red Bull X-Alps story for over 22 years - from concept to route planning, communication, on-site operations, logistics, execution and media production.
The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger marks the next chapter of that story. Together with our partners Mayrhofen and Tactical Foodpack, we open the door to new talent, aiming to inspire new generations and to bring the world’s toughest adventure race closer to its fans.
We’re not just organizing another event. We’re building together the future of adventure racing.
Become a partner
Join the adventure and connect with a global audience by becoming a partner of the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger. We are happy to chat about possible partnership opportunities – contact us here.
