Welcome to the Koasalauf Race!
Welcome to the 40th Edition of the Koasalauf Race!
In 2012 the legendary Koasalauf ("Koasa" is the local vernacular for the Wilder Kaiser Mountains) celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Back in 1971, Karl Rainer, who then was the head of the local tourist board, dreamed up the idea for a Nordic ski race around the Wilder Kaiser Massif. After a few planning sessions the tourism experts quickly came to the conclusion that the area’s difficult topography would make a race impossible. However, the idea was not completely dismissed and the 1st International Tiroler Koasalauf was finally held in Kitzbühel/Schwarzsee on 11 February 1973. The classic race offered two distances: 38K to Kössen and 72K to St. Johann in Tirol. 1100 racers competed in the event which was plagued by heavy snowfalls and strong winds. Winner with a time of eight hours was local hero and Olympic racer Heinrich Wallner.
Forty years later, the Koasalauf is a modern Nordic ski event for both, classic and freestyle skiers. Many things have changed since the first days and today chip based timing and state-of-the-art grooming are standard. But there is one thing hasn’t changed in forty years: the Koasalauf’s special allure.
The Koasalauf has always attracted top racers including world champions and even Olympic winners. However, the four most noteworthy racers are Franz Puckl Sr., Werner Patz, Hans Richter and Franz Steinkogler who have competed in the Koasalauf every year since its first ever running in 1973!
On behalf of the organizing committee I would like to thank all athletes for contributing to a fun, friendly, and competitive weekend of racing! We also want to wish all racers Good Luck in the Koasalauf, the European Ski Marathon Championship, the Austrian Masters Championship and the Kids Races. We hope you enjoy your stay in the Kitzbüheler Alpen Region with St. Johann in Tirol, Oberndorf, Kirchdorf and Erpfendorf.
Sigi Joast,
Chair of the Koasalauf Organizing Committee
