Markus Kröll
A fervour for mountain running
The running legend, affectionately known as "Krölli" to his fans, grew up in the mountaineering village of Ginzling (Bergsteigerdorf Ginzling) in the Upper Zillertal Valley. As a child he developed a great love for the mountains and a passion for mountain running. Climbing a peak the quickest way, faster than anyone else, is an incentive that still inspires him. Markus' sporting career is characterised by numerous victories: from Junior World Champion to silver medals at European and World Championships, to special wins such as the international "Red Bull Dolomitenmann" relay competition (in the team as well as in individual mountain running disciplines). Last but not least, our "Krölli" took the Austrian Champion title no less than 17 times! During the course of his sporting career, Markus also reached the top 5 in the overall World Cup rankings five times and was a podium finisher several times in the World Cup. Markus mastered an extraordinary challenge on the 80 km long Berlin High Trail (Berliner Höhenweg). He was the first athlete to run the long-distance trail, with over 6,000 metres of altitude, in under 24 hours. This exceptional achievement was accompanied and recorded in the TV documentary "Der Weg ist das Ziel“ by Servus TV.
For the next few years, Markus has dedicated himself to the further development of the „Mayrhofen Ultraks Zillertal“ on an international level. He also accompanies and supports young athletes as a coach. „I consider it am incredible privilege to live in this wonderful valley“, Markus explains proudly.
