Kaiserlauf

Celebrate a silver jubilee in the heart of the Salzkammergut at the 25th RE/MAX Kaiserlauf, taking place on Sunday, 27 September 2026. This landmark edition of the "Imperial Run" is more than just a race; it serves as the prestigious Upper Austrian State Championships (OÖ Landesmeisterschaften) in the Half Marathon. Runners from across Central Europe gather in the imperial city of Bad Ischl to compete on a fast, spectator-friendly circuit that blends historical elegance with athletic intensity. Whether you are a professional athlete chasing a championship title or a recreational runner enjoying the 8.4km FunRun, the Kaiserlauf offers a royal racing experience for every level.

The race features a dynamic 4.2km loop course that participants navigate multiple times (5 laps for the Half Marathon and 2 laps for the FunRun). Starting on Wirerstrasse and finishing in the picturesque Kurpark, the route whisks runners past iconic landmarks including the Sissipark, the Esplanade, and the vibrant Sparkassenplatz. For those looking for a team challenge, the Bad Ischl Original Business Run allows trios to compete in a relay format, while the Saturday "Mini, Kinder, and Schülerläufe" ensure that the next generation of runners can experience the thrill of the finish line in the majestic setting of the former imperial summer residence.

The 2026 event is a centerpiece of the #badischllaeuft series. Athletes who successfully finish the Katrin-Berglauf, the Voigas17, and the Kaiserlauf Half Marathon earn the chance to be crowned the Lauf-Kaiserpaar (Imperial Running Couple) of the year—a title that honors loyalty and endurance. Winners can look forward to unique regional prizes, including the world-famous Zaunerstollen for podium finishers and "Ischler Gulden" cash premiums for the leaders of each lap. Secure your entry for this 25th-anniversary celebration and run in the footsteps of emperors in the beautiful Kaiserstadt.