RUNNING BEYOND BARRIERS: NINE STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES HEAD TO THE SALOMON ZUGSPITZ ULTRA TRAIL POWERED BY LEDLENSER BY UTMB®

In a world where accessibility is often associated with digital environments or the removal of physical barriers, nine students with intellectual disabilities are showing that it can also be experienced on the trails.

Coming from Sankt Martin Schule — a school in Lindenberg im Allgäu (Germany) specialised in education for young people with intellectual disabilities — nine students are preparing to take part in the Grainau Trail (16km, 760m elevation gain) at the Salomon Zugspitz Ultra Trail powered by Ledlenser by UTMB®, taking place on June 20th in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This is the biggest and largest trail running event in Germany, and part of the UTMB® World Series events.

Together with three teachers, their participation is part of an educational project that goes far beyond sport: an experience centred on autonomy, community and meaningful social inclusion.

Niklas is 17 years old, and one of these nine students discovering their power to run in the mountains. For him, trail running began almost by chance, thanks to his teacher. “At first, I didn’t really like it because it was part of class. But I realised I was getting better and better, and that really motivated me,” he explains. Today, what he enjoys most is running on narrow mountain trails. “I’m really good at that", he says proudly. One of his best memories is being the fastest in the group.

Felix, 16, has followed a similar path. “At the beginning, I ran out of breath very quickly, but now training is going really well. I track my data with my watch and I’m really excited about the race in Garmisch.”

For Joy, 17, curiosity was the starting point. “Trying new things is totally my thing,” she says. For her, the shift is clear: “After my first race, I knew it — trail running is much better than staying at home bored all weekend.” Although each student has their own motivation and purpose, they all share something in common: “I’m really happy my friend is doing this with me, and I’m really excited about what’s ahead.”

This initiative goes far beyond having fun. It has a strong pedagogical approach and aims to provide these young people — who often face challenges in many areas of life — the opportunity to grow through meaningful sport experiences. However, trail running is far from an ordinary sport. It is one where community matters as much as performance, and participation is valued over comparison.

“It’s not just about running a race,” explain the teachers. “It’s about experiencing autonomy, building self-confidence, and feeling part of a community.”

A key dimension of the project is that the students are taking part alongside all other runners, under the same conditions — not in segregated events.

Preparation is a key part of the process. The students train regularly in the surroundings of the Sankt Martin Schule, following a plan designed to build up to running longer distances sustainably.

Their training includes sessions such as stair climbing, running with poles, uphill and downhill technique, and strength and coordination exercises during physical education classes.

On May 9th, the group took part in their first competition — an important milestone in their journey.

Beyond the physical aspect, strong emphasis has also been placed on mental preparation. During training sessions, they work on positive self-reinforcement, managing effort and pacing, using conversation as a distraction, and taking time to appreciate the natural environment.

They have also developed key practical skills, including planning equipment and nutrition, pacing themselves appropriately, managing hydration, and asking for help when needed.

“They learn that, to make progress, expressing difficulties is not only allowed — it is necessary,” the teachers explain.

In the context of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, this story takes on an even broader meaning. The participation of these nine students in the Salomon Zugspitz Ultra Trail powered by Ledlenser by UTMB® is not symbolic: it is a real example of how the right support can open spaces that once felt out of reach.

As the teaching team summarises: “This project helps young people find experiences that bring joy, a sense of achievement and belonging. It shows that sport can be a genuine tool for social integration.”

In the mountains, the line between competition and connection begins to blur. This is where this story finds its meaning: trail running can be a shared space where everyone has a place, from the start line to the finish line.