The mandatory kit is there for your safety, not to make the race harder. Weather in the Black Forest can turn quickly, and some sections are remote. You carry the kit for the entire race.
Kit check before the start.When you enter the start area, we check every runner’s mandatory kit. The crew may also check on the course and at the finish. Each missing item costs a 10-minute time penalty. If more than 5 items are missing, you may be disqualified.
As of 2026. We'll publish the 2027 list before the event. For 1ONE, only shoes, cup and navigation apply.
Per race
| Kit | 1ONE | 2TWO | 3THREE | 5FIVE | 8EIGHT | XTREME |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed trail running shoes with lugged soles | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Running pack or running belt | – | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Water container | – | min. 0.2 l | min. 0.5 l | min. 1 l | min. 1 l | min. 1 l |
| Reusable cupThere are no disposable cups at the aid stations. | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| PhoneSwitched on, flight mode off, reachable in Germany, Medical Crew emergency number saved. | – | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| First-aid kitSee below for details. | – | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Emergency whistle | – | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| IDID card or other photo ID. | – | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| NavigationOfficial GPX route on your watch or phone, or alternatively a printed map. The GPX route is binding. | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Windproof jacket | – | Cold | Cold | ● | ● | ● |
| Long-sleeve shirt or arm warmers | – | Cold | Cold | ● | ● | ● |
| Buff, cap or bandana | – | Cold | Cold | ● | ● | ● |
| Head torchAt least 250 lumens. | – | – | – | – | ● | ● |
| Extra 0.5 l of water | – | – | – | Warm | Warm | Warm |
| Sunglasses | – | – | – | Warm | Warm | Warm |
| Sunscreen | – | – | – | Warm | Warm | Warm |
● = mandatoryCold = only when cold-weather conditions are announcedWarm = only when hot weather is announced– = not mandatory
First-aid kit
We check the kit along with the rest of your gear when you enter the start area.
- 1× compress 10 × 10 cm
- 2× wound dressing packs
- 1 pair of disposable gloves
- 4× plasters
- 1× emergency blanket
Food labelling
Label all your own food (bars, gels and anything else you eat) with your bib number. This is mandatory. You may not carry unlabelled food.
This stops packaging from being thrown away on purpose and protects nature. We carry out spot checks at the start and at aid stations.
Further rules
Emergency number: Save the Medical Crew number: +49 761 45891436.
Poles: Allowed from 2TWO upwards, not allowed on 1ONE. If you use poles, you carry them from start to finish. Having them handed to you along the way or via the drop bag is not allowed.
Music: Headphones in one ear only, and only as long as your attention doesn’t suffer. Take them off when crossing roads, at aid stations and when talking to volunteers. Wearing headphones in both ears can lead to disqualification.
We penalise violations the same way as missing mandatory kit. The list is the minimum. Add to it based on your experience and the expected weather; protective clothing comes before low weight.
Cold & Warm
We'll announce a cold or heat rule no later than 48 hours before the start.
In cold weather · all races additionally
Waterproof jacket · Long trousers · Gloves · Extra base layer · Hat
In warm weather additionally
See the table above, marked “Warm”.
