UTMB, Diagonale des fous, trail des Templiers… These names inspire dreams in some people (and fear in others). Ultra-trail running means ultra-long exertion, but also an ultralight pack.
To ensure runners do not prioritise weight over safety, ultra-trail organisers impose a mandatory equipment list without which runners cannot start the event.
RayonRando provides a brief overview and a selection of the equipment required on ultras.
We reviewed the mandatory equipment for 6 major ultra-trails:
- The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), in late August.
- The Diagonale des Fous (Grand Raid de la Réunion), in October.
- The Grand Raid des Pyrénées (GRP), in August.
- The trail des Templiers, in October.
- The Saintélyon, in December.
- The Ultra-Marin, in the Gulf of Morbihan, in June.
The same equipment often appears; find the details in the table below.
A few notes about this list:
- UTMB is the most demanding organiser and the most precise about mandatory equipment, including torch output and waterproof gloves. If you have UTMB equipment, you are prepared for almost every trail race.
- Some organisers, including UTMB, Templiers and Ultra-marin, specify an additional mandatory kit list. Whether it is required on race day depends on current weather conditions, such as a heatwave or bad weather. You must therefore have it available locally if needed. We have marked these items with an asterisk * in the list.
- Some organisers require less mandatory kit but list as ‘recommended equipment’ what others make compulsory.
- Lighting, visibility and thermal protection must be suited to 1 or even 2 nights in the mountains.
- Finally, poles are never compulsory. They are strictly forbidden at only one of these 6 races: the Diagonale des Fous.
Summary table:
Conclusion:
The mandatory equipment list for an ultra-trail is ultimately fairly short. It represents the minimum safety and protection a runner needs for such a long, unpredictable event, in terms of terrain, weather and possible problems runners may encounter.
Even when the mandatory list is shorter, we strongly encourage you to carry all essential equipment to:
- Protect yourself and avoid problems.
- Provide first aid for yourself or another competitor.
- Signal to rescuers.
Find a selection of accessories meeting these requirements at RayonRando.com: Mandatory ultra-trail equipment.