Rennsteig Trail, Germany.

21st - 27th Jan 2023 and 29th - 4th Feb

Introduction:

The Rennsteig XC Ski Trail is a supported, self-navigated adventure. 180km (Circa) of wilderness trails in the Thuringian mountains, East Germany. The trail is 700 years old, and is Germany’s oldest hiking route. The trail runs from Horschel to Blankenstein and the Selbitz river in the southwest. You’re guaranteed a feeling of seclusion within the seemingly infinite forests that surround the trail.

Cross Country Skiing:

Basic ‘Classic’ XC skiing is almost as simple as shuffling along a polished floor. If you have never tried it before it does not take long at all to pick up the basics. If you have some experience of skiing then this will certainly help but is not essential. There are two days at the start of the adventure for instruction and practice. Oberhof has over 100km of XC ski tracks and is the perfect location to pick the sport up. A local instructor will be tasked to provide advice to those that require it.

Transport:

Event HQ:

Oberhof, Germany - View Location

Schedule

Day 1. Oberhof. XC Ski instruction / practice
Day 2. Oberhof. XC Ski instruction / practice
Day 3. Horschel - Brotterode = 38KM
Day 4. Brotterode - Oberhof = 31KM
Day 5. Oberhof - Masserberg = 40.3KM
Day 6. Masserberg - Steinbach am Wald = 45KM
Day 7. Steinbach am Wald - Blankenstein = 31KM

What’s included in the fee:

GPS tracker, supplied by Geo Tracks
Live view GPS tracking course maps
GPX files of each day’s route
Food and drink on the trail each day
Baggage transfer between overnight stops
Option of supported camping in trail huts
On course and logistical support
Finishers medal
Briefing pack inc recommended train transport, kit list and hotels

“Quite simply this was one of the most challenging and enjoyable adventures I have ever had.”

— Ben Mason. Votwo Events Director

Terrain:

The Jurassic coast line is well known for its spectacular views and challenging hills. Each day's route takes in a variety of terrain from coastal footpath to beaches and tracks.

The start point is just outside Charmouth and the course runs from West to East. The Challenge will finish on Day 3 at the National Trust Shell Bay Car Park, Studland. Many challengers will be pleased to note the route still includes the whole circumnavigation of Portland.

Event HQ:

For the first 2 days, the HQ is based at Oberhof during the XC ski acquaint. Thereafter it will be mobile on the trail, at the Checkpoints, and at the day’s finish. The HQ is an event van kitted out with catering equipment, internet, comms, and skiiers spare kit.

It will act as a meeting point, catering area, massage/first aid point and reception. This will be open throughout the whole event to answer any questions, sell you some event merchandise or offer you some running advice. The Event HQ will be based at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Checkpoints (CPs):

There are two checkpoints each day

These serve as a point of contact between the participants and the Votwo team and will supply food and drinks (hot and cold). You will be able to access your bag if you need to put more layers on or take them off.

Transportation:

Each day you will be instructed to meet at the event HQ and then be transported to the start. Once you join Votwo on the event you can leave your car at the event HQ and take advantage of the Votwo minibusses. On completion of the days run you will be transported back to the event HQ.

Teams:

For those that wish to enter as a team, you may do so by emailing events@votwo.co.uk. There is an additional charge for teams as it incurs additional admin, medals & t-shirts per person. Teams may use the start and finish transportation, but if you wish to meet at a checkpoint and swap over you will be responsible for getting yourself to and from the checkpoints. Teams must also at registration make sure that the HQ has everyone's mobile number and emergency details. The booking will be under the group leader who will be responsible for organizing the team.

Medical assistance:

The course is covered by the medical support team. Every morning at challenge registration the medics will be available to sort out any blisters, tape feet up etc.

ENTER HERE

Catering:

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Acadamy’s restaurant is providing the catering. Food vouchers are purchased at the event. Breakfast is £6 and the 2-course evening meal is £11 (prices as of 2019). The chef is briefed to make large, healthy portions suitable for people running a marathon a day! Please note prices might change.

Meals start on Thursday evening and finish on Sunday evening. The catering hall is located next to the HQ area at the Sailing Academy and provides a great social atmosphere in the evening, beer, wine and soft drinks available.

Running groups and daily start times:

There are two start groups each day.

Group 1 is predominately for walkers and slower runners. Group 1 starts first each day.

Group 2 is for runners and faster runners.

The briefing, bus and start times for each group on each day of the challenge will be provided in the pre-event information pack.

Your start group will be assigned for you. Start lists will be published two weeks before the event here.

Kit list:

Whilst taking part in the challenge it is compulsory for you to carry the following equipment. Each day at challenge registration you will be asked to prove you have certain pieces of kit on the list. If you don’t have this kit you will not be allowed to participate in the event. We will be enforcing the policy of no kit, no run. If the worst happens to you any of the below kit could really make a difference to your survival and wellbeing.

Essential kit: (to be carried on your person or in your rucksack)

A means of navigation
Actions on sheet (issued at registration)
Whistle
Compass (make sure your compass is attached to you or your kit)
Waterproof top
Long trousers or tights
Gloves (waterproofed in a plastic freezer bag)
Hat (waterproofed in a plastic freezer bag)
Chocolate bar or similar
Small torch with spare batteries
More than 400ml of water or other drink
A lightweight piece of warm clothing (waterproofed)
A fully charged working mobile phone (waterproofed)
A notepad and pencil with your name and your mobile number written on it (waterproofed)

You must carry all the kit on the kit list. No exceptions.

Accommodation:

As Weymouth and Portland are well provided for holiday towns there is no shortage of accommodation available. Here are a couple of suggestions below. Be sure to book early!

The Chesil Beach Holiday Park. 01305833103
The Royal Breakwater Hotel, Castletown, Portland, 01350 820476
Portland Heights Hotel, Yeates Road, Tophill, Portland, 01305 821361
The Portland Lodge, Easton Lane, Portland, 01305 860269
Hotel Aqua, Castletown, Portland, 01305 860269
Cove Holiday Park, Pennsylvania Road, Wakeham, Portland, 01305 821286
Swallows Rest, (Offers camping and motorhome hookups) Martleaves Farm, South Road, Weymouth, 01305 78525
If any competitors would like to stay on site in a campervan @ HQ, they will need to book a space via http://www.wpnsa.org.uk/campervans-and-caravans or by calling reception on 01305 866000. The cost is £18 per night.