Regulations

Whichever course you choose, fairness, respect and your safety are our top priorities! These race regulations help ensure that we all enjoy a fair and safe event on the Swabian Alb. Please take a moment to read the essential rules, from the mandatory drinking cup to the safety requirements. By starting the race, you agree to comply with these rules.

  1. These race regulations apply to all races held as part of UP THE HILL (UTH) and are binding on all participants.
  2. These regulations set out the sporting, organisational and safety rules governing the races. The organiser’s General Terms and Conditions and the information and requirements published for the respective race also apply.
  3. By starting the race, each participant agrees to comply with these regulations and the instructions of race management, course marshals, medical personnel and the emergency and safety personnel deployed at the event.
  4. Special or additional provisions may apply to individual races due to differences in course length and requirements. These are identified in these regulations or the official event information.
  5. Race management may issue additional instructions for safety reasons, to comply with requirements imposed by the authorities or in response to exceptional circumstances. These instructions are binding on all participants.

  1. Each participant is responsible for ensuring that they have the physical fitness, health and technical skills required to complete their chosen race in the conditions prevailing on race day.
  2. By starting the race, participants confirm that they have familiarised themselves with the nature, distance, elevation gain and requirements of their chosen course and are able to assess their own capabilities accordingly.
  3. Participants take part on their own responsibility. Trail courses in particular may include technically demanding, steep, uneven or slippery sections, or sections made more difficult by weather conditions.
  4. Each participant must adapt their behaviour and speed to the course, visibility and weather conditions and to their own abilities.
  5. In the event of health problems, injuries or other circumstances that prevent the safe continuation of the race, participants must pause or withdraw from the race and request assistance if necessary.
  6. Participation while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicating substances is prohibited.

  1. Each participant receives a personal race bib. The bib must not be altered, duplicated or transferred to another person and must be worn clearly visible throughout the race.
  2. Timing is carried out using the organiser’s timing system. Each participant is responsible for passing all timing points and checkpoints designated for their race correctly.
  3. Additional checkpoints or split-timing points may be set up along the course. These serve in particular to monitor compliance with the race rules, participant safety and the progress of the race.
  4. Participants must pass all checkpoints designated for their race. Missing or implausible records may be reviewed by race management.
  5. Deliberately bypassing a checkpoint or timing point, or manipulating the timing system or participant records, constitutes a breach of the rules and may result in a time penalty or disqualification. The type and severity of the sanction are governed by these regulations.
  6. If an electronic record is missing, race management will decide how the participant’s result is classified based on the available information. A missing timing record therefore does not automatically lead to disqualification.

  1. The course specified and marked by the organiser is binding and must be completed in full. Participants must not leave, shorten or alter the course on their own initiative.
  2. The course is marked using suitable signs, arrows, marking tape or ground markings. The type and frequency of markings may vary depending on the terrain and course section.
  3. Each participant is responsible for following the course markings carefully. Using a GPS watch, smartphone or other navigation aid does not relieve participants of this responsibility.
  4. If the onward route is unclear, or a marking is evidently missing, damaged or removed, participants must not deliberately continue via a presumed shortcut. They must use the last clearly identifiable section of the course as their reference and, where possible, inform a course marshal or the race organisation.
  5. Anyone who unintentionally leaves the prescribed course must, as a general rule, return to the point where they left it and continue the race from there along the prescribed course.
  6. Deliberately taking a shortcut or otherwise gaining a competitive advantage by leaving the prescribed course constitutes a breach of the rules and may result in a time penalty or disqualification.
  7. Last-minute course changes made by race management, for example due to weather conditions, hazards, official orders or other safety-related circumstances, are binding. The course communicated on race day and the instructions of the race organisation take precedence.

  1. Binding cut-off times apply at designated aid stations for certain races. The applicable cut-offs will be announced in the official event information before the event.
  2. A cut-off is met if the participant reaches the relevant aid station within the specified time. Participants are not required to leave the aid station before the cut-off time expires.
  3. Participants who reach an aid station after its cut-off time must not continue the race on the official course and will be removed from the classification.
  4. Participants must follow the instructions of race management and the volunteers and emergency personnel deployed at the cut-off points. Continuing the race against such an instruction is prohibited.
  5. Race management may adjust cut-off times in exceptional circumstances, particularly due to weather, course conditions, safety situations or requirements imposed by the authorities. Changes will be communicated to participants as early and clearly as possible.

  1. Certain races may require participants to carry mandatory equipment specified by the organiser. The applicable mandatory kit list will be published in the official event information.
  2. All mandatory equipment must be carried from the start to the finish, unless the organiser specifies otherwise for individual items.
  3. Race management may add to, reduce or adjust the mandatory kit list before the start based on expected or current weather, course or safety conditions. Changes will be communicated to participants as early as possible.
  4. Kit checks may be carried out before the start, during the race or after the finish. Each participant must present the equipment being checked when requested.
  5. Missing mandatory equipment or refusing a kit check constitutes a breach of the rules and may result in a warning, time penalty or disqualification.
  6. Regardless of the mandatory kit requirements, each participant is responsible for adapting their personal equipment to their own needs and the expected conditions.

  1. Depending on the race, aid stations are available along the course. Their locations, number and approximate kilometre points will be announced in the official event information.
  2. Participants are responsible for carrying sufficient food and, in particular, fluids between aid stations. Participants are not entitled to any specific foods, drinks or products at the aid stations.
  3. The trail races UTH25 and UTH50 are cup-free. Participants in these races must carry their own suitable drinking vessel to use the drinks provided at aid stations. For races where carrying a personal drinking vessel is not mandatory, the organiser will provide suitable cups at the aid stations.
  4. As a general rule, refreshments may only be accepted at the designated aid stations. The provisions on assistance from accompanying persons and crewing under § 8 remain unaffected.
  5. Rubbish may only be disposed of in the designated areas and containers. Throwing away or leaving rubbish outside these areas is prohibited.
  6. Participants must follow the instructions of aid station volunteers. They must behave in a way that does not obstruct other participants or unnecessarily disrupt aid station operations.

  1. Crewing means targeted assistance provided to a participant during the race by accompanying persons, support staff, friends, family members or other persons not competing in the race.
  2. Crewing is permitted only in the UTH25 and UTH50 and only at aid stations expressly approved for this purpose by the organiser. The approved aid stations will be announced in the official event information.
  3. Within the approved areas, participants may in particular receive their own food, drinks, clothing or other permitted equipment from their crew and receive help in handling these items.
  4. Outside the approved aid stations, deliberately accepting food, drinks, equipment or other assistance from accompanying persons is generally prohibited.
  5. Medical assistance, assistance in emergencies and support provided by the race organisation, official volunteers or deployed emergency and safety personnel do not constitute unauthorised crewing.
  6. Crew members must not obstruct participants or other persons, disrupt official aid station operations or enter areas closed to them by the race organisation. They must follow the instructions of volunteers and race management.
  7. Unauthorised crewing or accepting prohibited assistance may result in a warning, time penalty or disqualification.

  1. Accompanying a participant by persons not competing in the respective race for the purpose of supporting them over part of the course or to the finish (pacing) is prohibited.
  2. Unregistered accompanying persons must not accompany participants on the race course on foot, by bicycle or by any other means of transport.
  3. Brief accompaniment in the immediate vicinity of an aid station or in the start and finish areas is permitted, provided it does not obstruct other participants or interfere with safety-related procedures.
  4. Running together and providing mutual support between duly registered participants in the same race are permitted.
  5. Unauthorised pacing or other accompaniment that affects the competition may result in a warning, time penalty or disqualification.

  1. Running or trekking poles are permitted in the UTH25 and UTH50. The use of poles is prohibited in all other races.
  2. Participants who start with poles must carry them throughout the race until the finish. Handing over poles during the race, including at an aid station approved for crewing, is prohibited.
  3. Participants using poles are responsible for handling them safely. Their use must not endanger or obstruct other participants or persons.
  4. Poles may be folded or stowed during the race. When not in use, they must be carried in a way that poses no danger to others.
  5. Technical or motorised aids that give participants a direct advantage in moving along the course are prohibited.
  6. Medically necessary aids may be approved following prior consultation with race management, provided their use is compatible with a safe and fair race.

  1. Participants who withdraw before completing the race must immediately notify the race organisation.
  2. As a general rule, withdrawals should be reported at the nearest aid station, checkpoint or course marshal post. If this is not possible, the race organisation must be informed using the contact details provided for this purpose.
  3. Participants must not leave the event without reporting their withdrawal. This applies in particular if they leave the course independently or are collected by an accompanying person.
  4. Once a participant has withdrawn, they must not resume the race. They will be removed from the classification.
  5. The organiser may arrange return transport for a withdrawn participant where organisationally possible. There is no entitlement to immediate return transport or transport to the start/finish area.
  6. In a medical emergency or in the event of injury, assistance must be requested immediately. Safety and medical care take priority over formally reporting a withdrawal.

  1. The safety of participants, volunteers and emergency personnel always takes priority over the sporting conduct of the race.
  2. Participants must follow safety-related instructions from race management, course marshals and deployed emergency and safety personnel.
  3. Race management and the medical professionals deployed at the event may temporarily stop a participant or remove them from the race for health or safety reasons if, in their assessment, safe continuation cannot be ensured.
  4. A participant removed from the race for medical or safety reasons must not continue against that decision.
  5. Participants must, within reasonable limits, assist another participant who is clearly in distress and immediately notify the race organisation or emergency services. Providing assistance takes priority over their own race result.
  6. Where possible, participants must report hazards, accidents or other safety-related incidents that may be relevant to following participants or the race organisation to the next course marshal or the race organisation.
  7. For safety reasons, race management may close or divert individual course sections, suspend the race or terminate it completely. The relevant instructions must be followed immediately.

  1. The races take place partly on public roads, paths and areas that are not closed for the event. Participants must always expect other road users, hikers, cyclists, agricultural and forestry traffic and other users.
  2. Where course sections are not expressly closed to public traffic, the German Road Traffic Regulations apply. Participants must exercise particular caution at road crossings and on shared traffic areas.
  3. Instructions from course marshals, stewards, police, fire services and other deployed personnel must be followed.
  4. Other path and road users must be treated considerately. Participants must adjust their speed where necessary and must not endanger or unnecessarily obstruct other persons.
  5. Course markings or the presence of a course marshal do not automatically mean that a road or path is closed to other users.
  6. Participants and their accompanying persons must not stop or block public traffic on their own initiative.

  1. The races pass through natural areas and landscapes whose protection is a high priority for the organiser. All participants must behave considerately and with environmental awareness.
  2. Throwing away or leaving rubbish outside the designated areas at aid stations is prohibited. This applies in particular to packaging, gel and energy bar wrappers, bottles, cups and other carried items.
  3. Participants must not leave the marked course. In particular, taking shortcuts across meadows, woodland or other areas not forming part of the course is prohibited.
  4. Plants, animals and natural habitats must not be deliberately damaged, harmed or disturbed.
  5. Gates, barriers and similar installations must be left as they were found, unless the race organisation gives different instructions on site.
  6. Intentional or grossly negligent breaches of the nature and environmental protection provisions may result in a time penalty or disqualification.

  1. All participants are expected to behave fairly, respectfully and sportingly towards other participants, volunteers, emergency personnel, spectators and other persons.
  2. Faster participants may overtake slower participants on suitable course sections. Overtaking must be announced in good time and in an appropriate manner. The participant being overtaken should allow sufficient space as soon as it is safe to do so.
  3. Other participants must not be deliberately obstructed, forced off their line or otherwise endangered.
  4. Abusive, aggressive, threatening or unsporting behaviour towards participants, volunteers, emergency personnel or other persons will not be tolerated.
  5. Instructions from race management and the volunteers and emergency personnel deployed at the event must be followed insofar as they concern the safe and orderly running of the event.
  6. Participants must not gain an unfair competitive advantage that breaches these regulations or the principle of fair competition.
  7. Breaches of the principles of fair and respectful conduct may, depending on their nature and severity, result in a warning, time penalty or disqualification.

  1. Participation while using prohibited performance-enhancing substances or methods is not permitted.
  2. Participants are responsible for ensuring that the substances, medication and methods they use comply with the anti-doping rules applicable to them.
  3. Medically necessary medication is generally permitted. Participants are responsible for its use and for obtaining any required medical or sporting exemption.
  4. A proven breach of applicable anti-doping rules may result in disqualification and retrospective annulment of the race result.

  1. Participants must arrive at the designated start area in good time for the published start time of their race.
  2. As a general rule, starting after the official start of the respective race is not permitted. Participants arriving late have no entitlement to subsequent admission to the race.
  3. Where start waves or starting blocks are used, participants must start in their assigned wave or block.

  1. The use of headphones during the race is generally permitted.
  2. Participants using headphones must ensure at all times that they can adequately perceive their surroundings. In particular, they must be able to hear calls from other participants, instructions from course marshals and emergency personnel, warning signals and approaching vehicles or other hazards.
  3. The use of headphones must not compromise the safety of the wearer or others. In situations involving restricted visibility, heavy traffic or other hazards, participants must adjust the volume and use accordingly or remove their headphones.
  4. Participation with dogs or other accompanying animals is prohibited in all races.

  1. Breaches of these regulations may be sanctioned depending on their nature, severity, intent, consequences and any competitive advantage gained.
  2. In particular, race management may impose the following sanctions:
    • Warning
    • Time penalty
    • Disqualification
  3. A prior warning is not required before imposing a time penalty or disqualification.
  4. When determining a sanction, race management will consider in particular whether a breach was intentional or unintentional, whether it resulted in a competitive advantage, whether others were endangered or obstructed and whether the participant has previously breached the regulations.
  5. Multiple breaches may be sanctioned individually or taken into account when determining an overall sanction. Repeated breaches may lead to a more severe sanction.
  6. Serious breaches may lead directly to disqualification. This applies in particular to deliberate manipulation of the race or timing, significant endangerment of others, failure to follow safety-related instructions or particularly serious unsporting behaviour.
  7. Time penalties are added to the participant’s recorded race time and form part of the official result.
  8. Disqualification excludes the participant from the classification. Disqualification may also be imposed after the finish if a rule breach is discovered subsequently.
  9. Race management decides on sanctions after reviewing the available information. This may include timing data, checkpoint records, statements from volunteers and course marshals and other suitable evidence.
  10. Not every conceivable rule breach needs to be expressly listed in these regulations. Race management may also sanction comparable breaches if they conflict with the principles of fair and safe competition.
  11. Disqualification on sporting grounds does not necessarily mean that the participant must stop racing immediately. Taking safety and event operations into account, race management will decide whether continuing along the course outside the classification is permitted. If withdrawal from the race is expressly ordered, the participant must not continue along the course.

  1. Participants may lodge a protest against a sporting decision affecting them, a time penalty, disqualification or a race result they consider incorrect.
  2. The protest must be submitted in person to race management or a designated representative and must clearly describe the matter being disputed.
  3. As a general rule, protests must be submitted within 30 minutes of the participant’s own finish or of the announcement of the relevant decision. Where circumstances could not have been known to the participant within this period, race management may also accept a later protest.
  4. Race management will review the protest using the available information, including timing data, checkpoint records, statements from course marshals and volunteers and other suitable evidence.
  5. Before a decision is made, the participant concerned should be given an opportunity to present their account of the matter.
  6. The decision of race management will be communicated to the participant and is final for the event classification.
  7. No fee is charged for lodging a protest.

  1. Race management reserves the right to adjust the running of the event or individual races in exceptional circumstances where necessary for safe and orderly conduct.
  2. This includes in particular changes to the course, course length, start times, cut-off times, mandatory equipment or other race-related requirements.
  3. Reasons for such changes may include extreme or rapidly changing weather conditions, severe weather warnings, course damage, natural events, official orders, medical or safety-related incidents and other unforeseeable circumstances.
  4. Race management may shorten or cancel a race before the start, or suspend, shorten or terminate it after the start, if safe continuation cannot be ensured.
  5. Changes and instructions will be communicated to participants through channels appropriate to the situation. Last-minute instructions from race management and its deployed volunteers and emergency personnel are binding.
  6. If a race is suspended or terminated, race management will decide whether and in what form results can be classified, taking into account the progress of the race and the available timing data.