Race data
Terrain
Ultra Trail
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
1 modalities
Brocken-Challenge 80K
- Distance
- 80 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1900m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brocken-Challenge 80K | 80 km | D+ 1900m | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~14 h of Brocken-Challenge?Worked out for the longest course (80 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Brocken-Challenge
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)Garmin Forerunner 165
Sharp AMOLED display at an entry-level price
Downside: No multi-band GPS (less accurate in canyons and dense forest)
Gear
The packed snow of the final kilometres to the Brocken calls for deep lugs or light microspikes
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Hoka Speedgoat 7
Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
Nutrition
Eat before you feel hungry: every 30-40 minutes
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
Cold and wind crack your lips: use a balm with SPF
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Piz Buin Mountain SPF 50+
Specifically formulated for altitude and cold
Downside: Thicker texture, takes longer to absorb
Body Care
Thermal arm warmers: roll them down without stopping once you warm up
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands
Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly
Car Rental
Book early: local supply runs out on race weekends
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Brocken-Challenge requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 0 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
-2°C – 4°C
Average 1°C
Rain
37%
1.2 mm avg
Wind
18 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
5h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (37% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Bring thermal layers (low of -2°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.
Craft
Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top
Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.
HANKER
HANKER Braga de Cuello Térmica
Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Camiseta térmica de manga larga con tejido reciclado y tratamiento antiolor. Regulación térmica activa, ideal como capa base en montaña.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer
Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.
ROCKBROS
ROCKBROS Pasamontañas Térmico y Cortaviento
Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.
Salomon
Salomon Agile LS Tee
Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock
Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock Hombre
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
Bring thermal gloves (low of -2°C)
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Oasis Liners
Thin merino wool glove, lightweight and breathable, with good moisture management and none of the overheating of a thick technical glove. Ideal as a liner layer or for mild winter temperatures.
LEKI
LEKI Ultra Trail Storm Shark
Glove for pole runners with the Shark system: clips straight into the grip of compatible LEKI poles, transferring force without closing your hand. Windproof and water-repellent.
Ronhill
Ronhill GORE-TEX Windstopper Glove
Running glove with GORE-TEX Windstopper fabric: blocks wind and repels light rain without the bulk of an insulated glove. Thin, close-fitting and dexterous.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
Salomon
Salomon Fast Wing Winter Glove
Technical winter trail running glove with a windproof outer shell and warm lining. Built for long outings in intense cold, wind and some moisture in the mountains.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Consider long tights for nighttime cold
Amazon Essentials
Amazon Essentials Mallas Active Sculpt Talla Grande
High-waisted leggings with Active Sculpt compression fabric, available in plus sizes. Wide waistband that doesn't roll down or over-compress during long mountain outings.
Izas
Izas Olimpia Mallas Largas Mujer
Women's long leggings with a shaping, push-up compression effect, stretch breathable fabric and reflective details. Originally designed for gym and yoga, but the compression and reflective details also make it usable for low-light running.
Joma
Joma Pantalones Térmicos Academy Knight Hombre
Men's thermal pants with a brushed inner lining, built for training and running in cold weather. Elastic drawstring waist and heat-retaining fabric for winter outings or cold early mornings.
Joma
Joma Vela II Shorts Mujer
Lightweight, stretch women's running shorts with a wide size range (4XS to 2XL). Breathable fabric built for training and running in summer without overheating.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.
Forecast for 13 February
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Brocken-Challenge
The Brocken-Challenge is one of Germany’s most special ultras: about 80 km in deep winter from Göttingen, in Lower Saxony, to the summit of the Brocken (1,141 m), the highest point in northern Germany. It has been held every February since 2003 and is entirely charitable: the organisers are volunteers and all proceeds go to social projects in the region.
A winter course
The start is before dawn in Göttingen. The route crosses the fields and forests of southern Lower Saxony, enters the Harz and tackles the final climb to the Brocken on trails usually covered in packed snow or ice in February. Around 1,900 m of climbing that you feel more because of cold, wind and footing than gradient.
A different kind of race
There is no open entry: runners apply in the first week of November and places are allocated. The atmosphere is more of an expedition among friends than a competition, with volunteer-run aid stations and a finish on the snowy summit that many describe as magical.
The Harz beyond the race
Wernigerode, with its fairy-tale castle and half-timbered old town, and the steam train up the Brocken round off an unforgettable winter weekend. Find more races in Lower Saxony, the rest of Germany and plan your season with the race planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Mandatory: the start is before dawn and part of the race is run in the dark
Thermal and waterproof clothing required: February on the Brocken summit can drop below -10 °C with wind
360Complete Pack
Brocken-Challenge 2027 registration
RegistrationPlaces are applied for from 1 to 7 November 2026 and the field is small. All proceeds go to social projects, so a donation is expected on top of the fee.
Tips
- •Mark the week of 1-7 November in your calendar
- •Prepare a short summary of your ultra experience
Where to stay for Brocken-Challenge
AccommodationSleep in Göttingen the night before: the start is before dawn. For afterwards, book in Wernigerode, Schierke or Braunlage at the foot of the Brocken.
Tips
- •A hotel near the start in Göttingen maximises sleep
- •After the race, Wernigerode is the most convenient base
Gear for Brocken-Challenge
GearCold, mud and possibly snow: waterproof lugged shoes, merino thermal layers, waterproof gloves, a neck gaiter and a headlamp for the dark hours.
Tips
- •The packed snow of the final kilometres to the Brocken calls for deep lugs or light microspikes
- •Layer up: you start cold and warm up on the first climb
- •A thermal blanket weighs 60 g and can save you on a windy exposed stretch
Which shoes for Brocken-Challenge?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Brocken-Challenge?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
Nutrition for Brocken-Challenge
NutritionLong distance: plan 60-90 g of carbs per hour mixing gels, bars and real food, and replace salts from the start.
Tips
- •Eat before you feel hungry: every 30-40 minutes
- •Alternate sweet and savoury to keep your stomach happy
How to get to Göttingen
TransportGöttingen has an ICE station with direct links from Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin. From the Brocken summit you descend on the Harz steam railway (Brockenbahn) to Wernigerode.
Tips
- •The most practical airport is Hanover (HAJ), 1 hour by train
- •Plan your return from the Brocken before race day
Car rental in the Harz
Car RentalA rental car gives you freedom to get around the Harz, reach the start early and combine the race with some sightseeing.
Tips
- •Book early: local supply runs out on race weekends
- •Pick the car up at your arrival airport to save transfers
Sports insurance for Brocken-Challenge
InsuranceGermany has no mandatory racing licence, but the organisers do not cover your medical costs or a rescue. Sports or travel insurance covering competitions is essential if you travel from abroad.
Tips
- •Carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC)
- •Check that your policy covers mountain rescue and competitions
Sun protection for Brocken-Challenge
Sun ProtectionEven when it is cold, autumn and winter sun burns, especially with snow reflecting it. An SPF50 stick and lip balm take up almost no space.
Tips
- •Cold and wind crack your lips: use a balm with SPF
- •Stick on your face before the start, even if the day dawns cloudy
Body care for Brocken-Challenge
Body CareCold and damp stiffen muscles, and wet clothing multiplies chafing. Protect skin and feet and look after recovery.
Tips
- •Thermal arm warmers: roll them down without stopping once you warm up
- •Compression socks and recovery sandals after the race
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Brocken-Challenge 2027?
- On Saturday 13 February 2027, starting before dawn in Göttingen (Lower Saxony) and finishing on the Brocken summit.
- How do I get a place?
- There is no open registration: you apply between 1 and 7 November and the organisers allocate places. On top of the fee, a donation to the charity projects is expected.
- What gear do I need?
- A headlamp, thermal and waterproof clothing, gloves and shoes with grip for snow and ice. Conditions on the summit can be extreme.
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