Race Manual for Jotunheimen Trail Run 2026

We look forward to meeting you at Beitostølen and Bygdin, Jotunheimen. This race manual contains essential safety information for all participants.

1.0 Mandatory equipment

JTR 12k

  1. A 100% fully charged mobile phone (waterproofed)

  2. Personal reusable cup or soft flask for refilling at aid stations and water sources (for environmental reasons, no cups are provided at the aid stations)

  3. Minimum 0,5-liter hydration capacity (e.g. bottles, soft flasks, or bladder)

  4. Personal race nutrition. Aid stations will supplement, but runners must carry their own primary energy

  5. Trail running shoes with good grip

  6. Wind and water repellent jacket

Skyrace and Half Marathon

  1. A 100% fully charged mobile phone (waterproofed)

  2. Personal reusable cup or soft flask for refilling at aid stations and water sources (for environmental reasons, no cups are provided at the aid stations)

  3. Minimum 0,5-liter hydration capacity (e.g. bottles, soft flasks, or bladder)

  4. Personal race nutrition. Aid stations will supplement, but runners must carry their own primary energy

  5. Trail running shoes with good grip

  6. Wind and water repellent jacket

  7. A buff or hat

JTR Marathon

  1. A 100% fully charged mobile phone (waterproofed)

  2. Personal reusable cup or soft flask for refilling at aid stations and water sources (for environmental reasons, no cups are provided at the aid stations)

  3. Minimum 1-liter hydration capacity (e.g. bottles, soft flasks, or bladder)

  4. Personal race nutrition. Aid stations will supplement, but runners must carry their own primary energy

  5. Trail running shoes with good grip

  6. Waterproof jacket with a hood

  7. A buff or hat

  8. Safety whistle

  9. Emergency blanket or survival bag

  10. A basic first aid kit (waterproofed) that includes a minimum of: an elastic compressive bandage (for sprains), sterile compresses, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters, and sports tape

  11. Gloves or mittens

  12. A running vest/backpack to carry the equipment

  13. A dry, long-sleeved wool sweater in the backpack

JTR Ultra

  1. A 100% fully charged mobile phone with sufficient battery life (must be kept waterproofed but accessible)

  2. Personal reusable cup or soft flask for refilling at aid stations and water sources (for environmental reasons, no cups are provided at the aid stations)

  3. Minimum 1-liter hydration capacity (e.g. bottles, soft flasks, or bladder)

  4. Personal race nutrition. Aid stations will supplement, but runners must carry their own primary energy

  5. Trail running shoes with good grip

  6. Waterproof jacket with a hood and pants

  7. A buff or hat

  8. Safety whistle

  9. Emergency blanket or survival bag

  10. A basic first aid kit (waterproofed) that includes a minimum of: an elastic compressive bandage (for sprains), sterile compresses, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters, and sports tape

  11. Waterproof gloves or mittens

  12. A running vest/backpack to carry the equipment

  13. A dry, long-sleeved wool sweater in the backpack

  14. A headlamp with a minimum of 200 lumens, and sufficient battery capacity (e.g. extra batteries or a power bank as required below)

  15. A GPS device (watch or handheld) with sufficient battery life and an imported GPX file

  16. At least one fully charged power bank with charging cables for both your GPS device and your mobile phone. It is important that the power bank has enough capacity to charge both your GPS device and your mobile phone when needed

  17. Cash/credit card

Kids Race

Normal running equipment for mountain weather.

1.1 Laws and rules

  • All distances are unsupported, for the sake of justice. This means it is not allowed to receive external help (drink/food/equipment/pacing) along the route, as long as it is not due to safety reasons or in connection with the organizer’s food and drink stations / checkpoint.

    • Breaking this rule will lead to disqualification

    • Cheering is of course allowed and very pleasant

  • For environmental reasons it is forbidden to throw garbage on the route

    • Breaking this rule will lead to disqualification

  • Lack of mandatory equipment will lead to start refusal or disqualification

  • Trekking poles are allowed. They may only be picked up or left at official aid stations/checkpoints

  • Race officials can take participants out of the race for safety reasons

  • For safety reasons, it is your duty to stop and help other runners if they need help. Participants who stop to provide assistance to another runner in need can have their lost time compensated by the race direction upon review.

  • Penalties in form of additional race time or disqualification may be given if violation of rules, unsportsmanlike behaviour, or if participants expose themselves or other participants to unnecessary risk

  • For safety and competitive reasons, participation with a dog is not allowed. Violation of this rule will result in disqualification and suspension from the race.

1.2 Safety Instructions

Participant's Personal Responsibility: All participants are 100% responsible for their own safety and health.

Health and Physical Condition: You are personally responsible for ensuring you are physically and medically fit (sufficiently trained and in good health) to complete the distance for which you are registered.

  • Participation is strongly discouraged if you have, or have recently had, heart, lung, back, or neck problems, or other physical challenges that may pose a safety risk to yourself or others.

  • This also applies to pregnant women, depending on the activity and pregnancy situation.

  • If you are in the slightest doubt about your health condition, you are obligated to consult your physician before registering. The race organization cannot and will not provide medical advice.

Medical Information (Emergency): If you use essential medications (e.g., for diabetes, severe allergies) or have medical conditions that our medical personnel should be aware of in case of an emergency:

  • You are responsible for carrying your necessary medication with you.

  • We strongly recommend that you write this information, along with the name and phone number of your next of kin, on the back of your race bib.

Intoxicants: It is strictly forbidden to participate under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants. Violation of this rule will lead to immediate disqualification.

Acceptance of Risk: You understand and accept that Jotunheimen Trail Run takes place in challenging mountain terrain, where weather conditions can change rapidly, and where access for rescue personnel may be difficult and time-consuming.

1.3 Food and drink during the race

This race operates on a principle of semi-self-sufficiency. For environmental reasons and due to the mountain terrain, there will be a limited number of aid stations along the routes.

This means all runners are responsible for carrying the necessary nutrition and hydration (food, gels, drinks) they require to cover the distance between aid stations.

Natural Water Sources: The course provides numerous opportunities to refill with fresh, cold mountain water from natural rivers and streams. All participants must carry their own personal cup, bottle, or flasks to utilize these natural sources and to receive drinks at the aid stations.

Aid Station Nutrition: Aid stations will supplement your personal nutrition. Offerings will include, but not be limited to a selection of the following:

  • Drinks: Juice, Cola, Water

  • Snacks: Chocolate, Potato Chips, Jelly Candies, Lefse, Fruit (Apple/Banana)

  • Warm food (Ultra/Marathon): Soup will be served at Fondsbu and Bygdin

Finish Line: A selection of snacks and drinks will be available for all participants at the finish line.

Ultra runners will have a checkpoint halfway at Fondsbu. Here, they will have access to their private dropbag with desired gear and extra food/drink.

1.4 Navigation / Marking / GPS

How you navigate depends on your distance. Regardless of your distance, we highly recommend that all participants import the official GPX file to their watch. This provides excellent additional navigation support during the race. Remember to test the file on your device well in advance. This is especially important for the Marathon and Ultra routes.

GPX Files & Navigation: GPX files for all distances are available for download on the "ROUTES" page of our website. These files will also be emailed to all registered participants during the final week before the race.

Fully Marked Courses (12k, Skyrace Half Marathon & Marathon): These distances are fully marked from start to finish with orange event flags or signs.

For participants in the Marathon: Although the course is marked, we still strongly recommend carrying the GPX file on a device as an extra safety backup. Flags can be moved by wind, or visibility can become extremely poor.

Unmarked Course (Ultra): The Ultra course is not marked with event flags or signs and require participants to follow established mountain trails with DNT-marking. Runners must rely entirely on the established trail system and mandatory GPS navigation.

Mandatory for Ultra Runners: All participants in the Ultra distance must carry a GPS device (watch or handheld) with the official race GPX file uploaded before the start.

  • All participants in the Ultra must have the official GPX file successfully loaded and tested on their device (watch or handheld) before arriving at the start line

  • It is the runner's sole responsibility to ensure their navigation equipment is functional and that they know how to use it

1.5 DNF / Cut-off / Injury / Accident

Injury or Accident Procedure: Your safety is our top priority. You must save this number on your phone:

Race Emergency Number: +47 911 46 724

You must call this number for ALL incidents, from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies.

This number connects you directly to the Race Command Center and our dedicated Red Cross Medical Team. For all serious incidents, our on-site medical team will handle all communication and coordination directly with 113 (National Medical Emergency) to dispatch the appropriate resources.

Calling our number first is the fastest and safest procedure, as our team knows your location relative to the course and our medical assets.

Assistance in the Mountains: Please be aware that this is a high-mountain race with limited vehicle access. Evacuation and assistance will take time. We ask for your patience. It is every runner's duty to take care of themselves and assist any fellow runner in need until help arrives.

What to do with no mobile coverage (Primarily Ultra distance): While the 12k, Skyrace, Half Marathon, and Marathon courses have consistent mobile reception, sections of the Ultra course are outside of coverage.

If you are on the Ultra course and cannot call the Race Emergency Number:

  1. Do not leave a seriously injured person alone unless absolutely necessary to get help

  2. Use your mandatory whistle and survival blanket to attract attention and stay warm

  3. Ask the next passing runner to continue to the nearest aid station, crewed checkpoint, or point of reception. They must then immediately report the exact location and nature of the emergency to the Race Emergency Number.

Withdrawing from the Race (DNF): If you must withdraw from the race for any reason (fatigue, injury, or missing a cut-off), you must report this to an official at the nearest aid station (e.g., Fondsbu).

  1. You must formally hand in your race bib to the aid station crew

  2. You will then be registered as DNF (Did Not Finish)

  3. This is a critical safety measure so that we know you are safe and off the course

  4. The organization will provide bus transport for all DNF runners back to Beitostølen/Bygdin

Cut-Off Times (Ultra Distance Only): To ensure the safety of all participants, cut-off times will be strictly enforced. These times apply only to the Ultra distance.

  • Aid Station Fondsbu (Arrival): 14:00 (2:00 PM)

  • Aid Station Fondsbu (Departure): 14:30 (2:30 PM)

Runners arriving at Fondsbu after 14:00 will not be permitted to continue the race. You will be registered as DNF and must follow the withdrawal procedure described above.

1.6 The Organizer's Right to Change/Cancel the Routes/Event

In case of very bad weather, conditions or unforeseen circumstances, the organizer may change the routes or cancel the event to provide the best experience and minimize risks for participants. Refunds will not be issued in these situations.

1.7 Declaration of Responsibility and Terms of Participation

By participating in the Jotunheimen Trail Run, I confirm that I am participating voluntarily and entirely at my own risk. I commit to following the organizer's Race Manual, safety instructions, and all directives given by crew, the organization, and medical personnel.

Acceptance of Risk: I fully acknowledge, understand, and accept the inherent risks associated with mountain running in challenging terrain. This includes, but is not limited to, the risk of injuries such as sprains, fractures, wounds, as well as serious conditions like hypothermia, dehydration, and in the worst case, permanent injury or death. I accept that participation requires me to be aware of my own limits and to take necessary precautions.

Health, Insurance, and Equipment:

  • Health: I confirm that I am in sufficient physical condition to complete the distance for which I am registered

  • Insurance: I am personally responsible for having valid insurance that covers accidents, injuries, and any additional costs (such as evacuation) that may arise in connection with my participation

  • Equipment: I take full responsibility for my personal belongings and equipment during the event. I commit to compensating for any self-inflicted loss or damage to equipment borrowed or rented from the organizer. I accept that equipment checks may be performed, and that missing mandatory equipment may lead to refusal of start or disqualification.

Participant Duties (Co-responsibility): As a participant, I am co-responsible for my own safety and the safety of others. I commit to:

  • Following all rules in this manual

  • Adhering to applicable traffic laws where the course intersects or follows public roads

  • Being transparent and immediately informing crew/medical personnel of any injuries or health problems that arise during the race

  • Immediately informing the organizer and safety personnel if I must withdraw from the race (DNF), as described in section 1.5.

Liability Waiver: I understand that the organizer works to reduce risk but cannot eliminate it. I hereby release Jotunheimen Trail Run, and any party associated with the organizer (such as crew, partners, landowners, or medical personnel), from all liability for personal injuries, losses, and damages to/persons or equipment.

The organizer shall not be held financially responsible for any claims that may arise during, or as a result of, my participation.

Other Conditions:

  • Media: I grant Jotunheimen Trail Run the right to use photos and videos of me from the event for promotional purposes.

  • Anti-Doping: I understand that the use of prohibited substances listed as doping is strictly forbidden, and that Anti-Doping Norway may conduct random doping tests.

Final Confirmation: By participating, I confirm that I have reviewed, understood, and accepted all necessary safety information and all terms and conditions outlined in this Race Manual.

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