The 57K and 102K races are endurance events covering long distances in mountainous terrain, with very early starts (04:00 for the 102K and 08:30 for the 57K). Checking the mandatory equipment the day before allows us to ensure that every participant has all the required items and is ready to start the race safely.

We do not want to put anyone in the unpleasant situation of being prevented from starting or even being disqualified during the race because they are missing a mandatory item. By checking your equipment the day before, you have enough time to replace or obtain any missing items before race day.

In addition, this procedure helps reduce congestion in the start area, where time is limited, especially for the 102K race, which starts at 04:00. The mandatory equipment is an essential safety requirement and must be carried throughout the entire race.

Additional equipment checks may be carried out on the course or at the finish. In the mountains, weather conditions can change rapidly, so every runner must carry all the items listed in the mandatory equipment regulations for the entire duration of the race.

The Ultra 102K includes two periods of running in darkness: before sunrise and again after sunset. Athletes may need to use a headlamp for several hours during the race.
If your primary headlamp fails, runs out of battery, is lost, or gets damaged, a backup light source becomes essential. Carrying two headlamps is a safety measure that helps ensure you can continue safely in mountain terrain, even in unexpected situations.

Yes. You may use a rechargeable (USB) headlamp, provided that each headlamp has a backup power source available throughout the race.

In cold mountain conditions, the performance of batteries and rechargeable batteries can decrease significantly, causing your headlamp to lose power faster than under normal conditions. For this reason, you must be able to restore its power while on the course.

• If you use a headlamp with replaceable batteries, you must carry one spare set of batteries for each headlamp.
• If you use a rechargeable (USB) headlamp, you must carry a fully charged power bank and the appropriate charging cable.

For the Ultra 102K, if you use two rechargeable (USB) headlamps, a single power bank is sufficient, provided it has enough capacity to recharge both headlamps if required.

For the 57K, although rechargeable (USB) headlamps are accepted, we recommend using a headlamp with replaceable batteries. The reason is practical: if your headlamp needs to be recharged during the race, using it while charging may be inconvenient or even impossible, depending on the model. In addition, a USB headlamp together with a power bank is generally heavier than a headlamp with replaceable batteries and a spare battery set.

Regardless of the type of headlamp you choose, it is your responsibility to ensure you have sufficient power for the entire period you will be running in darkness, while also allowing for a safety margin in case weather conditions, fatigue, an injury, or any other unforeseen circumstances increase the time you spend on the course.

During the mandatory equipment check, participants using rechargeable (USB) headlamps may be asked to show their power bank and charging cable.

Mountain weather can change very quickly, regardless of the race-day forecast. Even in the middle of summer, temperatures can drop significantly on exposed ridges, and rain combined with wind can quickly lead to hypothermia.
A waterproof jacket with a membrane provides protection against rain and wind and is one of the most important safety items in a trail runner’s mandatory equipment.

When it rains or strong winds occur, heat loss through the lower body can be significant. Combined with a waterproof jacket, waterproof pants provide full protection and help reduce the risk of hypothermia in case of a forced stop or slow progress on the course.

An emergency blanket takes up very little space and weighs only a few grams, yet it can make a significant difference in the event of an injury or emergency situation.
Its purpose is to reduce heat loss and provide protection until rescue teams arrive or until the participant is able to continue moving.

A mobile phone is the primary means of communication between participants and the race organization in case of an emergency.
If you get injured, lost, or encounter another participant who needs assistance, a mobile phone can significantly reduce the time required for location and intervention.

In some sections of the course, mobile phone coverage may be limited or unavailable. A whistle allows you to signal your presence and call for help over much greater distances than your voice.
Three short repeated whistle blasts are recognized as the international distress signal in mountain environments.

Aid stations are positioned at calculated intervals, allowing participants to carry enough fluids between them. A personal hydration container is necessary to ensure proper hydration throughout the race and also helps reduce the use of single-use cups.

Carpathia Trails is committed to reducing its environmental impact and therefore does not provide disposable cups at aid stations. A personal cup is required for water, isotonic drinks, tea, or other beverages available on the course.

Depending on the weather forecast and actual mountain conditions, the organizers may require additional mandatory equipment before the start of the race.
This decision will be communicated to participants in the days leading up to the event and is intended to ensure that safety requirements match the expected conditions on the mountain.

Mandatory equipment checks are carried out to ensure that every runner has the minimum resources required to safely cope with the conditions that may be encountered on the course.
Experience shows that most serious incidents in mountain races are aggravated by the lack of appropriate equipment rather than by the technical difficulty of the terrain itself.