KoBoLT 135km: Germany's Night Ultra That Sells Out in 32 Hours

The KoBoLT 135.3km is a demanding night ultra, though its difficulty comes more from conditions than gradient. The course gains 4,440m over 135.3km (32.8m per km) — solid but not extreme. What makes it hard: an 11:00 Saturday start means virtually all runners spend the majority of the race in darkness. Late November conditions on the Rheinsteig deliver cold temperatures, frequent rain, and ankle-deep mud in wet years. Navigation becomes genuinely challenging after dark as trail markers are partially faded and non-reflective.

Yes. The KoBoLT 135.3km (K140) is a UTMB 5-point qualifier. Registration is extremely limited — the K140 sold out within 32 hours of opening for the 2026 edition. Check kleiner-kobolt.de for registration dates; the race sells out quickly each year.

Entry fees for the 2026 edition are not confirmed — the K140 sold out before the full fee structure was published. The 2025 placeholder fee was approximately €55 (€0.41/km), making it one of the best-value UTMB 5-point qualifiers in Germany if accurate. Verify current fees at kleiner-kobolt.de.

Cologne Bonn airport (CGN) is approximately 74 minutes from Koblenz. Frankfurt (FRA) and Düsseldorf (DUS) are also accessible in approximately 90–120 minutes. Excellent rail connections from all three airports to Koblenz make car rental optional. The race is point-to-point (Koblenz start, Bonn finish), but public transport logistics are straightforward — train from Bonn back to Koblenz takes approximately one hour.

Cold, dark, and often very muddy. Typical November conditions in the Rhine gorge area bring temperatures of 4–10°C, significant cloud cover, and frequent rain. In wet years the Rheinsteig becomes what runners describe as a 'Schlammschlacht' — a mud battle — with ankle-deep conditions on forest trails. All finishers spend most of the race in darkness regardless of pace. Full waterproofs, warm layers, and a reliable headlamp setup are essential.