7. Equipment 7.1 What do I need to wear? Most probably it will be warm to hot so a quick dry T-shirt or long sleeves shirt will be fine. We always advise to wear long pants in the jungle.  A pair of gloves might come in handy (roots, mud, thorns, rocks). A cap that also protects your neck might be helpful when the sun burns. Be sure to wear shoes with a proper profile to avoid slipping and sliding. Top 7.2 What do I need to bring? There is mandatory equipment and your personal added stuff. The Mandatory Items (MI) you have to bring are to ensure your safety. Be sure that all your belongings, and especially electronics, are packed in waterproof or plastic bags before you put them inside your backpack.. If you are used to run or hike with trekking poles, you can do so, provided you will not hinder or harm any other participants. Top 7.3 What are the personal things I have to bring? Think of food, (energy) drinks and (energy) snacks. Rain protection is advised. Don't forget personal medical items like painkillers, heat rub, etc. Top 7.4 What are the Mandatory Items (MI) I have to bring? Your BIB, a whistle, a first aid kit, an emergency blanket, a mobile phone, a water bottle or hydration bladder, a rain coat or poncho. Although a headlamp is not compulsory, we strongly advise you to bring one along, at least in your drop bag, if you expect to need more than 12 hours to finish the race. Top 7.5 Why do I need a whistle? A whistle is used to signal others that you are in distress and need assistance. It is also used to answer signals from those in distress. Shouting, yelling, and other forms of vocal alerting do not have the same range and require a much more fatiguing effort than blowing on a whistle. Your whistle has to be attached to a lanyard and be easily reachable. You can wear it around your neck or attach to your belt or any other part of your clothing. Having a whistle in your backpack won't help you much if you can't reach your backpack during an emergency. Top 7.6 Why and what do I need to bring in my first aid kit? Because the chance that something might happen to you in front of the first aid stations on the trail is almost nil. You must be able to attend to yourself in such manner that you can reach the first aid station for further medical evaluation and treatment. We understand that everybody tries to minimise the content of the first aid kit. The minimum content of your first aid kit however should be: antiseptic cream or lotion, plasters (ordinary and butterfly), anti-histamine tablets. Top 7.7 Why do I need an emergency blanket? Weather conditions may change rapidly and temperatures might drop dramatically in case of heavy downpour. An emergency blanket can be a life saver in case of injury or hypothermia. Top 7.8 Why do I need to bring my mobile phone? You need to be in the possession of a device that enables you to contact the emergency services and pinpoint your location using GPS. Provided that a signal for the mobile phone is available, communication between you and the organisers should be possible. Top 7.9 I see that there are several water points along the track. Why do I need to bring a hydration bladder or a water bottle? Yes indeed, there are several water stations but some of them are quite a distance from each other – not necessarily in kilometers but in time. Not only are we convinced that you will need fluid along the way and only hydrating yourself in the water stations might be insufficient for a good performance, but also none of the Drink Stations will supply drinks in bottles, cans or cups. You can quench your thirst in the water stations and fill up your bottle or hydration bladder as well. Top 7.10 We are passing quite some streams with crystal clear water. Can't I drink this water? No. We strongly advise you not to drink any water from the streams unless you treat the water with purification tablets. Although the water might be clear, you will never know whether there is a contaminant upstream. Top 7.11 If I replenish my body with water isn't that enough? Why do I need to bring hydration salts? Most probably it won't. Keep in mind that while sweating the body is losing valuable minerals as well. An imbalance of the mineral salts in your body might result in fatigue, cramps and other physical discomfort. You can replenish this shortage with isotonic drinks or isotonic powder which will be provided during the race at the Drink Stations (DS). Top 7.12 Will all Drink Stations (DS) have water and isotonic drinks? Not necessarily. Some might provide both, some only water. Top 7.13 Will there be snacks or food provided? Yes, there are four fruit stations for the full marathon and two fruit stations for the half marathon. A power gel will be provided at the summit. After finishing the race a cooked meal will be served to all participants. <<     >>