FAQ

Questions to help you prepare Jimbee Volcano Iceland

Who can participate in JIMBEE VOLCANO ULTRAMARATHON Iceland?

All those people, men and women, who want to test their physical and mental abilities in an unrepeatable environment. The VUM is a race that allows freedom of pace and welcomes both elite athletes and adventure lovers with a good physical condition. Participants must provide the appropriate medical documentation and prove to be a finisher of a sporting event of 100km or more, multi-stage or non-stop format.

Can a friend or relative come with me?

Yes, the VUM organization offers in parallel to the race a Partner Pack that allows them to travel together, to see their family or friends during the daily stages, race start, finish, camps, etc. Find out more at info@volcanoultramarathon.com or runners@volcanoultramarathon.com

Is it safe to participate in VUM Iceland?

The safety and enjoyment of our competitors is our priority, our event is fully supported by an experienced medical and safety team. Our medical team is available from the moment you are under our care to ensure you are able to participate, ensure you’re healthy during the event and assist with the difficult decision to withdraw from the race if such a decision is required. Our event has been fully evaluated by the staff who will be directing your steps.

What is included with my entry?

Our UltraMarathon includes the following:

  • Transfers to base camps
  • Baggage transfer
  • Shared accommodation: tents and hotels (where applicable)
  • Water at checkpoints during the race
  • Breakfast and dinner for all the stages, except for stage 6 (self-sufficiency)
  • Experienced race director
  • Support team
  • Medical staff
  • Local multilingual support staff
  • Complete photographic coverage of the race
  • Finisher medal
  • GPS tracking device

What is not included?

Our Ultra Marathon does not include the following:

  • Vaccines (more information provided in your welcome pack)
  • Travel insurance / evacuation insurance (essential)
  • Visas / local taxes (where applicable)
  • Personal expenses (drinks / souvenirs, etc.)
  • Any personal equipment
  • Race food and energy supplements
  • Food before the race
  • Extra nights of accommodation
  • Flights

What is the deadline for registration?

You can book a place in our races up to 90 days before the start of the race. However, due to the remote location of the event and the limited number of competitors that can participate, we recommend booking your place as soon as possible to guarantee your participation in the race.

What is the mandatory equipment?

You can check here all the Mandatory equipment. If you have any questions about it, please feel free to contact us.

On what type of terrain does VUM run?

The terrain is varied and mainly runs along trails, tracks or paths, much of the route is mountainous and volcanic, passing rivers, lakes and waterfalls. It is off the usual routes of passage and transit of people. There are very few sections without slopes, either positive or negative, the very geography of Iceland makes us have to overcome all these types of terrain. Please remember that you are participating in an extreme event.

Where does the race take place?

It is the largest and extends over the entire southern area. It is home to several rivers and waterfalls, and in its northern area covers a good portion of the Vatnajökull glacier.

What time will we get up?

You are free to wake up at any time. It is recommended between 2 and 2 hours and a half before the start of each stage. From that time the hot water will be ready for making breakfast, until 30 minutes before the race start, when the briefing of each stage will begin. Starting times will be from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. IMPORTANT: Remember that in Iceland during the month of June we have 21 daylight hours, sunrise is at 3 a.m. and sunset at 12 a.m.

What is the time limit per stage?

The closing times of the checkpoints, as well as the entrance to the finish line, vary according to the distances and slopes of each stage, usually 10h per stage. In any case, all stages must start and finish with sunlight, so they will never exceed 7-9 hours from start to finish, which is enough time estimated by the organization to complete the route for a person in good physical condition.

If I exceed the time limit, can I still compete?

The time limit per stage is 10 hours. If a competitor exceeds the time limit, he/she will be automatically disqualified (Article 6 of the race Regulations).

Should we carry liquids and food during the race?

Yes, each runner must carry a minimum of 2,000 calories per day for a total of 7 days, that is, a minimum of 14,000 calories. This will be checked on the day you receive your race bib, and you will need to carry the food with you for the entire event to consume when appropriate.

REMEMBER: This is an event without assistance, only providing 10l of water on average per athlete at each stage. A minimum water load capacity of 2.5l will be required.

May I be left behind on the route because of my slow pace?

In no case will any participant be left alone on the course. A sweeping team of the organization always goes behind the runner in last position.

What is the distance between checkpoints?

It depends on the stage, although as a general rule, provisioning points can be found every 10 or 12 km.

What is at the checkpoints?

Water, as well as medical assistance and a rest area.

Will the route be marked?

The route will be properly and sufficiently signposted in order to avoid unwanted “misplacements”.

Should I bring a first-aid kit?

In the checkpoints, as well as in the camps, there is a medical service available to the participants. In any case, each runner must carry a first-aid kit with the established items (see Mandatory equipment).

What should I do if I want to quit?

Withdrawals are situations reflected in the race Regulations. They can occur before the start of the stage or during the race. It must be communicated at one of the checkpoints to the race staff. Whenever possible, the runner must reach the finish line by his/her own means with the organization team that is at the tail end of the race. If this is not possible, the pick-up procedure will be activated by the race management.

Can I get lost?

Although the route of the race runs through clearly signposted paths, and therefore following the itinerary should not pose any kind of complication, the possibility of getting lost is objectively possible, so each runner will have a road book, compass (Mandatory equipment) and emergency spot, a device delivered in the technical talk as well as its instructions for use.

In any case, if there is a clearly complex area, it will be supervised by a person of the organization who will give the relevant indications.

Is there cell phone coverage?

During the itinerary there are several areas with cell phone coverage. In any case, such coverage is not available during the whole route.

In Iceland there are not many coverage problems, but beware of international data charges. We recommend keeping your cell phone watertight, since you will be crossing rivers.

What are the camps like?

Each camp will have an Organization area and a runners’ area. Runners will be accommodated in individual tents and will be provided with the following services: dining tent, medical tent, manager’s tent at the entrance of the camp, and toilet.

How will we sleep in the camps?

In dome type tents. We recommend carrying a sleeping mat.

Is there electricity in the camps?

Yes, but limited in quantity and time. The camps, for obvious reasons, will not have power supply. The organization will try to provide the means to provide it, being aware of the limitations, so it will be possible to charge any device (camera, cell phone, watch, etc.).

Is the water I will drink during the race safe?

The water provided by the organization, both at provisioning stations and at meals, will be all bottled water. The organization will mark the areas along the route where drinking water is recommended.

Can I buy food or drinks during the event?

Yes, but we’re located in remote areas and therefore the possibilities will be limited. We recommend you to buy only in the camps.

Is there medical staff during the race to assist the runners?

A medical team will be at the start and finish of each stage. Likewise, one or two members of this team will be on the route of the race at the checkpoints.

What is the expected weather during the race?

Daily maximum temperatures increase by 2 °C, from 11 °C to 13 °C. Iceland has an important interaction between volcanic activity and ice or water.

Another characteristic of Iceland’s climate is that it is highly variable and can be very different throughout the day: it can rain and suddenly temperatures can rise or fall several degrees, or strong winds can pick up. An Icelandic proverb says: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes”.

Should I bring warm clothes?

All runners will receive a bag to keep cold-weather clothing. It will be stored by the organization, and will be given to the runner when necessary.

Is a visa necessary to enter Iceland?

To enter Iceland it is necessary to have a passport with a minimum validity of 90 days. Regarding the visa, please check your nationality and requirements.

European runners
Passport or DNI: With a minimum validity of 90 days
Visa: No. Visa requirements can change at any time. Before making travel plans, check with the Icelandic embassy or consulate.

  • Citizens with passports from the following countries can freely enter Iceland:

Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland.

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen area

Citizens holding passports from the following countries may travel to Iceland, and may stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Vatican City, South Korea, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Do I need vaccines to enter Iceland?

There are no compulsory vaccinations, although it is advisable to consult the Foreign Health Services, as well as to have the tetanus vaccine up to date, essential or booster shot.