Kraichgau logistics: two venues, two transition zones, one tight plan

Two venues, two transition zones

This race is a logistical point-to-point: the swim starts at the Hardtsee lake in Ubstadt-Weiher, the finish is in Bad Schönborn. T1 is in a parking lot next to the swim exit, about 100 m from the water. T2 is at the end of the bike in Bad Schönborn-Mingolsheim. Translation: your gear is split across two different locations and there's no going back to fix a mistake. A bag error here costs far more than at a race with a single transition zone.

The bags: think backwards

Start from race day and work in reverse. At the Hardtsee you need: swim gear, everything for the bike, and somewhere to drop your morning clothes. In Bad Schönborn you need: run shoes and run gear, plus post-race clothes, because that's where you'll finish. Write both lists before leaving home and double-check them when splitting up your gear. It's the cheapest way to avoid a disaster.

Official shuttles

Athlete shuttles run between Bad Schönborn and Ubstadt-Weiher the day before from 13:30 to 19:00 and on race morning from 6:15. Last return at 20:00. Two practical takeaways. In the morning, build in margin: don't bank on the last shuttle that works for your start time. And in the evening, if you still need to collect gear at the other venue, watch the clock: after 20:00 you're on foot.

Parking

At the Hardtsee there's plenty of parking. In Bad Schönborn you park a few minutes' walk from the race venue, but there's a no-parking zone around the Schönborn- and Ohrenberghalle from Friday to Sunday: don't wing it. Some athletes in race reports mention parking about 1 km from the start and walking in: a handy option if you arrive early in the morning.

Where to stay

Many athletes stay in nearby towns, such as Bretten. The area is made up of small villages: accommodation sells out around race weekend, so book as soon as you register. The strategic choice is simple: stay near Bad Schönborn and you have the finish and T2 close by; stay near the Hardtsee and you simplify race morning. Neither option is perfect: decide what you'd rather simplify, the start or the trip back.

Family and side events

The same weekend features a Night Run, IRONKIDS, a relay race and the 5i50 Kraichgau. If you're bringing supporters, that's a plus: there's a buzz, the kids can race, and the 3-lap run course in Bad Schönborn lets your family see you pass the same spot multiple times without moving. The flip side: traffic and crowds in the area all weekend. Plan your movements with margin and agree on meeting points in advance.

Registration, costs and schedule

The available sources don't list entry fees or the exact registration and bike check-in times for 2027: verify these on the official race pages when the race week schedule is published. Don't assume the times will mirror past editions.

The action plan

1. Book accommodation as soon as you register, choosing between the start side and the finish side. 2. Write your T1 and T2 lists and pack them as separate bags before leaving home. 3. Arrive in the area by early afternoon the day before, to use the 13:30-19:00 shuttle window. 4. Work out where to park in the morning, factoring in the no-parking zones around the two halls. 5. Check the official website for registration times, check-in and the side event schedule.