Tools - EN

Checkpoint Strategy Generator + Cut-off Calculator

Plan your race pacing checkpoint by checkpoint and see if you will make the cutoffs.

Set your target finish time and this tool will calculate your expected arrival at every checkpoint, show how much buffer you have before each cutoff closes, and flag the critical points where your plan is tight.

Start by choosing your target time with the slider below. The table updates instantly. Look at the Buffer column – green means you are comfortable, amber means it is tight, red means you would miss the cutoff at this pace. Adjust the target time until your plan looks realistic.

The positive split slider models the natural slowdown that happens in the second half of an ultra. A value of 10–20% is typical for mountain races – it means your second half will be that much slower than the first. This is normal and expected.

Race plan settings

Set your target time, start time, and pacing strategy. The table below updates instantly.

Route

Target time

HoursMinutes

9h 30min

Start time

Pacing fade

Most ultra runners slow down in the second half. This slider models that natural fade – 10–20% is typical for mountain ultras.

Distance

107.4 km

Elevation gain

5,280 m

Time limit

27 h

Checkpoints: 11

Cut-off risk

Minimum buffer: +2h 47min
Average buffer: +11h 37min
Worst checkpoint: Gamsalm

Overall average pace: 5:18/km
First half pace: 5:18/km
Second half pace: 5:18/km
Finish buffer: +17h 30min

These paces include hiking, aid stops, and rest. This is not pure running pace.

Race against time

Cutoff lineYour arrivalBuffer gap

Approximate profile. Detailed samples are not available for this route yet.

Checkpoint overview

Hover or tap markers to inspect checkpoint risk. Click to jump to row.

Checkpoint table

Safe buffer (>1h)Warning (<1h buffer)Cut-off exceeded

How to read this table

The Buffer column is the most important – it shows how much time you have in hand before the cutoff closes at each checkpoint.
Green = comfortable (over 1 hour buffer). Amber = tight (under 1 hour). Red = you would miss the cutoff at this pace.
Min pace shows the slowest pace allowed from that point to still finish before the final cutoff.

Sort by

Checkpoint	km	D+ (m)	Elapsed				Avg pace	Min pace*
Garmisch-Partenkirchen	0	0	-	START	-	-	-	-
Eibsee	10.7	425	0h 56min	22:56(Fri)	-	-	5:18/km	16:10/km
Gamsalm	19.4	1,123	1h 42min	23:42(Fri)	02:30 (Sat)	+2h 47min	5:18/km	17:14/km
Pestkapelle	27.3	1,706	2h 24min	00:24(Sat)	-	-	5:18/km	18:25/km
Hämmermoosalm	41.1	2,584	3h 38min	01:38(Sat)	08:30 (Sat)	+6h 52min	5:18/km	21:09/km
Hubertushof / Reindlau	54.6	3,260	4h 49min	02:49(Sat)	12:45 (Sat)	+9h 55min	5:18/km	25:12/km
Mittenwald	63.1	3,289	5h 34min	03:34(Sat)	14:00 (Sat)	+10h 25min	5:18/km	29:01/km
Schloss Elmau	73.3	3,543	6h 29min	04:29(Sat)	16:00 (Sat)	+11h 31min	5:18/km	36:06/km
Laubhütte	86.8	4,192	7h 40min	05:40(Sat)	19:15 (Sat)	+13h 34min	5:18/km	56:17/km
Hochalm	91.7	4,904	8h 06min	06:06(Sat)	21:15 (Sat)	+15h 08min	5:18/km	72:11/km
Tröglift	100.1	5,273	8h 51min	06:51(Sat)	23:40 (Sat)	+16h 49min	5:18/km	149:09/km
Garmisch-Partenkirchen	107.4	5,280	9h 30min	07:30(Sat)	01:00 (Sun)	+17h 30min	5:18/km	-

* Min pace = minimal pace required from this point to finish before the final cut-off.

Race info and coaching notes

Zugspitz Ultratrail: 107.4 km, 5,280 m D+, start Fri 22:00.
Cut-offs in this tool come from the selected route profile data. Always verify against the latest organizer race guide.
A positive split of 10–20% is normal for long mountain ultras – plan for the slowdown rather than fighting it.
If a checkpoint shows amber, look for time gains elsewhere: faster aid station transitions, less hiking on runnable flats, or better nutrition strategy.
Your tightest cutoff point is the critical one. If you make that checkpoint, you will likely make the rest.
Reaching a checkpoint just before it closes means you are in survival mode, not racing. Build buffers early when you are fresh.

Data source: zugspitz.utmb.world

Training plans

Train to hit every checkpoint with margin

Cutoff math shows the pace you need. A personalized plan builds the endurance to hold it when it counts.

Build your plan

Free preview included

Recommended gear

GPS Watch with Barometer

Real-time pace, elevation, and navigation for trail pacing decisions.

View on Amazon→

Trail Headlamp

Wide beam, long battery life, and red mode for night sections.

View on Petzl→

Some links on this page are affiliate links. Purchasing through them supports this site at no extra cost to you.

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