1. RHEX (Rheinsteigextrem)

RHEX, short for Rheinsteigextrem, is a 320 km trail race starting in Bonn, Germany, following the Rheinsteig from end to end. It is a small-field ultra, not a crowded festival race, with entries capped at 200 runners and 11,500 meters of climbing along the route. The course is central to the event. Feiner Lauf, the organizer, concentrates on small, family-style running and hiking events with carefully selected routes, fair entry fees, and minimal ceremony at the start and finish. Their approach is practical and understated, featuring strong aid stations offering a wide selection of food and drink for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans.