Desert Ultra

The Namib is a coastal desert in southern Africa. The name Namib is of Nama origin and means "vast place". According to the broadest definition, the Namib stretches for more than 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) along the Atlantic coasts of Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, extending southward from the Carunjamba River in Angola, through Namibia and to the Olifants River in Western Cape, South Africa. The Namib’s northernmost portion, which extends 450 kilometres (280 mi) from the Angola-Namibia border, is known as Moçâmedes Desert, while its southern portion approaches the neighboring Kalahari Desert. From the Atlantic coast eastward, the Namib gradually ascends in elevation, reaching up to 200 kilometres (120 mi) inland to the foot of the Great Escarpment. Annual precipitation ranges from 2 millimetres (0.079 in) in the most arid regions to 200 millimetres (7.9 in) at the escarpment, making the Namib the only true desert in southern Africa. Having endured arid or semi-arid conditions for roughly 55–80 million years, the Namib may be the oldest desert in the world and contains some of the world’s driest regions.

With a 250km course set in the dry heat of the Namib Desert, the Desert Ultra provides a phenomenal challenge to those who are willing to take it. Beginning close to the magnificent Spitskoppe Mountains, you will experience the hostile nature of the Desert as yu travel 98km during the first two stages alone. As the race progresses you will travel through stretching grasslands, push your leg muscles as you face relentless rolling sand dunes and cross the Ugab River, an underground river flowing above the surface only a few days a year, all to the majestic background of a volcano and mountain ranges. With temperatures reaching 35°C it isn’t just the distance and sand dunes that you will have to compete with to finish the Desert Ultra.

As a self-sufficient race you will be responsible for carrying all of your kit and equipment for the entire race, which includes a sleeping bag, food, safety equipment and a minimum of 2.5 litres, available to re-fill at various checkpoints and water stations along the route. Carrying equipment in the heat of the desert is tough and will require a high standard of mental and physical endurance if you are to succeed in this race!