Salt Pans Ultra Marathon

27 Sep 2025 (Sat)

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50km, 100km

Salt Pans Ultra Marathon

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Join Salt Pans Ultra Marathon

Visit Beautiful Botswana and run the toughest flat route race in the World. The SPU is the World's only ultra trail race run entirely on salt flats.

The Salt Pans Ultra is already being described by runners as a bucket list event. With both 50kms and 100kms races you can choose how much pain you want to take on.

The 100kms has been described as a gorilla in chimps clothing and with only 20% of runners finishing it lives up to this reputation.

The routes are entirely on and around the epic, awe inspiring and humbling Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, some of the largest salt pans in the World.

The pans are the bed of an ancient mega lake from which scientists believe early mankind started the first human migrations North.

While you gain very little in elevation you will certainly be pushed to your mental and physical limits. There are few points of reference, no route markings, extreme temperatures and plenty of time on your own to chat to your spiritual ancestors.

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Course details

Course profile
flat
Course surface
Trail
Other tags
Desert
ITRA Point 2
ITRA Point 3
Single Loop
100-999 Participants
ECO Friendly
Course highlights
Running on the pans has been described by previous runners to be like running on the Moon. It has also been described as a race unlike any other. You will leave moved, inspired and with memories that will last a lifetime. > We provide a truly African experience with amazing sunsets and sunrises plus clear star filled night skies. There is fully catered and supported wilderness camping that combines great food, craft beer and gin, freshly brewed coffee, amazing volunteers and a small intimate field of 100 athletes.
The course provides a true adventure race experience with no cell signal, no route markings and no noise except the endless crunch of your shoes on the pans. Expect wind and towering dust devils, high temperatures and the constant glare of the bright white sand to impede your progress. You will need to be completely on top of your mental game to finish. The well stocked water stations that are visible from miles away promise well needed but brief respite. Kukonje Island is a highlight as it towers in the middle of the Pans with its ancient baobab trees highlighted against the horizon.
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Start address: Mosu, Botswana

Finish address: Mosu, Botswana

What’s included

These are included in your entry
  • done Finisher medal

  • done Goodie bag

  • done Event T-shirts

  • done Photo Service info

  • done Pre-race meal

  • done Post-race meal

  • done Massage

  • done Parking

  • done Shuttle to Start Line

  • done Drink Stations

  • done Nutrition Stations

  • done Medical Assistance

  • done Bag drop

  • done Toilets

  • done Shower

  • done Custom bib number

  • done All meals

  • done Finishers beer

  • done Life changing experience

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Frequently asked questions

When and where can I collect my BIB/race pack?

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At the race village when you arrive and check in

Can someone collect my race pack for me?

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No. Race pack pick up is in person on Friday 27 September at the race village.

How do I get to the race location?

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You can self drive or we can arrange a spot on the Friday 27 September transfer/shuttle from Gaborone International Airport or Maun International Airport.

Can I change the distance after I purchase a ticket?

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You can change from 100k to 50k but we will refund the difference. To change from 50k to 100k you will need to pay the ticket difference.

What is the cancelation/refund policy for this event?

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You can cancel and get a refund up to 31 March 2024. There will be a Euro 60 administration fee.

Compulsory equipment

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GPS Device with GPX file loaded; backpack with 2L water carrying capacity; fully charged phone; 2000kcal nutrition; headlamp with spare batteries; cap/hat; BIB. See our website for a complete list.

Recommended equipment

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Buff; spare socks; sun glasses; sunscreen; satellite communication device; running poles; gaiters

Salt Pans Ultra Marathon

local_activity Deals & discounts

verified_user Refundable Booking option

credit_card Secure payments

The race information has been found on the official website of the event or through publicly available sources. Always refer to the official website the latest race information. Please let us know if any data is wrong or missing, by emailing us.