DESERT ULTRA MARATHON

1 SPITZKOPPE SADDLE
Starting at the base of Spitzkoppe Mountain, nicknamed the Namibian Matterhorn, this 120 million-year-old granite tower dominates Base Camp. It serves as the monumental starting point for your adventure. Over the next 50km you'll traverse a diverse mix of desert terrain from dry scrubland and rocky trails to sandy plains. Stage One commences with a 13km run through flat scrubland, navigating coarse grasses and dry shrubs. This leads you to a gap in The Saddle, flanked by two lower granite
formations. Then, you'll follow a rarely used 4x4 trail through diverse desert landscapes to the finish line. The stage concludes in a dry river bed, following a brief yet demanding stretch of sandy trail. This stage is a profound lesson in adapting to the intense desert heat and environment. Crewed checkpoints along the marked route will provide an unlimited supply of water. This leg presents a thrilling introduction to the challenges and beauty of the Namib Desert.

2 BRANDBERG
Starting at sunrise in the river bed sand of the campsite, you’ll be directed northwest towards Namibia's highest point, Brandberg Mountain. Towering 1,800m above the desert floor, it has earned itself the nickname "Fire Mountain" due to vibrant sunset hues on its granite face.
The first 25km of the 50km stage entails a steady ascent on compacted 4x4 trails through rocky terrain. Expect varied conditions underfoot, but consistent awe-inspiring views where you’ll witness remnants of life attempting to flourish in this harsh environment. As you progress, you’ll transition from rocky plains and scrubland down to the dusty, sandy trails, leading to the dry Ugab River bed, a crucial lifeline in this region. This stage offers a glimpse into the desert's unforgiving nature and the determination needed to thrive here.
The challenging terrain and stunning vistas define this leg of the race against the backdrop of Namibia's iconic landscape.

3 WHITE LADY MARATHON
As the sun rises over Brandberg, you’ll start your marathon day with a 15km trail in the sandy Ugab riverbed. Despite the shorter distance, the unrelenting 50-degree heat offers no respite. A long, gradual ascent from the midway point is mentally and physically draining. The reward is an equally long descent to the finish.
Stage three's camp is a desert runner's favourite. Mountains grace the western horizon and the camp is surrounded by striking rock formations and huge boulders. If energy permits, explore and capture photos amid the spectacular terrain. As you search, look for elephant tracks and, with luck, signs of lions, zebras, and giraffes.
This stage, though shorter, presents its own unique challenges and rewards in the Namibian desert.

4 DAMARA DASH
Prepare for a scorching half-marathon in Stage Four, covering 22km to recover and prepare for the final day’s challenge. If you're fortunate during your race briefing, you might spot feeding elephants along the riverbed's vegetation. Starting at midday, this segment is a gradual uphill ascent, featuring the demanding red jersey stage, motivating runners to earn the title of King or Queen of the Desert. The course to checkpoint one involves challenging sandy terrain, slowing progress. After checkpoint two, the ground is rockier, allowing for faster pace minimising your exposure in the sun. Enjoy a rest in camp, then rise before dawn for the 92km final stage, the last hurdle before claiming your well-deserved medal. This half-marathon prepares you for the ultimate test.

5 THE GRIND
Stage Five, spanning over 90km, is the most demanding of them all. Mental and physical stamina will be crucial in order to finish but you’ll witness the very best of what the desert has to offer. Starting at 4am, you'll first conquer a challenging 5km sand dune before sunrise. From then on, you’ll traverse a variety of desert terrains, from wide-ranging plains to rugged mountain passes, protected wildlife areas, and volcanic craters. Checkpoint Seven, Hyena Rock, stands out in the desolate landscape. A signal fire guides runners in darkness. For the 70km short course, this marks the finish. The final stretch descends a striking rocky valley, flanked by towering rock formations. The race concludes at a remote rhino conservation outpost, where you’ll celebrate your incredible achievement with fellow runners and the crew.

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Fully included in your race fee
• Transfer to and from race in Windhoek
• Tents and sleeping mats provided at each camp
• Luggage storage and transport during the race
• Manned check-points with medics and unlimited water
• Hot water for food preparation and medical support at camps
• GPS tracking and safety team monitoring
• Overnight hotel stay in Windhoek post-race
• Celebratory meal and finish-line festivities
• Watermarked digital race photos provided, hi-res versions available for purchase
• Carbon offset donation through Beyond the Ultimate Woodland Project
• Finishers receive a medal and choose between a Race T-shirt or a donation towards our Woodland Project in Knoydart.
Please note, entry fee excludes flights to Windhoek, hotel stays other than the night in Windhoek after the race, equipment and clothing (see kit list) or food and drink during the race (other than water provided at checkpoints and camps). Due to logistical constraints, we are unable to provide transport home for runners unable to complete the race.

You’ll make you own way to Windhoek in Namibia at least two days before the race start. BTU will then meet you on the
morning of before the race at a pre-arranged pick-up point for the coach journey across to Base Camp, deep in the
Spitzkoppe region of the Namib Desert.
From this point you are self-sufficient using only your own kit and food which you must carry yourself throughout the race.
The rest of that day will be spent acclimatising to the temperature and in safety briefings and kit inspections.
14 NOV• ARRIVE IN WINDHOEK

15 NOV• TRANSFER TO BASE CAMP / RUNNERS SELF-SUFFICIENT UPON ARRIVAL

16 NOV• STAGE ONE – SPITZKOPPE SADDLE

17 NOV• STAGE TWO – BRANDBERG

18 NOV• STAGE THREE – WHITE LADY MARATHON

19 NOV• STAGE FOUR – DAMARA DASH

20 NOV• STAGE FIVE – THE GRIND

21 NOV• TRANSFER TO WINDHOEK & MEDAL CEREMONY / HOTEL PROVIDED BY BTU

22 NOV• DEPARTURE

CLOTHING
Trail Shoes/Boots
Sunglasses
Base Layer Top
Warm Layer Top
Gaiters
Shorts
Socks
Buff/Neck Gaiter
Sun Hat

EQUIPMENT
Sleeping Bag (minimum comfort rating of 10 degrees)
Rucksack (20/25L)
Minimum Daily Calories of 2,000kcal (10,000 total)
Water Carrying Capacity (2.5 litres)
Water Purification Tablets / Iodine
Rehydration Salts for entire race
Head Torch (min 100 lumens)
Spare Batteries (x1) rechargeable units not accepted
Glowsticks with 8hr life (x2)
Safety Pins (x8)
Survival Whistle
Small Knife / Scissors
Compass (phone/watch compass not accepted)
Spork
Debit Card
Passport and insurance (photocopies in waterproof wallet)
Travel Insurance with Medical Evacuation Cover

MEDICAL
Paracetamol/Acetaminophen (x15 500mg)
Diarolyte (x5)
Loperamide/Imodium (x6)
Chlorpheniramine/Piriton (x10)
Antiseptic Cream (tube)
Antiseptic Wipes (x10)
Plasters/Band Aids (x5)
Latex Gloves (x2)
K-Tape (x1 roll)
Trauma Dressing
Green Syringe Needles (x5 21g)
Tweezers
Scalpel Blades (x2 securely packaged)
Hand Sanitiser
Suncream (min factor 30)
Insect Repellent (min 50% Deet)
Crepe Bandage
Sting / Bite Reliever
*Alternative brands may be available in different countries.

Packing for an event like the BTU Desert Ultra involves making personal choices based on your ambitions for the race as
well as your previous experience of similar events and environments.
The compulsory kit list is therefore a guide to what we would consider a bare minimum to maximise your chances of a
successful event and to remain safe in all foreseeable conditions. We would expect runners to supplement this list with
additional items and have provided a list of other useful items for you to consider here.
Our dedicated Facebook runners group is a great place to ask kit questions and share ideas within a highly knowledgeable
community. We also have several video guides and host live Q&A events that can help you prepare for the race and
organise all your gear.

Minimum Daily Calories
2,000 daily calories is the absolute minimum. For the majority of runners, we would recommend more based on your
training and experience of other events.

USEFUL ITEMS
Coffee/Tea
Sweets/Mints
Towel
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Soap
Toilet Paper
Hard Cup
Bowl
Sleeping Mat
Camera
Warm Clothes/Footwear for camp
Sleeping Bag Liner
Walking Poles