Salt Pans Ultra Marathon - Botswana

OA

From Outdoor Adventures

  • Date Sat 27th September 2025
  • Time 2:00AM EST
  • Location Central
  • Price $400.00
  • Races 1 race
  • Distances Ultra

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A man running on a vast, flat salt pan at sunset. He is wearing athletic gear, with a backpack and running shoes. The sky is clear with a hint of orange near the horizon where the sun is setting. Logo in the bottom corner reads "Salt Pans Ultra.

Salt Pans Ultra Marathon - Botswana

Sat 27th September 2025

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Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon, taking place on Saturday, September 27th, 2025, in the breathtaking Makgadikgadi Salt Pans of Central Botswana! Organized by Outdoor Adventures, this incredible event is renowned as the hardest flat race in the world, featuring a grueling 100km (60 miles) course that promises to test the limits of human endurance. With a staggering 70-80% DNF (Did Not Finish) rate, this race is not for the faint-hearted, making it a true badge of honor for those brave enough to take on the challenge.

Participants will be enveloped in the stunning natural beauty of the largest salt flats in the world, where the vast expanse of silence and solitude offers a unique opportunity to disconnect and immerse oneself in the raw wilderness of Africa. The Salt Pans Ultra Marathon is more than just a race; it's a journey of self-discovery that will challenge your mind, body, and spirit. If you're an adventurous runner seeking a profound personal challenge amidst awe-inspiring landscapes, mark your calendar for this extraordinary event—you won't want to miss it!

Salt Pans Ultra Marathon - Botswana

Sat 27th September 2025

A man running on a vast, flat salt pan at sunset. He is wearing athletic gear, with a backpack and running shoes. The sky is clear with a hint of orange near the horizon where the sun is setting. Logo in the bottom corner reads "Salt Pans Ultra. Two people running on a vast, flat, and dry salt desert under a clear sky. Both are wearing athletic gear and backpacks. The terrain is white and cracked, extending to the horizon where the sky meets the earth. A large group of people gathered on a beach at sunset, celebrating and posing with two banners. They appear enthusiastic, some pointing or holding drinks. A logo with a bull and text is visible in the foreground. Starry night sky over a vast, flat landscape with distant bright lights near the horizon. The scene conveys a sense of calm and openness, with the silhouette of a bull logo in the bottom left corner. A vast night sky filled with countless stars twinkles over a dark horizon. Dim lights appear on the horizon, while a faint glow illuminates part of the sand below. A branded logo is visible in the bottom left corner. A group of people in athletic gear gather around a table with snacks and drinks in a dimly lit outdoor setting. One person pours a drink while others chat and prepare. The atmosphere appears calm and focused. Two people walk towards a large baobab tree under a clear sky. A small gathering with a tent and refreshments is situated near the tree, surrounded by a sparse, dry landscape. A logo with a bull’s head is visible in the image. A person running on a dirt path in a vast, arid landscape with sparse trees and dry grass. The horizon features a large, flat expanse, possibly a salt pan, under a clear sky. A logo is in the bottom-left corner. A person in athletic gear runs across a vast, flat, and barren landscape at sunrise. In the distance, a vehicle is parked with another figure nearby. The sky is clear with a few clouds near the horizon. A man in a green sports shirt and patterned shorts sits in a camping chair, giving a thumbs-up. He wears sunglasses and a cap, holding a bottled drink and an empty plastic cup. Dry landscape with trees in the background. A group of six people sit on folding chairs under a canopy in a dry outdoor setting. They appear to be resting, with some looking down and others reading. A large tree is visible in the background. Various supplies and equipment are scattered around. A man in an orange shirt and green cap grills racks of ribs on an outdoor barbecue. He smiles while holding a pan beside the grill. In the background, there are vehicles and cooking equipment on a sandy terrain under a cloudy sky. A group of six people smiling and standing together on a barren landscape at sunset. They wear casual clothing, shorts, and sneakers. The sky is a gradient of colors, and there's a logo on the left showing a bull skull and text.

Organiser's Description

The Salt Pans Ultra is the hardest flat race in the World, bar none. With a 70-80% DNF rate the 100km/60 mile event is not for the feint of heart. Based entirely on the largest salt flats in the World the race is a true test of human resolve. This unique race provides long periods of exposure to absolute silence and solitude where you can truly get away from it all. The SPU takes place in the remote Makgadikgadi Salt Pans of Central Botswana in Southern Africa. Here you will experience the raw and wild beauty of Africa. We guarantee that this race will challenge your mind and your body while touching your soul. For runners seeking adventure, extreme personal challenge and raw natural beauty, look no further. We have it all.

Races

  • Salt Pans Ultra 100kms

    Sat 27th September 2025 (12:00AM EDT)

    $400.00

    Book

Book

  • Salt Pans Ultra 100kms

    Sat 27th September 2025 (12:00AM EDT)

    $400.00

    Book

Course Details

Flat, hot, hard - a unique challenge for those looking to push their personal limits. See our website to get a true feel for the course. Words don't do it justice.

What's Included

Medical support throughout event
Manned checkpoints with water and nutrition
All meals for the duration of the event (Friday: Dinner / Saturday: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch) / Sunday: Breakfast)
All campsite facilities
Free camping if runner brings own tent.
Fully serviced tents available for rent
Airport transfers available
Chip Tracking and Timing for the duration of the run
Medal and goodie back incl. Finisher Shirt, Buff, SPU cap
Discounted safari packages

  • Unique location
  • Extreme event
  • Adventure
  • Fully supported
  • Fully catered
  • Return shuttle from airport to event
  • Race Directors available for one on one chat

How to Get There

Shuttle transfer is available from Gaborone International Airport and Maun International Airport. Daily flights to USA to Johannesburg and then from Johannesburg to Gaborone or Maun

Location

The SPU is run on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans of Central Botswana. The pans are the dry bed of an ancient mega lake. The race is 200kms from the nearest town and the race village created from scratch. Access is by road with only the last 8kms of access being on off road jeep track.

FAQs

  • Have USA residents attend the race before?

    Yes - we have had several runners from North America run the race. Harvey Lewis a famous US based Ultra runner and his wife attend the 2024 race where Harvey came in 2nd. The 2024 100k winner was also an American who had flown out from Washington State.

  • Once I arrive In Botswana, will you be able to help me get to the race village?

    Yes - we arrange shuttles from Gaborone and Maun airports to the race village

  • Can I get in touch with the race organisers for more information?

    Yes - the race directors love to chat to interested runners to discuss the race and any logistics questions.

  • How does one get to Botswana from the USA?

    The quickest way is to fly to Johannesburg, South Africa from Atlanta on Delta or from Newark on United. You can also route through Europe where there are daily flights from the UK, France and Germany to Johannesburg. There are several daily onward flights from Johannesburg to Botswana.

  • What's include in the entry fee?

    Apart from the race shuttle and fully serviced tents (both of which are available as optional extras) everything else is included i.e. meals, camp site facilities (showers, ablutions, plunge pool etc), medical support, physios, sundowners on first night etc

  • Is it worth the trip?

    Yes! Check out our reviews on Racecheck to see how worth it is! We are ranked 13th off road race out of 1,700 off road races reviewed in 2024. While here take the opportunity to go on a discounted Botswana safari and/or visit the amazing Cape Town.

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Botswana

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Salt Pans Ultra Marathon - Botswana

Sep 27, 2025

$400.00