Ultra Runs in South Africa - dates — © J. Broderick / Ultra-Trail Cape Town

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South Africa Ultra Runs 2026 – Full Calendar of Races

Show all Ultra Marathons in South Africa

Ultrarunning in South Africa: An overview of Ultra Runs, Ultra Marathons and Ultra Trails in South Africa.

The dates for all Ultra Races in South Africa, including registration, course, schedule, results and more details.

South African Ultra Runs: The Extreme Beauty of the Drakensberg

Ultra runs and trail events in South Africa present a raw, formidable challenge defined by the sheer scale and geological drama of the landscape. The focus is primarily on the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, which offer high altitude, vast exposure, and massive vertical gain over technical, often remote trails. These courses demand exceptional resilience, requiring runners to contend with everything from high-alpine scree and rock scrambles to the intense heat and exposure of the coastal and interior trails, creating one of the most diverse ultra-running calendars globally.

Drakensberg SkyRun and High-Altitude Exposure

The Drakensberg region, home to pinnacle events like the SkyRun, embodies the most extreme aspects of South African trail running. These races test athletes' abilities to navigate rugged, unforgiving terrain at significant elevation, often far above the tree line. Success in the Drakensberg requires not only physical fitness but also strong navigational skills and the ability to manage rapid weather changes. Beyond the peaks, races in the Western Cape wind through vineyards, fynbos, and technical coastal paths, adding further variety to the endurance equation.

Whether you are battling the altitude and the elements on the exposed escarpments of the Drakensberg or covering vast distances through remote bushveld, South African ultra-running delivers a deeply humbling and profoundly spectacular experience. It's an adventure where the sweeping, dramatic views serve as a constant, powerful motivator against the exhaustion.

To the overview of all Ultraruns in South Africa: