Salt Pans Ultra Marathon Logo

SPU 2026

26 September

Enter Race

SPU 2026

26 September

Enter Race

SPU 2026

26 September

Enter Race

SPU 2026

26 September

Enter Race

SPU 2026

26 September

Enter Race

Salt Pans Ultra Marathon

The World's Toughest Flat Route Ultra

Salt Pans Ultra Marathon in Botswana is the toughest flat-route ultra trail race in the world.

Choose your challenge: 50 km or 100 km across the vast, ancient Makgadikgadi Salt Pans — the closest you’ll come on Earth to running on a moon-like surface.

Once home to early man who thrived along the shores of this prehistoric super lake, the pans now offer a stark, awe-inspiring test of endurance and spirit.

With no markers, and any combination of extreme heat, wind, mud and endless solitude, this is the world’s most unique ultra marathon — a bucket-list run that pushes limits while connecting you to humankind’s earliest origins.

Incredible, one of a kind event but not for the faint of heart.
Taylor Rocha
Tyler RochaWinner 100KM 2024 - USA
This is hands down the best well organised running racing event in Botswana! It's a mind over matter to get to the finish ...
Zuleikha Steinbach
Zuleikha SteinbackBotswana
I loved the Salt Pan Ultramarathon 100km! It’s a tough race especially for 100km. I was really impressed by the value and quality.
Harvey Lewis II
Harvey Lewis IIUSA
One of the craziest things ive done. Will i do it again? Hell yea! What a race, what an experience
Matthew Cross
Matthew CrossSouth Africa
racecheck gold award 2025
Read more reviews on Racecheck
Salt Pans Ultra Marathon

SPU 50 KM

Where the Journey Starts

The SPU 50 is an epic 50km challenge on the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana.

DISCOVER More
Salt Pans Ultra Marathon

SPU 100 KM

The Ultimate Race

The SPU 100 is the ultimate most unique ultra trail marathon in the World

DISCOVER More
logo utmb ws
Qualifier 100K
ITRA Logo small
3 points itra
racecheck gold award 2025

Gold Award 2025

We’re incredibly proud to announce that the Salt Pans Ultra 2025 has been awarded the Racecheck Gold Award, with an impressive 4.91-star average rating from 55 reviews!

Read More
Kennedy Sekhuthe

Kennedy Sekhuthe wins SPU 100KM

Kennedy Sekhuthe claimed victory at the 2025 Salt Pans Ultra 100km, crossing the finish line in an impressive 12:26:50.

Read More
SPU2025CGERoberts 9080

Benjamin Sets a New 50km Course Record

Jonathan Benjamin claimed victory in the 2025 Salt Pans Ultra 50km, finishing in 4:26:49 — a new course record

Read More
SPU Race Ambassador

No Tears on the Salt Pans

A great article and overview of one runner’s race written by our first Salt Pans Ultra Race Ambassador Carla Lea Farina. Enjoy!

Read More
Front 6
Front 2
Front 5
Front 1
Front 3

Main Sponsors

Vita24
Desert and Delta Safaris
cropped Senn Foods Logo e1756624771816
Skip Hire Logo Website
DeVreTrans
Named Sport Logo
Spar Small
TRG small
choppies
SBS Logo transparent

Our Partners

05 Botswana Tourism Logo new 2
Movotel
ZURIKA MCKEE OPTION
HATAB logo website
Airpower
benju
SCIWealthLogodarker

Racecheck Gold Award 2025 for Salt Pans Ultra Marathon

We’re incredibly proud to announce that the Salt Pans Ultra 2025 has again been awarded the Racecheck Gold Award, with an impressive 4.91-star average rating from over 55 reviews! We are one of the Top Rated Races on Racecheck, a platform dedicated to helping athletes find, review, and choose the best endurance events worldwide.

Ranked 8th out of 1,750 off-road running races in 2025 we are high in the Top 1% of races.

Racecheck connects a global community of runners, cyclists, and triathletes, allowing them to share race experiences and recognize events that truly stand out. Achieving this award reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved—from participants to volunteers, to our dedicated team behind the scenes.

Thank you to each and every one of you who voted and helped make this possible. We look forward to creating even more memorable moments together at future events!

Kennedy Sekhuthe - Winner 2025 SPU 100KM

Kennedy Sekhuthe claimed victory at the 2025 Salt Pans Ultra 100km, crossing the finish line in an impressive 12:26:50. This year’s course delivered classic Salt Pans conditions — vast open flats, relentless exposure, and unpredictable winds — making Kennedy’s performance a standout achievement on one of Botswana’s most demanding ultra-running stages.

Despite the challenges of the pans, Kennedy maintained a steady pace throughout the day, showing exceptional resilience and focus. In his post-race remarks, he expressed deep appreciation for the support from fellow runners, volunteers, and the SPU community. He also highlighted the unique character of the pans: “The Salt Pans have a way of testing you. It’s beautiful, but it forces you to dig deeper. That’s what makes this race special.”

Congratulations to Kennedy Sekhuthe on securing the 2025 title. His determined effort and remarkable finish will be remembered as a defining moment of this year’s event and an inspiration for future SPU competitors.

Jonathan Benjamin's Remarkable Victory at the 2025 Salt Pans Ultra 50km

In a remarkable showcase of speed, precision, and endurance, Jonathan Benjamin claimed victory in the 2025 Salt Pans Ultra 50km, finishing in an extraordinary 4:26:49 — a new course record and one of the most impressive performances ever seen on the pans.

The Salt Pans Ultra 50km is renowned for its demanding conditions, stretching across Botswana’s vast, shimmering salt flats where heat, wind, and exposure push every athlete to their limits. Jonathan rose to the challenge with exceptional control and an unwavering pace, navigating the open terrain with efficiency and focus rarely seen on this course.

His record-setting run reflects not only elite fitness, but also a strong mental game — staying composed against the elements and reading the landscape with precision. The harsh beauty of the pans often breaks rhythm and momentum for many runners, but Jonathan turned it into an advantage, maintaining speed across the expansive, unforgiving flats.

Congratulations to Jonathan Benjamin on an outstanding and historic performance. His new 50km record sets a powerful benchmark for future athletes and marks a standout moment in the legacy of the Salt Pans Ultra.

No Tears in the Salt Pans

Read the article from Carla Farina. 

She’s a Hoka ONE ONE runner, our Salt Pans Ultra Race Ambassador and also writes a monthly column in the South African running magazine “Trail MisAdventures”.

You can read the article here:

Read more

Racecheck Gold Award 2024 for Salt Pans Ultra Marathon

We’re incredibly proud to announce that the Salt Pans Ultra 2024 has again been awarded the Racecheck Gold Award, with an impressive 4.93-star average rating from over 50 reviews! This milestone brings us closer to earning a spot among the Top Rated Races on Racecheck, a platform dedicated to helping athletes find, review, and choose the best endurance events worldwide.

Ranked 13th out of 1,750 off-road running races in 2024 we are high in the Top 1% of races.

Racecheck connects a global community of runners, cyclists, and triathletes, allowing them to share race experiences and recognize events that truly stand out. Achieving this award reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved—from participants to volunteers, to our dedicated team behind the scenes.

Thank you to each and every one of you who voted and helped make this possible. We look forward to creating even more memorable moments together at future events!

Jodie Russell's Remarkable Victory at the 2024 Salt Pans Ultra 50km

In a stunning display of endurance and speed, Jodie Russell claimed first place in the 2024 Salt Pans Ultra 50km, finishing with an impressive time of 5 hours and 35 minutes—just 3 minutes shy of the course’s fastest record. Known for its demanding terrain across Botswana’s vast salt flats, the Salt Pans Ultra is a true test for any ultra-runner, and Russell rose to the challenge with grit and determination.

Russell’s near-record time is a testament to her relentless training and racing prowess, as she maneuvered through the rugged landscape with an impressive pace and strategic precision. The Salt Pans’ harsh environment, with its expansive, barren flats and ever-changing weather conditions, tested every runner, but Russell stayed focused, drawing strength from the raw beauty and challenge of the terrain.

After the race, Russell shared her excitement about her win and the unforgettable experience. “Running on the salt pans is unlike anything else—it’s challenging, yet incredibly rewarding,” she said. “It was just me and the elements out there, and that pushed me to dig deeper.”

Congratulations to Jodie Russell on her outstanding performance in the Salt Pans Ultra 50km! Her remarkable achievement brings her within reach of the course’s fastest time, setting the stage for future challenges and inspiring the ultra-running community.

Tyler Rocha Shatters Record to Win 2024 Salt Pans Ultra 100km

Tyler Rocha shattered the Salt Pans Ultra 100km record with an impressive 11:37 finish in 2024. The grueling course, softened by the absence of mud this year, allowed Rocha to push limits and set a new benchmark. Battling winds and the vast salt flats, the ultra runner effort’s are all the more impressive as he is new to the sport.

In his post-race interview, Rocha expressed gratitude for the support from fans, fellow runners, and his team. He also credited the unique beauty and challenging terrain of the Salt Pans for pushing him to reach new levels in his performance. “There’s something about the salt pans that pulls you in,” he shared. “It’s humbling, but it’s also inspiring. It makes you give everything.”
Congratulations to Tyler Rocha on this incredible achievement! His record-breaking time is sure to be celebrated by the ultra-running community and will serve as a high benchmark for future competitors aiming to tackle the Salt Pans Ultra.