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Accommodation and Supporters

Accommodation and Supporter Booking

The Salt Pans Ultra takes place in a remote area with no nearby accommodation. For runners who can’t bring their own camping gear, we offer convenient tent rentals right at the race village.

We also know how important family and friends are to your race experience. That’s why each runner can book spots for up to three supporters, ensuring you have your biggest cheerleaders there on race day.

Additionally we provide a shuttle service from Maun and Gaborone airports to the race camp.

Supporter Booking

Each runner is allowed to bring up to 3 supporters to the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon. Due to the limited resources available in such a remote area, the number of supporters per runner is capped.

Supporter bookings are exclusively available through your personal runner portal once you’ve registered for the event.

Tents Rental

You can book a tent for two people for two nights through your personal runner portal. The booking includes bedding, so there’s no need to bring any camping gear with you.

Please note that tent bookings are only available to runners who are officially entered in the race.

Botswana is known for its friendly people and excellent service to visitors.


At the Salt Pans Ultra, we make sure you feel comfortable and well taken care of, so you can enjoy an amazing weekend experience from start to finish.

Shuttles

We offer shuttles from Gaborone or Maun for runners and their supporters.

The shuttles will leave early on Friday morning from Maun and Gaborone airports and you will arrive in the afternoon at our race village.

Please avoid arriving or departing by plane on Friday 26th September or Sunday 28th September. Due to distance, traffic and road conditions unavoidable delays are possible.

Please note that shuttle bookings are only available to runners who are officially entered in the race

Kids

Children are welcome at the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon, but due to the challenging and extreme conditions of the race environment, we recommend considering the suitability of the race for very young children. Please note that we do not have dedicated facilities for kids.

Additionally, we do not offer discounted rates for children. Any child aged 6 years or older will be charged the full supporters fee.

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.

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

Tylor 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 Tylor 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.