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Race Camps

The Race Camp - Home Base for the SPU Adventure

The Race Camp is more than just a home base for your adventure—it’s an integral part of the the Salt Pans Ultra. The  camp offers everything you need to be prepared for your race and for a memorable and comfortable weekend before and after.

It’s also the place to meet fellow runners, exchange stories and have a drink at our bar.

Start/Finish

The Race Camp has the Start/Finish area right at its center. This way, runners and supporters can stay close together, creating a great atmosphere to cheer for every finisher of the Salt Pans Ultra.

Pool

Water is scarce in the Salt Pans, but we’ve got you covered! After the race, runners can cool off in our pool—a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a cold drink, and share your race stories with fellow participants.

It’s the ultimate post-run oasis to unwind and celebrate your achievement.

Medic Camp

Every runner is taken through our medic camp after crossing the finish line. This dedicated space is set up to provide professional medical support, ensuring your well-being after the race.

Whether you need help addressing any physical challenges, recovering from the heat, or easing muscle exhaustion, our team is ready to assist. The medic camp also includes a recovery area and massage services to help you bounce back comfortably.

The race camp at the Salt Pans Ultra is the central hub where runners, supporters, and the SPU team come together.

It’s designed for comfort and community, offering shaded areas, meals, and a lively atmosphere to relax, celebrate, and share stories.

Community Area

The heart of our race camp is the central gathering spot where you’ll spend most of your time when you’re not on the course.

We’ve created a comfortable shaded area where you can relax, enjoy a cold drink from the bar, or savor breakfast and dinner. It’s also the perfect place for your supporters to wait and cheer you on, ensuring they’re part of the action too.

Bar and Coffee

We provide throughout the event coffee and none-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages at our bars. 

Kitchen and Catering

Our fantastic catering team ensures everyone is well-fed, providing delicious meals for runners, supporters, and the entire SPU team. From hearty breakfasts to energizing dinners, they cater to all dietary needs to keep you fueled and happy throughout the event.

The team’s dedication ensures a welcoming atmosphere, making mealtimes another highlight of your Salt Pans Ultra experience.

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.