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Volunteer SPU

Refunds and Cancellations Policy

Salt Pans Ultra Marathon – Full Refund & Cancellation Policy

Organiser: Outdoor Adventures BW (Pty) Ltd, trading as the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon (SPU)
Website: www.saltpansultra.run
Contact: info@saltpansultra.run

This Refund & Cancellation Policy forms part of the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon’s participation agreement and governs all refunds, substitutions, deferrals, and cancellations.
Participation in this event is subject to extreme environmental and logistical conditions, and therefore, refunds are strictly limited.

1. Participant Cancellations

Cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@saltpansultra.run.
A non-refundable administrative fee of P500 applies to all cancellations.
Refunds are issued as follows:
• On or before 28 February – 100% refund minus P500 admin fee
• From 1 March onwards – No refund under any circumstances
Refunds are processed within 30 days to the original payment method.

2. No Refunds Granted For

  • Failure to attend race check-in or start
    • Failure to pass medical, equipment, or insurance checks
    • Disqualification or voluntary withdrawal
    • Rule breaches or receipt of outside assistance
    • Route or schedule changes made for safety reasons

3. Substitutions

Substitutions are permitted up to 30 days before race day with written approval from the Organiser.
A processing fee of P250–P500 applies. The substitute participant must meet all qualifying criteria and complete all mandatory checks.

4. Upgrades & Downgrades

Distance changes (e.g., 50 km to 100 km or vice versa) are permitted until 1 September, subject to availability.
Fees or entry differences apply. No changes permitted after this date.

5. Event Postponement or Cancellation

If the event is postponed, entries will automatically transfer to the rescheduled date.
If the event is cancelled without a new date, partial refunds or credits may be provided minus costs already incurred.
No additional claims or compensation will be accepted.

6. Force Majeure

No refunds or compensation will be issued for cancellations or disruptions caused by events beyond the Organiser’s control, including but not limited to:
• Extreme weather conditions
• Natural disasters or fire
• Government restrictions or prohibitions
• Pandemics, epidemics, or health emergencies
• Acts of terrorism or civil unrest

7. Insurance & Participant Responsibility

All participants must hold valid insurance covering medical treatment, evacuation, and event cancellation.
The Organiser bears no responsibility for uninsured losses or expenses.
Participants are strongly advised to verify coverage prior to registration.

8. Limitation of Liability

Refunds as defined in this policy constitute the participant’s sole and exclusive remedy in any event of cancellation or modification.
The Organiser is not liable for incidental or consequential damages, including travel or accommodation costs.

9. Agreement

By registering for the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon, participants acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this Refund & Cancellation Policy.

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.