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Salt Pans Ultra 100KM

SPU 100 - The Classic Challenge

The Salt Pans Ultra 100 is the most unique ultra trail marathon in the World.  The SPU 100 is an annual event that pushes runners to their limits across Botswana’s breathtaking Sua Pans, part of the expansive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

Widely considered the toughest flat ultra-marathon in the world, the course spans just over 100 km on the map—but runners can expect to cover a few extra kilometers as running in a straight line on the salt flats is a challenge of its own!

Starting at the southern edge of Sua Pan, the route ventures deep into the pans, offering both awe-inspiring scenery and gruelling conditions. Depending on the day runners may face everything from high temperatures, hard, dry salt flats, high winds, rain or sections of sticky, muddy terrain. The SPU 100 is truly the ultimate endurance test on one of the planet’s most unique landscapes.

Start

2 am

Distance

102 KM

Difficulty

Extreme

Cut Off

17 hrs

Aid Station

6

Qualifier Race

YES / 50km+

Salt Pans Ultra 100

Aid Station Distance Cut Off Nutrition / Hydration Drop Bag Medical Support Cell Network
Alpha 15 KM No Yes No Yes Limited
Bravo 28 KM No Yes No Yes No
Charly 43 KM No Yes No Yes No
Delta 60 KM Yes / 9 hrs Yes Yes Yes Limited
Bravo 77.5 KM No Yes No Yes No
Echo 89 KM Yes / 14 hrs Yes No Yes Limited
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Qualifier 100K
3 points itra
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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.