Salt Pans Ultra Marathon 50: An Epic 50km Challenge on the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana.
The Salt Pans Ultra 50 (SPU 50) offers a thrilling 50km adventure across Botswana’s stunning Sua Pans, part of the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Though shorter than its 100km counterpart, the SPU 50 is still a formidable challenge, giving runners a taste of the salt pans’ unique, rugged beauty.
Starting at the southern edge of Sua Pan, this route also delves deep into the pans, where you’ll experience everything from the hard, cracked flats to patches that could turn muddy, depending on the rains. For those seeking a powerful ultra experience on one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth, the SPU 50 delivers in every way.
5 am
52 KM
Moderate
10 hrs
3
| Aid Station | Distance | Cut Off | Nutrition / Hydration | Drop Bag | Medical Support | Cell Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | 15 KM | No | Yes | No | Yes | Limited |
| Echo | 30 KM | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Foxtrot | 40 KM | No | Yes | No | Yes | Limited |
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!
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 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.