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Volunteer SPU

SALT PANS ULTRA 2026 Registration CLOSED

Entries for the 2026 Salt Pans Ultra Are Closed

100 KM ENTRIES CLOSED

50 KM ENTRIES CLOSED

If you missed the registration deadline, don’t worry — you can still join the waiting list. Substitutions will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis if any registered runners withdraw from this year’s event.

We also offer special travel packages at reduced rates through the support of our official SPU partner Desert & Delta Safaris and our collaboration with Bushways Botswana.

More Information here

Entries for the 2026 Salt Pans Ultra are now officially closed.

Pre-registration for the 2027 Salt Pans Ultra is already open. Complete the form below to register your interest and be among the first to receive entry information and updates.

For urgent queries regarding the 2026 event, please contact us directly.

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SPU Waiting List

Subscribe to our Waiting List for the Salt Pans Ultra 2027

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You are about to enter the SPU 2026

This entry form is exclusively for citizens and residents of Botswana. SADC and rest of the world residents use separate tabs above. 

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  • SPU 50 - BWP 2400
  • SPU 100 - BWP 3300
  • SPU 100 Miles - BWP 3800
Enter BOTSWANA Residents

You are about to enter the SPU 2026

This entry form is exclusively for citizens and residents of SADC excluding Botswana. Botswana and rest of the world residents use separate tabs above. 

Salt Pans Ultra Marathon Logo
  • SPU 50 - BWP 2700
  • SPU 100 - BWP 3600
  • SPU 100 Miles - BWP 4100
Enter SADC Residents

You are about to enter the SPU 2026

This entry form is exclusively for citizens and residents of countries outside of SADC.  Botswana and SADC residents use separate tabs above. 

Salt Pans Ultra Marathon Logo
  • SPU 50 - BWP 5400
  • SPU 100 - BWP 6100
  • SPU 100 Miles - BWP 6500
Enter INTERNATIONAL Runners

The Salt Pans Ultra has a maximum capacity of 150 participants across its three challenging distances.

The SPU100 is limited to 50 participants, while the SPU50 can accommodate up to 100 runners.

Registration is conducted in three phases:

  • November 2025: Priority registration for SPU 2025 participants and those who pre-registered via the website.
  • 05.12.2025: Open entries for all on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.

If you don’t know what countries a part of SADC (Southern African Development Community), find the list of  SADC countries here.

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.