Salt Pans Ultra Marathon Logo

Terms and conditions

Full Terms & Conditions / Participation Agreement

 

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

These Terms & Conditions govern participation in the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon (“SPU”). By registering, each participant agrees to comply fully with all race rules, safety protocols, and event policies. Participation is voluntary and undertaken entirely at the participant’s own risk, including the risk of SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

1. Eligibility & Entry

Participants must be 21 years of age or older on race day. Exceptions are only granted in writing by the Organiser before registration.
All entrants must meet the published qualifying race requirements (minimum 42 km for the 50 km event and 50 km for the 100 km event).
Entry is confirmed only upon receipt of full payment and acknowledgment of these Terms & Conditions.

2. Mandatory Pre-Race Checks

No participant will be allowed to start without completing all required pre-race procedures:
• Medical check (by race medical personnel)
• Mandatory equipment inspection
• Route upload verification to GPS device or watch
• Proof of valid medical aid/insurance covering treatment and evacuation in Botswana
• Signing of the official Indemnity & Waiver document.
Failure to meet these requirements results in disqualification without refund.

3. Race Rules & Conduct

Participants must comply with all SPU race rules and follow the designated course. Mandatory equipment must be carried at all times.
Outside assistance, including pacing, supply drops, or vehicle support, is strictly prohibited and leads to immediate disqualification.
Runners must treat officials, volunteers, and other participants with respect and follow all safety instructions.

4. Environmental Responsibility

The event takes place in an ecologically sensitive desert environment. Participants must not litter, disturb wildlife, or damage vegetation.
Waste must be carried to the next checkpoint. Any violation may result in time penalties or disqualification.

5. Medical & Safety

All runners must undergo a mandatory medical check before race start.
The Organiser’s medical personnel and Race Director reserve the right to withdraw any participant deemed unfit to continue.
Participants are responsible for monitoring their condition during the event and must stop if they experience signs of distress or illness.
Emergency medical treatment or evacuation is at the participant’s expense. The Organiser is not responsible for delays due to the remote location.

6. Insurance Requirements

All participants must hold valid medical insurance including emergency evacuation and hospital treatment in Botswana.
Proof of coverage must be provided before bib collection. The Organiser may deny participation if insurance proof is not submitted.

7. Event Changes, Cancellation & Force Majeure

The Organiser may alter, postpone, or cancel the event due to extreme weather, safety concerns, government restrictions, or force majeure events.
Refunds or credits are subject to the Refund & Cancellation Policy. No other claims or compensation shall be entertained.

8. Disqualification & Penalties

Participants may be disqualified for rule violations, unsporting conduct, course deviation, use of outside assistance, or failure to comply with medical or equipment requirements.
No refunds are issued for disqualification under any circumstances.

9. Image, Media & Data Rights

By registering, participants grant the Organiser, sponsors, and partners unrestricted, worldwide rights to use their name, image, and race data in promotional and media materials without further consent or payment.
Participants consent to data collection and processing for operational and safety purposes as per the SPU Privacy Policy.

10. Liability & Indemnity

Participation is entirely at the participant’s own risk. The Organiser, sponsors, landowners, volunteers, and affiliates shall not be liable for any injury, death, loss, or damage arising from participation, except in cases of proven gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Participants assume full responsibility for their actions during the event.

11. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

This agreement is governed by the laws of Botswana. All disputes shall be resolved in Botswana courts under exclusive jurisdiction.
Claims must be filed within two (2) years of the event date.

12. Acceptance

By registering and signing the Indemnity & Waiver, I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by these Terms & Conditions.

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.