Races
Ultra Trail Drakensberg
South Africa, April. 100 km on 75% trail. +1,390 ft of climbing. 23 hours cutoff.
62 mi+1,390 ft-1,127 ft23 hours3,330 ft to 3,673 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierApril
Distance62 mi
Gain+1,390 ft
Loss-1,127 ft
Altitude3,330 ft to 3,673 ft
Technicality5/10
Air55°F to 95°F
- Start3,330 ft
- High3,673 ft
- Low3,330 ft
- Finish3,593 ft
Field, 2026 · 9-year samplescraped
Starters86
Finish rate100%
Median19:26
Sub-2475
Geometryderived
Steepest drop85 ft-0.8% over 2.2 mi
Night miles19 misunset near 18:00 local
Course records
Men10:35:49Cody Reed
Women12:12:39Naomi Brand
The cruxHeat, vert, and remote ridgelines with thin aid (near mile 40)
Course DNA
The Course
Ultra Trail Drakensberg runs 100 km through South Africa. +1,390 ft gain and -1,127 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Heat, vert, and remote ridgelines with thin aid. High point near 3,673 ft. Low near 3,330 ft. April temps run 55°F to 95°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 31.
The Work
Train for 1,390 feet of climbing across 100 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 23 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 40.
Kit
April in South Africa: plan for 55°F to 95°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 23 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 31.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 31. Heat, vert, and remote ridgelines with thin aid near mile 40 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Results
Ultra Trail Drakensberg finish lines.
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Sources (2)
- Field stats (2026): https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=129185
- Course record (M): https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=94332