Races
Ultra Trail Drakensberg
South Africa, April. 163 km on 75% trail. +2,052 ft of climbing. 48 hours cutoff.
101 mi+2,052 ft-1,803 ft48 hours3,330 ft to 3,680 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierApril
Distance101 mi
Gain+2,052 ft
Loss-1,803 ft
Altitude3,330 ft to 3,680 ft
Technicality5/10
Air55°F to 95°F
- Start3,330 ft
- High3,680 ft
- Low3,330 ft
- Finish3,579 ft
Field, 2026 · 8-year samplescraped
Starters31
Finish rate100%
Median39:35
Fastest24:24
Geometryderived
Steepest drop82 ft-0.7% over 2.1 mi
Night miles42 misunset near 18:00 local
Course records
Men21:01:01Admire Muzopambwa
Women25:51:40Nicolette Kaylin Griffioen
The cruxHeat, vert, and remote ridgelines with thin aid (near mile 66)
Course DNA
The Course
Ultra Trail Drakensberg runs 163 km through South Africa. +2,052 ft gain and -1,803 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Heat, vert, and remote ridgelines with thin aid. High point near 3,680 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 51.
The Work
Train for 2,052 feet of climbing across 163 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 48 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 66.
Kit
April in South Africa: plan for 55°F to 95°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 48 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 51.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 51. Heat, vert, and remote ridgelines with thin aid near mile 66 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 33 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=129184
- Course record (M): https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=136407