Ultra X South Africa – Africa’s Toughest Ultramarathon FAQ

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Thinking of taking on Ultra X South Africa, also known as Africa’s toughest footrace?

This FAQ answers everything you need to know about the 330 km ultramarathon across the Cederberg mountains.

When and where should I arrive in South Africa?

You should arrive in Cape Town (the host city) on or before Saturday 17 October 2026. Once registered, you will have the option to book a night at the race hotel for: Saturday 17 October (before the event begins), Saturday 24 October (the night after the race finishes).

What is the event entry fee?

Ultra X South Africa costs £2,495 to take part in. There is a £400 deposit taken at the point of application. The remaining balance can be paid immediately or in ten interest free instalments of £210.

What’s included in the entry fee?

Your race entry covers everything you need during the week:

Fully marked 330 km course, 6 nights’ accommodation (19–23 October in campsites),

Medical staff on call 24/7

Full physiotherapy and sports therapy service all week, daily camp support, tents, and logistics

Goody bag including: Special edition 20oz Yeti Rambler and an Ultra X South Africa cotton tote bag

Drinking water and refreshments

Full safety support including a tracker throughout the event

Finisher’s medal

How do we make sure competitors are safe during the event?

Competitor safety is the absolute priority for Ultra X. In South Africa, all participants will be issued with live GPS trackers for the duration of the event, allowing real-time monitoring of every runner’s location.

The event is supported by TrailMed, a highly experienced medical team who specialise in providing world-class care in remote trail and endurance environments. They will be stationed both on course and at key checkpoints, ready to respond to any incident.

Ultra X has delivered multi-stage races across some of the world’s most challenging terrains for over half a decade, from deserts to jungles to mountains. This experience has allowed us to develop robust, tried-and-tested safety protocols covering every eventuality – from heat management and hydration to evacuation procedures and severe weather contingencies.

In addition to trackers and medical cover, safety measures include:

Mandatory kit requirements ensuring every runner carries essential items for their wellbeing.

Regular staffed checkpoints where participants are monitored, rested, and resupplied with hydration and nutrition.

Dedicated communications systems linking crew, medics, and HQ for rapid coordination.

Emergency evacuation plans with vehicles and routes mapped in advance.

By combining the expertise of TrailMed with Ultra X’s proven global track record, participants can feel confident that their safety is in the best possible hands throughout the event.

What is the terrain like?

The course is 330 km with 7,200 metres of elevation gain. Terrain breakdown: 59% single-track and 4×4 track, 40% farm and district roads (gravel), 1% tar road. Expect rugged sandstone cliffs, fast-flowing trails, and remote wilderness.. A GPX file is available on the Ultra X South Africa race page.

What will be in each campsite?

Every campsite is designed for comfort and community. Facilities include:

Your own personal tent

Campfire and communal safari tent for meals

Toilets and camp chairs

Medical and physiotherapy treatment areas

Complimentary tea, coffee, and beer

A dedicated camp master to handle logistics and fires

Stunning views and an unbeatable atmosphere

What do I need to carry during each stage?

As is always the case at Ultra X multi-stage events, a bag is tranported between camps for competitors. This can be upto 20kg in weight.

All you need to carry with you for each stage is your mandatory kit and snacks.

Checkpoints with access to water will be roughly ever 10km.

How is the course marked?

The route is marked using ribbons and flags. As a backup, athletes are required to carry the GPX file on an electronic device.

Why do I need a Jetboil or stove?

To rehydrate camping meals, you’ll need a way to make hot water. A jetboil or stove is required, while gas will be provided by the organisers at event check in.

What happens if I don’t finish a stage?

Ultra X operates a drop-back-in policy:

If you cannot finish a stage, you may start the next one (if cleared by the medical team).

You will not, however, receive an overall rank or medal.

If you fail to complete two stages, you will be withdrawn from the event.

How many race spots are available? How does the application process work?

Ultra X South Africa is one of our most extreme events and places are strictly limited.

To ensure participants have the right level of trail experience, we’ve introduced an application system. Everyone who has registered their interest will receive a link to apply at 17:00 on Sunday 31st August.

Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, so early submission is strongly advised. With over 500 people already registered, we recommend acting quickly to give yourself the best chance of securing a spot.

Credit card details will be taken upon application and only charged if applications are accepted.

How does this event fit into the Africa Slam?

Ultra X South Africa is the fifth race in the 2026 Africa Slam, joining a series of legendary events across the continent. Runners who complete all Ultra X races in Africa before the end of 2025 will earn the Africa Slam (Morocco, Tanzania and Rwanda). From 2026 onwards, to achieve the Africa Slam, athletes must finish every African event within the same calendar year.

What is the climate like in October?

The weather in the Cederberg can be unpredictable at this time of year. Expect nighttime lows of around 10°C, daytime highs reaching up to 30°C.

What happens if I get injured during training?

Our standard terms and conditions apply. We recommend considering travel insurance that covers race withdrawals due to injury.

What makes Ultra X South Africa unique?

Ultra X South Africa is far more than a race, it’s an immersive endurance experience. Runners will start in the historic town of Tulbagh, traverse the wild landscapes of the Cederberg Conservancy, and finish in the iconic bushveld.

Each morning begins at a relaxed pace: step out of your personal tent, grab a chair by the campfire, enjoy fresh coffee, and get ready for a day of trail running like no other.

At the finish line each day, athletes are welcomed with cooling towels, drinks, soft drinks, and beer. Camps are designed for recovery, with professional physios and sports therapists on hand.

For the first edition of Ultra X South Africa, athletes will also receive an exclusive event-specific goody bag, including a limited-edition Yeti Rambler and commemorative gear.

Ultra X South Africa, the ‘Max’, is more than a challenge—it’s an unforgettable journey across one of the most diverse and spectacular landscapes on Earth. Combining endurance, adventure, and community, it truly embodies the spirit of #theultraxperience.