Running across 2 countries, altitude, crossing the highest peak in Southern Africa against the backdrop of the majestic Drakensberg mountains.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

Ultra-Trail® Drakensberg 160 (UTD160) continues the tradition of years past with a shuttle ride to the start at the Lesotho Border Post.

Runners will complete a shorter punchier loop along the escarpment that will have them crossing back into South Africa via Sani Pass before nightfall. This is great news for athletes and their support alike as all runners will be out of Lesotho before nightfall, logistically it’s easier for supporters along the course in the latter sections of the route.

The rest of the course reads like a highlights reel of the area, ticking off the 12 Apostles Traverse, Khanti Ridge and the addition of extra kilometres along the crown jewel of UTD, the Giant’s Cup Trail, before looping through farmlands through the night to come home to the new Race Village, Glencairn Farm.

CUT OFFS

Cut Off 1: 26.8km at Lesotho Border Post at 17h30 - 8.5 hours.

Cut Off 2: 58.3km at Sani Valley Gate at 02h30 - 17.5 hours.

Cut Off 3: 124.9km at Castleburn at 18h30 - 33.5 hours.

UTD160 MAP

Race map 👉 Terranaut Mapping Co.

COURSe PRofile

Technical Information

DOWNLOAD UTD160 SCHEDULE

UTD160 Runners passing through the Border Post into Lesotho

PASSPORT & VISAS

UTD160 runners require a valid Passport to enter Lesotho. Runners who make use of the Shuttle will receive an Entry and Exit stamp from both Border Posts on their way up the Sani Pass. This is to ensure that they can pass back through the Border Posts during their run.

Runners who go up the Pass privately or prior to Race Day must ensure that they tick their names off the list residing at each Border Post and obtain an Entry and Exit stamp in their Passport from both Border Posts.

Runners from some countries will also require a visa. This is a simple process and can be completed online at http://evisalesotho.com. Ultra-Trail® Drakensberg will supply the necessary letter of invitation where required.

The UTD160 entry fee includes

Marked and prepared Mountain Trail
Goodie Bag
Official Race Garment
Shuttle To Race Start (from the Race Village to the Lesotho Border Post)
Sweepers and Marshalls
9 X Water Tables
Lesotho Sim Card, pre-loaded with airtime

Support by EKZNW Rangers
Medical Support

Finish Line Snack and Drink
Finishers Medal
Sketched Scroll of UTD160 Course
Awards Celebration on Sunday (@ 11h00)
R300 Donation to EKZNW

Runners must be 20-years or older as at 31st December 2023.
Note: No accommodation is included in the entry

Shuttles are in 4X4 vehicles provided by Major Adventures (incl in entry)
Shuttles will depart our race base at 06:30am on Friday the 26th of April. Approximate drive time is 1.5 hours to the Lesotho Border Post at the top of the Sani Pass.