The Ultra-Trail® Drakensberg Race Guide

The word "Drakensberg" derives from the Afrikaans name and literally means "Dragon’s Mountains." In the local dialect of Zulu, this imposing range is called the uKhahlamba, or "Barrier of Spears." The people of Lesotho, who inhabit this region, refer to the Drakensberg simply as the Maloti or "Mountains," an appropriately modest description given Lesotho’s status as the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 meters (3,281ft). These unique features help to make Ultra-Trail® Drakensberg a true African mountain trail running experience.

With 5 distances on offer—160km, 100km, 62km, 32km, and 21km—Ultra-Trail® Drakensberg takes place partly or wholly within the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site as declared by UNESCO in 2000. Conservation and a deep respect for nature infuse the spirit of Ultra-Trail® Drakensberg, and the event has a strong bond with the custodians of the Park, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who is also the official beneficiary of Ultra-Trail® Drakensberg.

While all the runners experience the unique natural features of the World Heritage Site, our 100-mile runners enjoy the unusual privilege of traversing two countries on their run, during which they will also summit Thabana Ntlenyana (3482m/11 424ft), the highest African peak South of Kilimanjaro.

ultratraildrakensberg.com

Next race date: April 22-24, 2022