Ultra MARAthon 2026

Running Wild Through the Maasai Mara

The Ultra MARAthon is a unique trail running event that takes participants through the wildlife conservancies of the northern Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya. This is not a conventional trail race — runners share the terrain with Africa's iconic wildlife, including zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and potentially even big cats, making it one of the most extraordinary running experiences on Earth.

Organised by Blue Ribbon Kenya, the Ultra MARAthon combines world-class trail running with wildlife conservation, raising funds to support the Maasai Mara's ecosystem and local communities. The event takes place across the vast, open savannah and rolling hills of the conservancies that border the Maasai Mara National Reserve, offering runners a genuine African wilderness experience.

The 50-kilometre single-day race traverses some of Kenya's most iconic landscapes, from golden grasslands to acacia-dotted hills, with the possibility of encountering the Mara's famous wildlife at every turn. Armed rangers accompany runners for safety, adding to the unique atmosphere of this bucket-list trail event.

Course and Format

50 km — Single Day Ultra

The Ultra MARAthon covers 50 kilometres in a single day through the conservancies of the northern Maasai Mara ecosystem. The course traverses rolling savannah terrain, crossing rivers, climbing hills and running through open grasslands and scattered acacia woodland. While the terrain is not technically demanding by mountain trail standards, the combination of soft ground, heat, altitude (the Mara sits at approximately 1,500-1,800 metres) and the vast, exposed landscape presents a unique challenge.

The course changes each year to minimise environmental impact and to offer returning runners fresh experiences. Aid stations are set up at regular intervals, and the entire route is supervised by armed wildlife rangers for participant safety.

Terrain and Conditions

The Maasai Mara terrain consists of rolling grassland, riverine forest sections, and occasional rocky outcrops. The ground is mostly soft — a mix of grass, earth and sandy tracks. Elevation is moderate but constant, with the conservancies sitting at 1,500-1,800 metres above sea level. The altitude can affect runners coming from sea level, though the effects are less pronounced than at higher-altitude Kenyan events.

November temperatures in the Mara typically range from 15°C in the early morning to 28-30°C at midday, with direct sun exposure across most of the course. The short rains (November-December) may bring afternoon showers, but mornings are generally clear. Sun protection and adequate hydration are essential.

Conservation Mission

The Ultra MARAthon is more than a race — it is a conservation initiative. Funds raised support ranger programmes, anti-poaching efforts and community development projects in the Maasai Mara ecosystem. By running through the conservancies, participants directly experience the landscapes and communities they are helping to protect, creating a powerful connection between sport and conservation.

Practical Information

• Safety: armed wildlife rangers accompany runners throughout the course — wildlife encounters are possible and part of the experience
• Altitude: the Mara sits at 1,500-1,800m — mild altitude effects possible for sea-level runners
• Getting there: fly into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), then internal flight or 5-6 hour drive to the Mara
• Visa: most nationalities require an e-visa for Kenya, obtainable online before travel
• Registration: opens in July 2026 via ultramarathon.co.ke