Ultra-Trail Drakensberg 2026

A World Heritage Ultra-Trail Experience

The Ultra-Trail Drakensberg (UTD) is one of Africa's premier trail running events, set within the breathtaking Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Since its inaugural edition in 2017, the event has grown into a multi-day trail running festival that attracts runners from across the globe, drawn by the promise of wild, untamed mountain terrain and some of the most spectacular scenery on the African continent.

Sponsored by RMB (Rand Merchant Bank), the UTD is part of the UTMB World Series and carries ITRA certification, making it a key qualifying event for runners chasing UTMB Index points. The race traverses the iconic Giant's Cup Trail, a route normally completed as a 5-day hike, condensed here into a single non-stop effort through the dramatic landscapes of the southern Drakensberg escarpment.

The event's flagship courses cross into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, reaching altitudes above 3,000 metres and passing Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482m), the highest peak in Southern Africa and the highest point south of Kilimanjaro on the African continent.

Courses and Formats

UTD 160 — The Miler (163 km / 4,440m D+)

The UTD Miler is the ultimate test, a 163-kilometre journey that begins in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho at the legendary Sani Mountain Lodge, known as the Highest Pub in Africa. The course traverses 73 kilometres of high-altitude terrain almost entirely above 3,000 metres before joining the UTD 100 route at the top of Sani Pass. With 4,440 metres of elevation gain, 5,750 metres of descent, 13 aid stations and a 45-hour time limit, this is one of Africa's most demanding ultra-trail races. Runners must be prepared for extreme altitude, rapidly changing weather conditions and remote, technical terrain.

UTD 100 (104 km / 4,158m D+)

The UTD 100 is the most popular distance and the backbone of the event. Starting at the South African Border Post on the Sani Pass road at 05:00 on Saturday morning, runners climb the winding spine of Sani Pass before traversing the wild beauty of the 12 Apostles and Khanti Ridge. The course takes in iconic landmarks including Rhino Peak and Hodgson's Peaks, with an altitude window between 1,600m and 2,865m. This race carries 5 ITRA points and a Mountain Level of 3.

GCU 65 — Giant's Cup Uncut (65 km / 2,400m D+)

The GCU 65 is a non-stop traverse of the entire Giant's Cup Hiking Trail, a route certified as a 5-day hike that runners must complete in a single push. This format offers a true wilderness experience through the heart of the Drakensberg, with technical single-track, river crossings and exposed ridgeline running.

SDR 36 (36 km / 1,200m D+)

The SDR 36 provides a challenging but more accessible entry point into Drakensberg trail running. The course showcases the best of the southern Drakensberg's rolling grasslands and dramatic cliff faces, making it an ideal choice for runners stepping up to mountain trail races.

DRJ 25 (25 km / 993m D+)

The DRJ 25 is the shortest format, perfect for trail running newcomers or those looking for a fast, intense mountain experience. Despite the shorter distance, the course still delivers genuine Drakensberg terrain with significant climbing and technical sections.

Terrain and Difficulty

The Drakensberg terrain is characterised by rugged, rocky mountain paths, exposed ridgelines, grassy single-track and river crossings. The longer courses traverse high-altitude plateaux in Lesotho where the terrain is remote and often featureless, requiring strong navigation skills in poor visibility. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with temperatures ranging from scorching heat during the day to near-freezing conditions at night, even in April (autumn in the Southern Hemisphere).

The altitude is a significant factor: the UTD 160 spends extended periods above 3,000 metres, and even the UTD 100 reaches nearly 2,900 metres. Runners should be prepared for altitude effects, especially those travelling from sea level. The technical difficulty varies by course, but all routes include sections of rocky, uneven terrain that demand sure-footedness and concentration.

History and Heritage

Founded in 2017, the Ultra-Trail Drakensberg has rapidly established itself as one of Africa's most prestigious trail running events. The race was conceived to showcase the extraordinary beauty and challenge of the Maloti-Drakensberg World Heritage Site, a UNESCO-listed area renowned for its dramatic basalt cliffs, San rock art and extraordinary biodiversity.

The event has grown from a single-race format to a five-race festival, attracting around 150 elite runners for the Miler distance and several hundred more across the shorter formats. Its inclusion in the UTMB World Series has brought international attention and elevated the profile of African trail running on the world stage.

Practical Information for Runners

• Mandatory equipment: full mandatory kit list required for all distances, including waterproof jacket, thermal layers, headlamp, emergency blanket, whistle and minimum food/water capacity — full list on the official website
• Aid stations: 13 stations on the UTD 160/100, fewer on shorter distances, offering water, electrolytes, food and basic medical support
• Accommodation: Underberg and Himeville are the main accommodation hubs, with options ranging from guesthouses to backpackers and camping
• Getting there: approximately 2.5 hours' drive from Durban, 4.5 hours from Johannesburg — shuttle services are typically available from both cities during race weekend
• Passport required: runners on the UTD 160 course, which starts in Lesotho, must carry a valid passport