The Desert Ultra is a 250km self-sufficient ultra marathon through the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest and most hostile desert. Across 5 stages in 5 days, you’ll navigate scorching sand dunes, ancient dry riverbeds, rocky trails, gravel plains and volcanic craters in temperatures that swing from 50°C at midday to near-freezing at night.
“Without doubt the toughest desert ultra out there. Makes the MDS feel like a walk in the park.”
— Simon Davies, Desert Ultra Finisher
Starting at the base of Spitzkoppe Mountain — 120 million years old, nicknamed the Namibian Matterhorn — the race takes you through the Brandberg region and finishes at a remote rhino conservation outpost. With only 60 places, this is one of the most intimate and spectacular desert races in the world.
“The toughest desert race out there but also the best. The beauty of the Namib Desert is breathtaking.”
— Kristina Madsen, Desert Ultra Winner
The Desert Ultra is one of four races in the Beyond The Ultimate Global Race Series, the most demanding collection of stage races on the planet. Alongside the Ice Ultra, Jungle Ultra and Mountain Ultra, it takes athletes from the world’s oldest desert to frozen lakes, dense rainforest and remote mountain ranges. Completing all four is one of the rarest achievements in endurance sport.
The 5 stages
Stage 1 — Spitzkoppe Saddle | 50km | Ascent 170m / Descent 530m
Flat scrubland, 4×4 trails and sandy river beds. Your first lesson in desert heat, starting at the foot of the Namibian Matterhorn.
Stage 2 — Brandberg | 50km | Ascent 310m / Descent 210m
A steady ascent toward Namibia’s highest peak “Fire Mountain” descending to the ancient Ugab River bed. Consistent awe-inspiring views across rocky terrain and scrubland.
Stage 3 — White Lady Marathon | 42km | Ascent 90m / Descent 430m
Marathon distance in relentless 50°C heat. Camp is surrounded by dramatic rock formations. Look for elephant tracks, lions, zebra and giraffe.
Stage 4 — Damara Dash | 22km | Ascent 240m / Descent 20m
The King/Queen of the Desert stage — the Red Jersey competition. Midday start, gradual uphill, technical sandy terrain. Rest up: The Grind awaits.
Stage 5 — The Grind | 92km | Ascent 400m / Descent 870m
Starts at 4am. Five kilometres of sand dune before sunrise. Plains, mountain passes, protected wildlife areas, volcanic craters. Finishes at a remote rhino conservation outpost.
What’s included in your entry
- GPS tracking on all runners throughout
- Manned checkpoints every ~10km with qualified expedition medics and unlimited water
- Hot water for meal preparation at every camp
- Tents and sleeping mats at each camp
- Luggage storage and transport throughout the race
- Transfers Windhoek ↔ Base Camp (4–6 hour journey)
- Professional adventure photographer — watermarked digital copies free post-race
- Hotel night in Windhoek after the race + celebratory meal and medal ceremony
- Finisher medal + ThruDark race T-shirt (or tree donation via BTU Woodland Project)
- Carbon offset donation through Beyond the Ultimate Woodland Project
Not included: flights to Windhoek, personal race food, equipment and clothing.
Key facts
- Distance: 250km over 5 stages
- Location: Namib Desert, Namibia (fly into Windhoek)
- Field size: Maximum 60 runners
- Daytime temperature: 35–55°C
- Night temperature: 5–10°C
- Entry fee: £3,000 (interest free instalment plan available — £750 deposit on entry)
- Next race: 16 November 2026
Enter or download the race pack: beyondtheultimate.co.uk/race/desert-ultra