Lesotho Ultra Trail is a 100km ultra marathon in Roma, Lesotho. Distance: 100km. Elevation: 4,500m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 50/100). DNF rate: 20%. Time limit: 24h. Surface: trail. Established 2018.

100km challenging mountainous trail remote scenic

Lesotho Ultra Trail

Roma, Maseru, Lesotho

"100km through the Kingdom in the Sky."

Challenging

Distance 100km

Elevation Gain ↑4,500m

Surface trail

DNF Rate 20%

Cutoff 24h

What Makes It Unique

A 100km mountain ultra through Lesotho — the only country entirely above 1,400m.

The Course

A mountain ultra through the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho — the "Kingdom in the Sky," the only country in the world entirely above 1,000m. The route crosses high-altitude grassland, traverses river gorges, and passes remote mountain villages accessible only on foot or horseback. Basotho herders in traditional blankets watch from ridgelines as runners pass through their ancestral landscape. The terrain is mostly grass and rock — no technical single-track, but the altitude (2,000-3,000m), the river crossings, and the relentless undulation make every kilometre earned.

Profile

mountainous

Topology

loop

Aid Stations

Highest Point

2,800m

No Crew Access

No Pacers

Yes Mandatory Gear

Runner Experience

Scenery 5/5

Organization 3/5

Community 4/5

Aid Stations

Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.

Post-Race Culture

Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.

Race Day Weather

Temperature

15°C

5° – 24°

Humidity

40%

Rain Chance

20%

Conditions

Lesotho spring — cool and dry.

Stats & Records

Established

2018

Finishers

Avg Finish

18:00:00

Entry

Entry Cost

ZAR 1200

Opens

March

Sells Out

never

Max Starters: 150

Official Website →

Lore & Trivia

Lesotho — the "Kingdom in the Sky" — is the only country in the world entirely above 1,000m. This ultra traverses the Maluti Mountains where Basotho herders on horseback tend cattle in blankets against the high-altitude cold. The route passes remote mountain villages accessible only on foot or horseback, ancient San rock art sites, and waterfalls that plunge into deep river gorges. Running in Lesotho feels like stepping back centuries — the landscape is vast, empty, and untouched by development.

▸ Lesotho is the only country entirely above 1,400m.
▸ Known as the 'Kingdom in the Sky'.
▸ River crossings are mandatory — no bridges on most of the route.
▸ Established in 2018.
▸ Total elevation gain: 4500m.

The Kingdom in the Sky — running at 2,500m where Basotho horsemen watch from the ridgeline and the nearest road is days away.

— A Lesotho runner

Notable Editions

2022

Community Partnership

The 2022 edition deepened its partnership with local Basotho communities, with village checkpoints serving traditional food and herders on horseback guiding runners through unmarked sections.