Rio do Rastro Ultra is a 75km ultra marathon in Urubici, Brazil. Distance: 75km. Elevation: 3,200m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 46/100). DNF rate: 18%. Time limit: 18h. Surface: trail. Established 2017.
Rio do Rastro Ultra
Urubici, Santa Catarina, Brazil
"75km along Brazil's most dramatic escarpment. Canyon views, cold highlands, and southern Brazilian mountain trails."
A mountain ultra along the dramatic Serra do Rio do Rastro escarpment — canyon views, cold mountain air, and Brazil's wild south.
The Course
A mountain ultra in Brazil's southern highlands along the dramatic Serra do Rio do Rastro escarpment. The course climbs from subtropical forest to the windswept plateau at 1,800m, with dramatic views over the canyon. Technical trails and significant elevation change.
mountainous
loop
5
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Post-race gathering with awards, food, and shared stories. The ultra community spirit is strong at Rio do Rastro Ultra.
Race Day Weather
8°C
070%
30%
Brazilian winter in the south — cold, especially at altitude. Frost common at the top of the escarpment. Can be warm in the valleys.
Stats & Records
2017
200
12:00:00
Entry
BRL 800
January
weeks
Lore & Trivia
The Serra do Rio do Rastro Ultra runs along the rim of the Serra Catarinense in southern Brazil — a dramatic escarpment where the plateau drops 1,400m to the valley below. The famous SC-390 road descends this cliff face in 284 curves, and the ultra course follows the trails above it, running through araucaria (monkey puzzle) forests and high-altitude grassland at 1,800m. Below, the road's hairpin turns are visible like a ribbon draped down the mountainside. Brazilian trail running is growing explosively, and Serra do Rio do Rastro showcases the country's emerging high-altitude scene — dramatic, wild, and far from the beaches that foreigners associate with Brazil.
- ▸ The Serra do Rio do Rastro is considered one of the most scenic mountain roads in Brazil.
- ▸ Despite being in Brazil, this race can be genuinely cold — temperatures below freezing at the top.
- ▸ The canyon views from the escarpment edge are among the most dramatic in South America.
- ▸ Southern Brazil's Araucaria forests along the course are ancient and endangered.
- ▸ Established in 2017.
Serra do Rio do Rastro — 284 curves on the road below, araucaria forest above, and a rim trail that feels like flying.
Notable Editions
Course Record on the Rim
A new course record demonstrated that the Serra do Rio do Rastro's rim trail, despite its dramatic setting, is genuinely fast. The araucaria forest sections provide reliable footing and the altitude is moderate by South American standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Rio do Rastro Ultra? +
Rio do Rastro Ultra is a 75km (75km) ultra marathon with 3,200m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Rio do Rastro Ultra? +
Rio do Rastro Ultra is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 46/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 18%. Runners have 18 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Rio do Rastro Ultra? +
Average temperature is 8°C with 70% humidity and a 30% chance of rain. Brazilian winter in the south — cold, especially at altitude. Frost common at the top of the escarpment. Can be warm in the valleys.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Rio do Rastro Ultra? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Rio do Rastro Ultra? +
The average finish time is 12:00:00. About 200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 18%.
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