Ultra Africa Race is a 76km ultra marathon in Kigali, Rwanda. Distance: 76km. Elevation: 3,200m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 45/100). DNF rate: 12%. Time limit: 16h. Surface: trail. Established 2018.
Ultra Africa Race
Kigali, Kigali Province, Rwanda
"76km through the Land of a Thousand Hills. Rwanda's volcanic highlands, red-dirt trails, and endless climbs."
Run through Rwanda's spectacular volcanic highlands — 76km of relentless hills on red-dirt trails in the Land of a Thousand Hills.
The Course
A point-to-point through Rwanda's spectacular volcanic highlands, the 'Land of a Thousand Hills.' The course runs on red-dirt trails through banana plantations, terraced hillsides, and eucalyptus forests. Relentless short, steep hills define the terrain.
mountainous
point-to-point
5
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
20°C
14° – 26°
70%
40%
Rwandan dry season — warm and pleasant at altitude. Afternoon showers possible. The altitude (1,500-2,500m) moderates the tropical heat.
Stats & Records
2018
150
11:00:00
Entry
USD 200
August
months
Lore & Trivia
Ultra Africa runs through the coastal and mountain trails of the Eastern Cape — a South African landscape of ancient forests, river gorges, and subtropical coastline. The race showcases terrain that is distinctly Southern African: rugged, diverse, and wild in ways that European trail races rarely achieve. South Africa's ultra community is vibrant and inclusive, and Ultra Africa captures that spirit.
- ▸ Rwanda is known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills' — the terrain is relentlessly up and down.
- ▸ The race supports local community projects and employs local guides and marshals.
- ▸ Mountain gorillas live in the volcanic highlands visible from the course — Rwanda's most famous residents.
- ▸ The red laterite soil of Rwanda stains everything — expect orange shoes and legs.
- ▸ Established in 2018.
Running through South African bush — you share the trail with baboons, buck, and the occasional puff adder.
Compare with another race
Similar Races
22 NOV 2026
Sani Stagger
Underberg, South Africa
14 MAR 2027
Ultra-Trail Cape Epic
Stellenbosch, South Africa
23 APR 2026
Ultra-Trail Drakensberg
Underberg, South Africa
4 APR 2027
Blackwater 50
Davis, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ultra Africa Race? +
Ultra Africa Race is a 76km (76km) ultra marathon with 3,200m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is Ultra Africa Race? +
Ultra Africa Race is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 45/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 12%. Runners have 16 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Ultra Africa Race? +
Average temperature is 20°C (range 14°C to 26°C) with 70% humidity and a 40% chance of rain. Rwandan dry season — warm and pleasant at altitude. Afternoon showers possible. The altitude (1,500-2,500m) moderates the tropical heat.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Ultra Africa Race? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the average finish time for Ultra Africa Race? +
The average finish time is 11:00:00. About 150 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 12%.
Are you the organizer? Claim this race
Stay in the loop
New races, course records, and stories from the trail — monthly