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."
Score Breakdown
Based on distance, vertical gain per km, terrain difficulty, weather extremes, historical DNF rate, and race format.
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.
Experience ratings are based on runner reports, race reviews, community feedback, and editorial assessment. Scenery reflects the visual quality of the course. Organization covers aid stations, logistics, and communication. Community measures the atmosphere, inclusivity, and camaraderie among runners.
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
28%
25
60%
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.
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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%.
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