Ultra-Trail Drakensberg is a 65km ultra marathon in Underberg, South Africa. Distance: 65km. Elevation: 3,200m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 44/100). DNF rate: 15%. Time limit: 16h. Surface: trail. Established 2016.
Ultra-Trail Drakensberg
Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
"65km through the Dragon Mountains. Escarpments, river crossings, and South Africa's most dramatic mountain range."
Run through the Dragon Mountains — a mountain ultra in the Drakensberg with dramatic escarpments and UNESCO World Heritage landscapes.
The Course
A mountain ultra through the stunning Drakensberg range — the 'Dragon Mountains' of South Africa. The course climbs to dramatic escarpments, crosses rivers, and traverses grassland plateaus with views stretching to Lesotho. Technical mountain terrain.
mountainous
loop
5
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
12°C
2° – 20°
50%
15%
South African autumn — cool and clear. Frost possible at night. Excellent visibility on clear days.
Stats & Records
2016
250
12:00:00
Entry
ZAR 1,500
October
months
Lore & Trivia
Ultra Trail Drakensberg runs through the Drakensberg mountains of KwaZulu-Natal — South Africa's highest range, a dramatic basalt escarpment that rises over 3,000m above the KwaZulu-Natal lowlands. The mountains contain some of the finest San (Bushman) rock art in the world, and the trails follow paths used by the San people for thousands of years. The Drakensberg is South Africa's premier mountain wilderness — less developed than the Alps, with a raw, ancient quality.
- ▸ The Drakensberg means 'Dragon Mountains' in Afrikaans — the escarpment resembles a dragon's back.
- ▸ The range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the oldest rock art in the world.
- ▸ The border with Lesotho runs along the top of the escarpment visible from the course.
- ▸ Bearded vultures (lammergeiers) can often be spotted soaring above the cliffs during the race.
- ▸ Established in 2016.
The Drakensberg escarpment — 3,000m of basalt cliff face, San rock art, and the feeling of running at the edge of the world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ultra-Trail Drakensberg? +
Ultra-Trail Drakensberg is a 65km (65km) ultra marathon with 3,200m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Ultra-Trail Drakensberg? +
Ultra-Trail Drakensberg is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 44/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 15%. Runners have 16 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Ultra-Trail Drakensberg? +
Average temperature is 12°C (range 2°C to 20°C) with 50% humidity and a 15% chance of rain. South African autumn — cool and clear. Frost possible at night. Excellent visibility on clear days.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Ultra-Trail Drakensberg? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Ultra-Trail Drakensberg? +
The average finish time is 12:00:00. About 250 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 15%.
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