With many friends completing marathons and a couple of Ironman races behind you, the next challenge might just be an ultramarathon. Generally recognized as any race exceeding the standard 26.2-mile marathon distance, ultramarathons demand more than mere distance; they offer the chance to navigate some of the planet’s most dramatic terrains. Imagine splashing through the Okavango Delta in Botswana, trekking amid Malaysia’s lush jungles, or crossing Antarctica’s vast ice fields.
Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail, Botswana
Connecting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Okavango to Tsodilo ultra-trail spans 62.1 miles over four days, revealing Botswana’s stunning wilderness. Organised by Desert & Delta Safaris, this guided expedition emphasizes exploration over competition, though the spirit of rivalry remains. The journey kicks off in the Okavango Panhandle, with runners tracing paths alongside the Nxamaseri Channel, passing through vibrant fishing villages and island forests. A traditional mokoro crossing may be necessary, depending on water levels. The first night is spent at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, an isolated haven surrounded by waterways.
Day two features a dramatic shift, leaving the wetlands behind to traverse the sandy stretches of the Kalahari, where participants cover the longest distance of the trip before reaching the sacred Tsodilo Hills, home to an impressive collection of ancient San rock art. That evening, they rest under the stars at a simple expedition camp. Day three allows time to explore Tsodilo, offering the option to summit Male Hill, one of Botswana’s tallest peaks, before returning to Nxamaseri Island Lodge. A day for recovery follows, featuring yoga, mokoro excursions, and a farewell dinner. Safety is paramount, with routes carefully planned to avoid known predator habitats while still providing opportunities to spot wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. The next scheduled dates are April 1–5, 2027, with private group arrangements available.
Chapman’s Challenge, Malaysia
Named after British WWII commando Freddie Spencer Chapman, Chapman’s Challenge embodies endurance with a gripping backstory. In 1942, stranded behind enemy lines in Malaysia, he opted for survival in the jungle over capture, evading enemies for over three years before rescue. This race honors his legacy, reflecting not only his struggle but the challenging environment itself. The course may not be an ultra in distance, but it presents formidable hurdles. The event starts with a steep four-mile run followed by a trek through a dense, ancient jungle, culminating in a demanding open-water swim of 0.62 miles in Emerald Bay—the same waters that facilitated Chapman’s submarine extraction.
Alex Martin, who completed the course in 2019, recounted the experience as intensely exhausting. The current fastest record belongs to Australian Matt Pole, achieving a time of 45 minutes and four seconds in 2019. In May, the event introduced a relay format this year along with a junior edition for those aged 11 to 17. Details for 2027 have yet to be confirmed.
Antarctica Ice Ultra
Possibly the most extreme race on the planet, the Antarctic Ice Ultra unfolds on November 9 within East Antarctica’s icy expanses. Only a select few have ventured into this remote region, making the race even more exceptional. Participants arrive from Cape Town, touching down on an ice runway within the stark interior of Queen Maud Land. The event offers multiple distances—from a half marathon up to a daunting 100 kilometers—across a landscape marked by bitter cold, fierce winds, and an ever-changing surface. The demands of this terrain create an intense test of endurance.
Despite its grueling nature, records have been established here, such as the women’s 100km record held by Julianne Young, who finished in 15 hours, 31 minutes, and 10 seconds in 2012. Yusheng Ni claims the men’s record for the same distance, achieved in 9 hours, 20 minutes, and 28 seconds. Currently, no official records exist for the women’s 100-mile race or the 24-hour solo challenge. Most competitors spend around five days in the area, based near the Schirmacher Oasis. Their experience may also include guided hikes to ice formations and explorations of newly discovered emperor penguin colonies. Polar-style recovery typically consists of saunas followed by invigorating ice plunges.
Beachcomber Trail, Mauritius
The Beachcomber Trail in Mauritius, attracting more than a thousand participants annually, unfolds along the island’s rugged southern coastline. Set to return on July 25, 2026, the event features carefully plotted paths encompassing untraveled territories. Runners can choose from three distances: the 10-km Trail du Souffleur, which leads through rolling terrain to cliff-side vistas; the 25-km Trail du Nautile, an ITRA-registered route with a cumulative elevation gain of approximately 908 feet; and the 65-km course. The longest option commences at Case Noyale, advancing towards the summit of Mauritius’s highest peak, Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, before descending into Black River Gorges National Park. Runners face a challenging finale through the village of Souillac and along the coastal cliffs, culminating at the Shandrani Beachcomber Resort’s shoreline.
A new relay format for the 40-mile course has recently been introduced, enabling teams of three to cover the distance across various legs. This event promises to showcase Mauritius’s diverse beauty in a way few visitors have experienced.
