NAMIBIA 24 HOUR ULTRA MARATHON.

"It was hot!  It was hard! It was awesome! – A true adventure.     This race is a must for individuals who wish to test their limits of physical and mental endurance" Pete Holdgate, 2008 Ultra Runner.

Read a fantastic account of the race here.

The Skeleton Coast is generally regarded as the most hostile stretch of coastline in the world, here many a ship and its crew have foundered over the centuries, due to the unpredictable high seas and ever shifting sand banks hugging the Namib Desert shoreline. Shipwrecked crew members who did make it to land alive never really stood a chance against the barrenness of the Namib Desert.

We will race 120km in 24 hours across the vast expanses of the oldest desert in the world, through the endless space of gravel plains framed by distant ridges and mountains and all under the clearest of blue skies during the day and then a full moon during the night.

NEW for 2009! Corporate teams - up to six - can take part in the race as a relay. There is an additional cost but this includes a 4x4 vehicle and a driver. Click here if you are interested.

Two runners from the 2008 event have written blogs about their experiences of the 120km race. Andrew McMenemy who came second, Joakim Jonsson came in 3rd and Bill Martin and Pete Holdgate who came joint 7th.

We will also hold a marathon of 42km, this will be run at the same time as the 120km ultra. All competitors will start together, but the marathon runners will finish at the 42km rest station. For more information click here.

• THE EXTREME CHALLENGE
• ROUTE DESCRIPTION
• CHARITY
• CORPORATE TEAMS
• PRICES
• FLIGHT SCHEDULE
• BOOKING/PAYMENT FORM
• INSURANCE
• VISA
• TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• FAQ’s
• KIT LIST
• ITINERARY
• HOTEL
• COMPETITOR PAGE
• FORUM
• MEDICAL FORM

Marathon starts in:

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Are you ready?

Places remaining:28

This race is of an extreme nature. It will be a serious undertaking to train hard enough to cope with the onslaught of the Namib Desert on your body, covering 120km (75 miles) in the brief time span of 24 hours.

Contestants will be completely self reliant from the start of the race til the end, and will need to carry their food and equipment on their backs. Water stations and medical tents will be provided at 20km intervals along the route. Temperatures are expected to be in the region of min 5ºc / max 35 ºc but could be more extreme.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

First section 21km:

The race starts on the gravel plains of Brandberg and heads in a westerly direction towards the first medical and water stop at 21km, at the origin of Messum River. The terrain during most of this section is undulating and firm under foot, but with road corrugations from time to time.

Second section 21km:

The route continues along in a westerly direction to the second checkpoint and 42km finish line at the entrance to Messum Gorge.  The terrain will remain flat and firm under foot.  As we enter the gorge, we will be following 4x4 tracks which will be firm under foot, though uneven under foot in places.

Third section: 20km:

The third check point finds us at the exit of the Messum Crater.  We will continue running in a westerly direction towards the coast following 4x4 tracks on gravel plains.

Fourth section: 20.1km:

Leaving the Messum Crater behind, we run along the gravel plains towards the coast. The gravel plains make way for the odd low rocky ridges that break the monotony of flat running, with small sandy spots where dry water courses are crossed.  We reach our fourth checkpoint at the start of the lichen fields.

Fifth section: 20km:

The route is now heading downwards in a south-westerly direction to the fifth medical and water stop which is again after 20kms. This part crosses lichen fields and mostly flat terrain with soft but gravelly parts here and there.

Sixth section: 19km:

The final section follows cuts across the gravel plains, then follows along the C34 for a couple of kms.  From the road, we head west again across the plains to the finish line on the beach at Mile 72 campsite.

Corporate Teams

New for 2009! A fantastic opportunity for corporate teams at the Namibia Ultra 2009. A team of six runners can take part in the race and run it as a relay. There is an addtiional cost of £718 per team but this includes a 4x4 vehicle and a driver who will support the team along the way.

Interested? Then email Sarah Shaw.

As you are taking on an extreme challenge, why not run this event for charity? Many charities will agree to cover a percentage of the costs if you agree to and meet a fundraising target. Click here to view the charities currently supporting the extreme series, or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support.

Across the Divide would encourage you to raise money for your chosen charity by taking part in this event. Please contact your charity of choice directly or take a look at our charity homepage for details of charities who support the Namibia Ultra race.

* With ground only packages you must arrange to meet the group at Windhoek International Airport.

For a corporate relay team please add an additional £718 per team. This includes a 4x4 vehicle and driver to support the team along the way. Minimum fundraising can be discussed with the charity on an individual corporate team basis.

The flight details are with Air Namibia from London Gatwick at the following times:

SW  386    8th April 2009      London Gatwick / Windhoek      2130  / 0845+1 (arrives 9th)

SW  385    14th April 2009    Windhoek / London Gatwick      1940 / 0455+1 (arrives 15th)

To book your place click here.

Our policy is £45.00 for up to 10, days' travel. For each additional week a charge of £9.00 per week is payable. Click here to purchase our travel insurance.

Click here for our policy overview.

British nationals can enter Namibia for a holiday or private visit of up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry to Namibia.

All non British nationals are required to check with the Namibian High Commission in London.

Head of Mission:

HE Mr George Mbanga Liswaniso
6 Chandos Street
London
W1G 9LU

Telephone: (020) 7636 6244
Facsimile: (020) 7637 5694
Email: namibia.hicom@btconnect.com

Office Hours Mon–Fri: 0900–1300 & 1400–1700

Please click here for our full terms and conditions.

Who are Across the Divide?

Across the Divide was established in 1996 by Mark and Karen Hannaford, using their many years of experience in organising expeditions and managing large events. Across the Divide has ten years of working closely with our charity clients to deliver exceptional worldwide challenges. Please visit Across the Divide for further information.

Will the ultra marathon be safe?

Yes. Across the Divide’s main focus is on participant safety.
The ultra marathon route has been fully checked and approved. There will be water stations every 20km along the route with tents to offer shade from the sun. There will be a minimum of 1 UK doctor and a local guide at each water station, and each will have a comprehensive medical kit. There will also be a team of vehicle based UK doctors along the route. Full risk assessments and casualty evacuation plans are in place.
The route will be clearly marked.

Is there a recommended kit list?

Yes. Please click here to take you to the kit list.

Are Across the Divide AtTOL bonded?

Yes. Our ATOL number is 6475.

What standard is the accommodation?

We have 3 nights camping and one night in a 3 star lodge see below.

Do I have to share a tent and room?

Yes. In order to accommodate everyone tents and lodge rooms must be shared. You can prearrange to share a room with a friend.

What is the route like?

The route is along gravel plains, dry river valleys, volcanic plains, and is mainly flat with some undulating sections and some long sandy stretches. Temperatures are expected to be in the region of min 5 oc / max 35 oc. However temperatures outside of these norms have been recorded and you must be prepared for much colder or hotter conditions.

Can I raise money for charity?

Yes and we would encourage you to do so. Click here to view the charities currently supporting the extreme series, or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes. However if you wish to stay longer then you will need to take the non-flight package and arrange your own flights. It will be your responsibility to meet the group at the airport at Windhoek on the 9th April.

Can I book my own flights?

Yes. You must inform us that you do not wish to take our flights, advise us of your alternative flight details, and your plans to meet the group at Windhoek International Airport. Failure to do so will mean that group tickets will be issued and charged for.

I have my own insurance policy so do I need to take out your insurance?

No, but you must send us a copy of your policy either by fax to 01460 30444 or by post to

Across the Divide Insurance
Namibia 24hour Ultra Marathon
Across the Divide
Thorncombe Barn
Fore Street
Thorncombe
Nr Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PP

Main luggage weighing no more than 20kg

All items marked in blue are compulsory

• Running shoes
• Shorts
• Running T-shirt (long sleeved recommended)
• Running cap or sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Running socks
• Camelbak or bottles to carry at least 2L of water
• Backpack
• All food and snacks to cover your 24 hour race.
  We recommend a minimum of 4000 calories.
• Head torch
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Lightweight fleece
• Lightweight running trousers
• Whistle
• GPS
• Sleeping bag
• Therma-rest or sleep mat
• Pen knife
• Knife, fork and spoon

Personal Items

• Loose cool clothing for when not racing
• Warm clothing for the cool evenings
• Toiletries and towel
• Camera, lots of film and a spare battery
• Padlock or means of securing/locking luggage
• Money belt
• Sun cream minimum factor 30
• Lip salve with sunblock
• Insect repellent

First Aid kit

• Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory (not for asthmatics)
• Imodium for diarrhoea
• Antihistamine tablets and cream
• Antiseptic wipes
• Plasters
• Zinc oxide tape (or Leucotape which is much better)
• Moleskin and/or 'Compeed' for blister treatment
• Dehydration mix such as Dioralyte
• Small tub of Vaseline
• Tweezers (not in hand luggage on flight)
• Scissors (not in hand luggage on flight)
• Alcohol hand gel
  

8TH APRIL 2009 LONDON GATWICK – WINDHOEK
We board our international flight from London Gatwick bound for Windhoek.

9TH APRIL 2009 WINDHOEK –BRANDBERG
On arrival at Windhoek International airport, we transfer by bus to the starting point in the Namib Desert, where our camp will be set up in the shadow of the stunning Brandberg Mountain – Namibia’s highest peak standing at 2,573 metres.  Transfer time will be about 4 hours and expected time of arrival should be around 14.00 in the afternoon. Packed lunches and drinking water will be provided on the bus. On arrival at camp, we can settle in and rest after our long journey, looking out onto the Namib Desert landscape at some breathtaking views.   

10TH APRIL 2009 REST DAY
Today is a complete rest day, so we can take our time to wake up, get to meet some of the race competitors and make our final preparations before the race.  If we feel the need for some exercise, there is the option to take part in a short trek from camp to the foot of the Brandberg Mountain later in the afternoon.

11TH & 12TH APRIL 2009 - RACE
The race starts this morning at 09.00, so we’ll need to be up early for breakfast and last minute kit preparations.  The route heads almost directly west towards the Skeleton Coast, with the landscape constantly changing before us. The route will be clearly marked with brightly coloured flags spaced at visible intervals, and with water stops and a medical tent spaced at 20km intervals. 

As we set off, Brandberg Mountain will watch over us for many miles as we pass through the ancient Messum Crater (this is the 42km finish line, so try not to get distracted – keep your focus and keep running) into the wastelands of the Namib’s vast gravel plains and unique lichen fields.  After a night spent running by the light of the full moon, you will continue with this challenging run until you finally reach the mist-enveloped landscape of the Skeleton Coast, where our finish line will be set up on the beach at Mile 72. Snacks will be available at the finish line and your gear and tent will be set up ready for you to crawl into and begin your recovery. 
Lunch will be provided at camp, then we we will pack up our gear and transfer to a lodge in Swakopmund for a good shower, good evening meal and well earned rest. 

13TH APRIL 2009 FREE DAY IN SWAKoPMUND & CELEBRATORY MEAL
Today is free to explore Swakopmund and the surrounding area at our leisure.  There are a number of adventure activities available to take part in if we are not feeling too exhausted! A gala meal will be held this evening to celebrate our achievements and soak up the weird and wonderful atmosphere of this unique post-colonial town.

14TH APRIL 2009 TRANSFER TO WINDHOEK
After breakfast at the lodge we board our bus and transfer back to the airport for our flight back home.

15TH APRIL 2009 ARRIVAL BACK AT GATWICK

3 star Schweizerhaus in Swakopmund. The hotel is one hour’s transfer from the finish. The establishment is only 100 yards away from the beach, has a heated Olympic size swimming pool, and is close to the towns business centre with its magnificent historic buildings. They offer comfortable, spacious rooms, each equipped with a private bathroom, telephone and television.

Camping will be in 2 man dome tents with basic facilities including a bar, dining area, showers and long drop loos.

Register your interest here

Adventure Racing blog.

2008 Competitors:

Joakim Jonsson blogspot.

Bill Martin and Pete Holdgate blogspot.

Andrew McMenemy blogspot.

Read a fantastic account of the race here.