"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.
The Namibia 24 hour Ultra Marathon is rapidly becoming known as the ultimate endurance test for distance runners. Our route will take you into the northern Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world and the largest and most remote National Park in Africa. If the landscape does not help to keep mind and soul occupied, the ostrich and springbuck you will pass along the way should bring your thoughts into focus.
For 2009 our route has increased in distance slightly to 126km – that’s three full marathons! You will race 126km in 24 hours across the vast expanse of desert, through the endless space of gravel plains framed by distant ridges and mountains, past dramatic upheavals of granite inselbergs and all under the clearest of blue skies during the day and a full moon during the night.
Read why Francis Jones has chosen to take part in this event.
We will also hold a marathon of 42km, this will be run at
the same time as the 126km ultra. All competitors will start
together, but the marathon runners will finish at the 42km
rest station. For more information click here.
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 126km (78 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 21km intervals along the route. Temperatures
are expected to be in the region of min 5ºc / max 36
ºc but could be more extreme.
Namibia Marathon Video
Route
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Section1 Start point to checkpoint 1 (21km):
The race begins at the foot of the Brandberg Mountain range and follows a relatively straight line for the first 10km. The route then takes a left turn, following jeep tracks towards the first checkpoint. This section of the route is undulating, firm under foot but fairly stony so you will need to pick a safe path.
Section 2 Checkpoint 1 to checkpoint 2 (21km):
During this section you will continue in a westerly direction, following 4x4 tracks along a dry river bed. The terrain during the first part of the section continues to be firm with loose stones, but as you near the second checkpoint, the ground becomes softer under foot, with short grass cover found in places. Our second checkpoint will be set up in the shade of a large Acacia tree.
The finishing line for the 42km marathon runners will be set up at this checkpoint.
Section 3 Checkpoint 2 to checkpoint 3 ( 21km):
As you set off towards the third checkpoint, you will be able to see your destination – the Messum crater – rising gently above the plains. Entering this magnificent structure, our third checkpoint will be set up inside under a large tarpaulin canopy. The terrain remains similar to the previous section with a mixture of mildly undulating and flat terrain.
Section 4 Checkpoint 3 to checkpoint 4 (21km):
As we leave the Messum crater behind us, the route drops down to follow jeep tracks along gravel plains all the way to CP4. The terrain becomes very difficult under foot in this section, with the uneven surface of the jeep tracks and the loose stones tricky to navigate in the dark.
Section 5 Checkpoint 4 to checkpoint 5 (21km):
Continuing in the darkness in a south-westerly direction, you will now be heading straight for the coast and our fifth and final checkpoint. . You will eventually turn left as our track meets the main C34 highway at Kaap Kruis, where our final checkpoint will be awaiting you.
Section 6 Checkpoint 5 to Finish Line (21km):
This final section follows the line of the coast in a southerly direction. After about 17km you will be faced with a punishing up hill section before turning off for the final 3km stretch to the beach and the finish line.
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.
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.
Prices 2009
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.
Option 1: Self Funding – This payment option means that participants will cover all of their tour cost fees as well as the registration fee. Any additional funds raised on top of the ground costs can then be given to the participants charity of choice.
Option 2: Minimum Sponsorship – This payment option is generally double that of the tour cost and participants will pledge to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship for their chosen charity.
Participants chosen charity will need to authorise this option as the fundraising agreement is between the participants and the charity.
The charity will be invoiced for the participants tour costs 10 weeks before the event is due to take place.
Option 1: Self funding options
Option 2: Sponsorship packages
Registration Fee: £150
Registration Fee:£150
OPTION 1
Full tour cost, including flights (exc reg fee): £1,323
OPTION 1
Full sponsorship package - including flight and ground costs (exc reg fee): Raise a minimum sponsorship of £2,700
Ground cost sponsorship package (exc reg fee): arrange own flights + raise a minimum sponsorship of £1000 *
Insurance: £47
Insurance:£47
* 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.
Flight
Schedule
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)
Our policy is £47.00
for up to 10, days' travel. For each additional
week a charge of £10.00 per week is payable. Click here to purchase our travel insurance.
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
Please click
here for our full terms and conditions.
FAQs
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 21km 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?
Across the Divide
Thorncombe Barn
Fore Street
Thorncombe
Nr Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PP
Please note that we will require section B of the insurance form to be completed if you have taken out your own insurance. Click on the link to complete section B of the insurance form
Kit List
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
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
Itinerary
8TH APRIL 2009 LONDON GATWICK – WINDHOEK
We board our international flight from London Gatwick bound for Windhoek. The flight arrives breakfast time the following morning.
9TH APRIL 2009 WINDHOEK –BRANDBERG
On arrival at Windhoek, we transfer by bus to our camp in the Namib Desert. On arrival at camp there will be a short orientation briefing. After this you are free settle in, begin race preparations and take in some of the awesome surroundings.
10TH APRIL 2009 RACE REGISTRAION AND ACCLIMATISATION DAY
After breakfast, a half day trek is arranged to give you an indication of the type of terrain and extremes you will encounter during the race. In the afternoon, a full race briefing will take place. A pre race meal is provided in the evening followed by a final Q&A session.
11TH APRIL 2009 - RACE DAY
After an early breakfast, the firing pistol will sound at 09:00 sharp, and your epic journey will commence.
12TH APRIL 2009 - RACE FINISH AND RECOVERY
After a night spent running by the light of the full moon, you will continue your gruelling run back to the finish line on the beach at Jakkalsputs. Your gear and tent are set up and ready for you to crawl in to and begin your recovery. After a short lie in, camp is left behind at around 13:00 and we transfer to our hotel in Swakopmund where the sensible runners take the time to relax and recover from their efforts from the previous 24hours.
13TH APRIL 2009 FREE DAY IN SWAKoPMUND
Today is free to explore Swakopmund and the surrounding area at our leisure. In the late afternoon a visit to the nearby Swakopmund dunes is arranged, followed by a celebratory meal to congratulate ourselves on our achievements and swap stories of our adventure.
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
We arrive at Gatwick early this morning.
Accommodation
Your first three nights will be spent camping will be in 2 man dome tents with basic facilities including a bar, dining area, showers and long drop loos.
The final night will be spent at Swakopmund Municipal Bungalows, a short transfer from the finish. The establishment is within walking distance of the beach and just 10 minutes walk from the town centre. They offer comfortable, spacious self catering chalets, fully equipped with a private bathroom, telephone and television.
