About Namib Race

The Namib Race is a 7-day, 250 km / 155 mile footrace that takes place in the oldest desert in the world which is home to the largest recorded dunes and the most stunning and iconic desert landscape.  Over the seven days on the course competitors will experience moon-like landscape in Moon Valley, dramatic sand dunes, wide-open plains, salt pans, mountain outcrops, Atlantic waves crashing on desert beaches, dry river beds with a fascinating array of plants and animals and big African skies. UltraLite (Namibia) is held alongside the Namib Race for those who seek the challenge of an ultramarathon but with a more flexible format. The race offers adventure, endurance, and community—all in an awe-inspiring setting.

Itinerary

  • 14 Aug 2026

    Competitors Arrive (hotel provided)

  • 15 Aug 2026

    Race Check-In & Go to Camp 1

  • 16 Aug 2026

    Race Starts

  • 16 Aug 2026 - to - 22 Aug 2026

    Stage 1 - To - Stage 6 take place

  • 22 Aug 2026

    Awards Banquet (hotel provided)

  • 23 Aug 2026

    Event Concludes

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Headlines

  • 11 Dec 2025 Is Your Name on the List?

    Have a look at the line up so far for the Namib Race.  The deadline to confirm your place is 18 April 2026. 

  • 26 Nov 2025 Cooler Temperatures at the Namib Race

    The Namib Race 2026 takes place in August - temperatures should not exceed 35C / 95F which is perfect for running. Note that we changed the time of year for this reason. 

  • 12 Nov 2025 The Stunning Course

    This is a true desert race with the opportunity to see iconic desert landscapes. You will be treated to the full spectrum that a desert has to offer, and will see diverse scenery and terrain. Find out more about the details including Stage distances and elevation profile to help you arrived prepared.  

  • 29 Oct 2025 How to Get to the Namib Race

    The meeting place for the Namib Race is the coastal desert town of Swakopmund.  Find out more about how to get there from this summary.

  • 22 Oct 2025 RacingThePlanet UltraLite Namibia - filling up

    RacingThePlanet UltraLite, a seven-day footrace designed for those who seek the challenge of an ultramarathon but with a more flexible format. Held alongside the famed Namib Race in Namibia, this race offers adventure, endurance, and community in a more accessible format - all in an awe-inspiring setting.

  • 15 Oct 2025 Time to Start Training. Have a Look at these Training Plans

    There are 10 months until the Namib Race! It's time to starting preparing. The training plans attached give you details of the training needed. There is one for beginners, intermediate and also advanced. 

  • 04 Oct 2025 RacingThePlanet: Greece has Concluded

    Vicki Connelly of the United Kingdom and Hiroyuki Matsuda of Japan have won!  Congratulations to all the competitors who participated in the 15th Edition of the RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon including those in the new UltraLite division.

  • 16 Sep 2025 National Geographic names Namib Race as Best Adventure

    National Geographic names Namib Race in list of 23 best adventures for thrill-seekers.

  • 05 Sep 2025 Monthly Updates Have Started

    There is less than one year until the Namib Race.  The monthly updates to help you prepare have started. If you are planning to join and want to receive these updates, complete a registration for the race!

  • 13 Aug 2025 Race Reports

    To get a first-hand account of the Namib Race, have a read of these race reports which include Stage-by-Stage accounts, pre-race preparations, competitors backgrounds and lessons learned.

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