5 multi stage ultra marathons you’ll want to enter in 2024
As we move into the second half of 2023, it’s less than 100 days before this year's cohort of Breaking 250 will step foot on the start line of Atacama Crossing (Chile). But who’s counting right?
Atacama Crossing (Chile) is an event that’s close to my heart because 5 years ago I was standing on that very same start line about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. This would be the catalyst for everything else that followed, I just didn’t know it yet.
When I was working my 9-5 in London, I was sitting at my desk one morning and realised something, this wasn’t how I saw myself spending the next decade. So I changed it. Within a month I'd signed up with RacingThePlanet to take part in Atacama Crossing (Chile). A 7 day, 250 km/ 155 mi adventure through vast salt flats, massive sand dunes and icy cold slot canyons in the foothills of the Andes mountains. The driest places on earth.
More than just an ultra marathon
All 250 km later I completed my first multi stage ultra marathon. I fell in love with the Atacama skies, the people and the memories that would last a lifetime. It left me wanting more, wanting to explore more of myself and more of what my body and mind were truly capable of. But most of all, I wanted to help other women like myself experience life changing adventures together.
Here are 5 multi stage ultra marathons you’ll want to enter in 2024:
1. Ultra X Tanzania
Ultra X Tanzania is a multi-stage ultra marathon that takes place over five days in the stunning scenic and seldom travelled backcountry of northern Tanzania around Mount Kilimanjaro. The route showcases the best of Tanzania and the best of Africa.
You can expect to climb up part way the bucket list mountain Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, whilst also covering savannah, forest and running around lakes filled with wildlife over the 5 days.
During this unforgettable week, you will experience the place, the people, and the beauty of this iconic country in full.
2. Gobi March (Mongolia)
The Gobi March (Mongolia) starts at the Khar Bukh Balgas Fortress and takes place in the stunning Karakorum region of Central Mongolia.
You will weave their way across wide Mongolian steppes, sand dunes and great rock valleys as you cover the length of the course. Expect to sleep in traditional Mongolian Gers, cross the battlefield of Genghis Khan towards the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Orkhon Valley and further to the ancient city of Karakorum.
The Gobi March is an undulating rollercoaster ride taking you over every type of terrain and rewarding you with the most stunning landscapes and unique cultures.
3. Mustang Trail Race
The Mustang Trail Race is a high altitude trail race through the culturally Tibetan trans-Himalayan region of Nepal.
You’ll mix challenging running on centuries-old trading trails, with plenty of downtime for rest and cultural exploration of caves, villages, monasteries and Hindu temples from Lower to Upper Mustang.
Mustang with its fairytale landscape is one of the few places in the world to retain an air of mystery. Only opened to tourism in 1992, it is an enclave of pure Tibetan Buddhist culture whose conserved monasteries, and caves alike, house priceless historical treasures.
4. The Last Desert (Antarctica)
The Last Desert is the only multi day race on the Antarctic continent. You will traverse across the largest desert in the world which is often referred to as the “White Desert”.
The event is held around the Antarctic Peninsula which has a remarkable history of polar exploration and whaling. The scenic backdrop includes icebergs, mountains, research bases, seals, birds and penguins.
Registration for The Last Desert (Antarctica) is by invitation only. You’ll need to have completed two other events within the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series or RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon to receive your exclusive invite from the team.
5. Ultra Tour Monte Rosa
Wild spaces, 4000m mountains in every direction, and quiet trails – this is where Lizzy Hawker chose to train for UTMB Mont-Blanc and other races, circling Monte Rosa in long stages & sleeping in a village overnight. It’s a tough route, high and technical in many places – and prior mountain running experiences are needed, the more the better!
This beautiful route in the format of a stage race is a great experience. You can enjoy the views across meadows and mountains in daylight, and dine and socialise with the competitors in afternoons and evenings.
There is a mix of great athletes running for the day’s podium alongside those looking simply to challenge themselves. The UTMR stage event is an immensely fun way to cover this classic European long distance trail.
Doors to join the 2025 cohort of Breaking 250 are now open!
We get started on Monday 18th November 2024 and run for 12 months until October 2025.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING US THE NEXT BEST STEP IS TO BOOK A FREE 30-MINUTE DISCOVERY CALL WHERE WE CAN CHAT MORE ABOUT YOU, YOUR GOALS AND HOW BREAKING 250 CAN SUPPORT YOU.
NOT SURE IF THE PROGRAMME IS RIGHT FOR YOU OR HAVE QUESTIONS? — EMAIL ME AT HANNAH@HANNAHWALSH.CO.UK