The 2026 Ultra X 110 Rwanda takes place on January 24–25, 2026, in the Northern Rwanda districts of Burera and Musanze, near Volcanoes National Park. Participants will run on natural trails and rural paths through lush highlands, coffee plantations, banana fields, and lake peninsulas. The terrain includes gentle hills, jungle-like vegetation, and dirt tracks, offering a low-to-moderate technical challenge focused on endurance. Weather conditions are expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from 15–26°C (59–79°F), which is ideal for winter racing. The event is part of the global Ultra X series and holds UTMB World Series Indexing, providing a qualifying pathway for the UTMB Mont-Blanc lottery.
What distances are available for this event?
→110K Two-Day Stage Race (Day 1: ~55 km on Saturday, January 24; Day 2: ~55 km on Sunday, January 25; includes overnight accommodation)
→50K Single-Day Race (Sunday, January 25, 2026; shares part of the second stage of the 110K course)
What is the event format and race rules?
→The 110K is a two-day stage race with an overnight accommodation break between stages.
→The 50K is a single-day race.
→Relaxed time limits are approximately 2.5 hours per 10 km section.
→The focus is on adventure over speed; finish times are not the primary measure of success.
→If a participant does not finish a stage in the 110K, they are offered a 50% discount on a future edition but will not receive a finisher medal or official result.
What is included in the registration?
→Race entry
→Fully marked course with GPS support
→Medical and ground support throughout
→Drinking water at checkpoints
→Race accommodation for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights
→Transfers to and from the race base on Friday and Monday
→Finisher’s medal
→Post-race celebration on Lake Ruhondo with a buffet meal
→UTMB World Series Indexing
→Access to an optional competitor Facebook group and pre-race call with staff
What is not included in the registration?
→Flights
→Personal insurance
→Meals outside of race events
→Kigali hotel stays
→Safari or gorilla trekking permits (available as add-ons)
What is the course terrain and technicality?
→Terrain consists of dirt trails, farm paths, lake peninsulas, and forested valleys.
→The course is rated as low-to-moderate technicality (2/5), emphasizing endurance over extreme technical difficulty.
→Trail shoes with good grip and drainage are essential.
What scenery and wildlife can participants expect?
→Scenery includes coffee farms, banana groves, volcanic peaks (Virunga Mountains), twin lakes (Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera), and traditional villages.
→The course is in proximity to gorilla habitats in Volcanoes National Park.
→Optional post-race experiences include gorilla trekking and safaris in Akagera National Park (lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos).
What is the Africa Slam?
→The Africa Slam is an elite title earned by completing all Ultra X races in Africa.
→Through 2025, this requires completing races in Morocco, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
→From 2026 onward, it requires completing five events: Morocco, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, and Sahara.
→There is no time limit to complete the Slam.
→The medal is awarded at the final African finish line.
What is the UTMB World Series Indexing?
→Ultra X Rwanda is part of the UTMB World Series.
→Finishing the race provides UTMB World Series Indexing, which qualifies participants for UTMB Major draws (e.g., UTMB Mont-Blanc lottery).
What are the age requirements and local participation details?
→Specific age requirements are not listed in the provided information; participants should verify eligibility.
→Rwandan residents, East Africans, and expats living in Rwanda should contact info@tugende.rw for registration guidance.
What travel and add-on options are available?
→Nearest airport: Kigali International (KGL).
→Pre/post-race base: Tugende Hostel & Café in Kigali, a community hub for food and bikes.
→Optional add-ons: Guided gorilla trekking and post-race safari in Akagera National Park.
→The event is family-friendly; non-runners can explore Rwanda or volunteer while participants race.
