BUCKET LIST RACES
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Ben North , a 2019 finisher has this to say : “ You go through extreme highs and lows , but you just have to keep on going . Being in the jungle is amazing , it ’ s like nowhere else on earth .”
A Journey through the Amazon : The Jungle Ultra Marathon
Set in the Manu National Park , Peru , deep in the rainforest , this 230km self-sufficient ultra marathon is one of the toughest races in the world . Taking only 60 entrants , it is a bucket list race that will take you through a rainforest deep in the untouched jungle . Is this a race for you ? Let ’ s find out .
Set over five stages in five days , you have your base in what is known as ‘ cloud forest ’ with a hammock for your bed , and every day you will conquer mud and extreme humidity . The thin air doubles the effort required to move , testing all your physical and mental resilience . There is a reason the organisers call this a race like no other !
So first up , how much does the race cost ? At 3000 pounds , our rather poor South African Rand exchange , you are looking at over R70 000 to just enter . Thankfully it can be broken into four instalments , to try and ease the load . The Jungle Ultra gives you the opportunity to compete in one of the most remote and challenging areas where few tourists ever get the opportunity to go . Your entry fee covers the teams , logistics and park fees to bring this race to life .
So what does the entry fee cover ?
• GPS tracking , to ensure your safety
• Manned check-points and camps with medical and support staff
• Provision of drinking water on the course and hot water for preparing food at all camps .
• Transfer to and from the race
• Storage of luggage during the race
• Race tee and finishers medal
• Donation to the woodland project to offset carbon from flights
• Celebratory meal and finish line celebrations
• National Park fees
What ’ s not included in your entry fee are your flights , additional hotel stays , equipment and clothing ( there is a kit list ) and food and drink during the race , other than the water provided at check points and camps .
Are there qualifying criteria ? Yes , but for South Africans we do not think this is hard , anyone who plans on entering should have run and finished a marathon-length event within 12 months of running the Jungle Ultra .
Sound like your dream adventure ? This year ’ s event is already sold out but there are still 48 places for 2026 ! Find out more by clicking the button below .
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26 ISSUE 176 | www . modernathlete . co . za