The event marks a major milestone in the country's sporting calendar, which will also see Rwanda hosting the World Cycling Championships later in 2025.
The race will take place on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26, in the scenic Burera and Musanze districts, offering participants the chance to race through some of Rwanda's most breathtaking landscapes.
The course promises stunning views of the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, as well as the towering Virunga Mountains and five iconic volcanoes: Mt. Muhabura, Mt. Sabyinyo, Mt. Karisimbi, Mt. Bisoke, and Mt. Gahinga.
Participants will have two options for the race: a 110km, two-day race covering the full weekend, or a shorter 50km race on Sunday.
According to the organizers, the race will attract over 100 international competitors from the United States, Australia, and Europe.
The event is supported by the Clarion Welbsy Foundation, which will provide essential kits to local runners, ensuring they are fully equipped to compete.
Alexander Fetherston-Godley, Race Director at Ultra X, was ecstatic about bringing the inaugural Ultra X Rwanda to life.
'The event will showcase Rwanda's extraordinary beauty and allow our international competitors to experience its warm culture and welcoming people. Most importantly, we want this event to be celebrated as a Rwandan and African race first and foremost, which is why we've worked hard to make it accessible to East African participants,' he stated.
UK High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, also expressed excitement about the race and wished the participants the best of luck.
'This ultramarathon will be an incredible test of athleticism and endurance in some of Rwanda's most beautiful locations. I wish the runners the best of luck as they race through the land of 1,000 hills!'
She added, 'At the British High Commission, we believe sports are fundamental to promoting good health and can be a brilliant driver of economic growth. It is fantastic to see British companies like Ultra X working in Rwanda, and I will be supporting the Rwandan Ministry of Sports and other partners to promote this event and others like it.'
Rwanda's Minister of Sports, Richard Nyirishema, said the event offers athletes a challenging and inspiring course set against Rwanda's stunning natural backdrop and urged international athletes to enrol for the race.
"This event not only promotes long-distance running but also fosters a spirit of determination, resilience, and sportsmanship among participants. We encourage athletes from all over the world to test their limits and experience the power of sport in Rwanda," the minister remarked.
Ultra X is a global multi-day ultramarathon series, which hosts trail races in some of the world's most adventurous and scenic locations.
The series has previously held events in Sri Lanka, Mexico, and Croatia, and its current portfolio spans Rwanda, Tanzania, Scotland, Finland, Slovenia, Wales, England, Jordan, Nevada, Morocco, and Madeira.
In the Rwandan race, Ultra X is collaborating with Tugende, an organization dedicated to promoting well-being and making a positive impact through sport and community.
Interested participants can access the local entry registration here.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
