Race Course

The Rainforest Ultra 2026 will take place in the Reserva Extrativista Tapajós-Arapiuns (RESEX). In 2027, we’ll move to the Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (FLONA), and the following year we’ll return to the RESEX. This rotation will continue in the same manner.

The RESEX was created November 6th, 1998. It covers an area of 677,513.24 hectares. 66% of it are part of the municipality of Santarém and 24% are part of Aveiro. 4,853 families and a total of 23,000 people live here in 72 communities and 24 indigenous villages of 7 ethnic groups. The Rainforest Ultra will cover almost the full South to North extension of the nature reserve. About half of our trails will take us through jungle and the other half along white, sandy beaches.

In 2027 we will get to know the FLONA, which was created February 19th, 1974. It covers a total area of 527,319 hectares and is situated in the municipalities of Aveiro, Belterra, Placas and Rurópolis, in the west of the State of Pará. 1,050 families and around 4 thousand residents live here, along the BR-163 highway, in 23 communities and three indigenous villages of the Munduruku ethnic group.

We will run from the South to the North and cover on a mixture of jungle trails and beaches. Participants will face some sections with elevation and dense rainforest. On the way we will pass through many village, some of which will be checkpoints and some start/finish lines.

Start time, date and location

The very first Rainforest Ultra will be held August 28th to September 8th, 2026. Athletes in the 100 km distance have the option to leave September 5th or stay along for the second 100 km distance, getting to know more of the RESEX as “tourists”, relaxing and/or going on short hikes.

The schedule includes time for acclimatisation, a survival course and of course race briefing. The actual race start for the 100 and 200 km race is September 1st. See all details in the itinerary below.

Preliminary schedules

Below you will see the itinerary for our 100 and 200 km races. Acclimatisation and the survival course are mandatory for all athletes

• not living and training in a climate with similar heat and humidity
• unfamiliar with the dangers of a jungle environment and basic survival skills

We will create a program for friends and family members who want to travel with our athletes, to get to know this part of Brazil and see the race unfold. We ask athletes to contact us if there is interest.

*Athletes in the 100 km race can either get a boat transfer back to Alter-do-Chão September 5th for a September 6th departure from the airport. Or they stay with the race and get to know more of the RESEX, where they can recover and do some light hiking or other activities until the end of the 200 km race.

Both 100 and 200 km athletes can extend their stay at own cost and enjoy some relaxing days in Alter-do-Chaõ before heading home again.
Athletes organize and pay their flights to and from Santarém airport. Transfers and accommodation are included as per the above schedule. Any extra days after Sept. 9th and associated cost, including airport transfers, are not included in the entry fee.

Athletes in the Rainforest Ultra can run and/or hike the trail.

The race is open for men, women and teams of 2 or more athletes. No age groups and no minors. Athletes in the team category will automatically be ranked as individuals, too.

Due to the challenging conditions caused by

• extreme heat and humidity
• water crossings (some of which may require swimming)
• possible weather changes (sudden storms with high winds and heavy rain)
• daily distances
• nature of jungle and beach trails
• wildlife encounters (e.g. poisonous snakes and frogs, scorpions, stingrays to name just a few)
• dangerous plants

the Rainforest Ultra is an extremely tough and dangerous event.

Situations which under normal circumstances don’t cause any problems can become absolutely life threatening on a remote trail in this part of Brazil. Please keep this in mind at all times and carefully read the information that is part of the application and waiver. If you sign up please also read our FAQ section and all other pages on this website. Come back regularly to check if there are any news.