The iconic white sands of Cape Town’s Atlantis Dunes once again became a proving ground for endurance, resilience, and raw determination as Red Bull Dune Dusters returned on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
Set against rolling dunes and constantly shifting terrain, 350 runners took on one of South Africa’s most uncompromising running challenges; a race where speed alone was never enough, and success depended on adaptability, focus, and mental strength.
Run entirely on sand, Red Bull Dune Dusters transformed a deceptively short distance into a relentless physical and psychological test. Deep sand sections, steep dune climbs, and unforgiving conditions forced athletes to continually manage their energy, adjust their pacing, and push beyond comfort zones with every step.
The race unfolded across a demanding 5km loop, with athletes advancing through a multi-stage elimination format designed to reward consistency, recovery, and resilience. With each round, the pressure intensified as the field narrowed and runners were required to recover quickly and perform under mounting fatigue.
From the opening stages to the final showdown, the dunes dictated the outcome, stripping away margins and revealing who could truly handle the challenge.
Red Bull Dune Dusters once again proved it is far more than a conventional race. Drawing runners from road, trail, and ultra disciplines, the event posed a single, uncompromising question: how deep can you dig when the sand refuses to give anything back?
Ultra-trail runner and Red Bull athlete Ryan Sandes, a long-time advocate of the event, summed up the experience from the dunes:
Ryan Sandes: “Dune Dusters is a challenging event, it really drains your energy, but that’s what makes it so much fun. The vibe out here this year has been absolutely incredible.”
After hours of relentless racing and eliminations, the final runners standing earned their place among the toughest competitors in the dunes.
“I’m a professional trail runner and heard about Red Bull Dune Dusters through the grapevine; I honestly don’t know how I missed it before. This was my first time competing and it turned out to be an absolutely stunning day. The course was tough as nails, but also really, really fun. The weather played along, which made it even better. Being chased by Ryan Sandes right to the end kept the pressure on, and I loved every moment of it. Great energy, great company, and an unforgettable experience.”
“It was an incredible event and so well organised; thank you to Red Bull. I honestly can’t believe I won. It was my first time entering Red Bull Dune Dusters and I’m so proud of myself. When I signed up, winning wasn’t even on my mind, so this feels completely surreal. Mentally, I just kept telling myself to keep going — take small steps, stay light, and stay focused.”
Their performances captured the essence of Red Bull Dune Dusters: resilience under pressure, strength through adversity, and an unwavering refusal to back down.
Red Bull Dune Dusters continues to cement its place as one of South Africa’s most distinctive running events; a challenge that strips racing back to its rawest elements and rewards those willing to embrace discomfort.
As the final runners crossed the line and the dunes fell quiet once more, one thing was clear: the sand had spoken.
For more information and future event updates, follow @RedBullZA on social media.
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