The white sands of Atlantis Dunes once again became a battlefield for endurance as Red Bull Dune Dusters returned on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
With 350 runners lining up on shifting terrain just outside Cape Town, this was never going to be a race won on speed alone. On sand, pace means little without strategy. Every step sinks. Every climb burns. And every descent demands control.
Red Bull Dune Dusters has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most uncompromising running challenges. Entirely run on sand, the event transforms a seemingly manageable distance into a full body and mental grind.
Conquering The Sands
The race played out over a demanding 5km loop carved into rolling dunes. But this was not a simple out and back effort. Athletes progressed through a multi stage elimination format that rewarded more than just raw pace. Consistency, recovery and resilience became the deciding factors.
With each round, the field narrowed. Runners had to reset quickly, manage fatigue and return to the start line knowing the sand would offer no favours. Deep sections swallowed momentum. Steep climbs punished overconfidence. Even experienced trail athletes were forced to rethink their pacing strategies.
By the final stages, the dunes had stripped the field down to those who could combine physical strength with sharp decision making.
A Test Beyond Speed
Red Bull Dune Dusters continues to attract athletes from road, trail and ultra backgrounds. But the dunes are a neutraliser. Personal bests on tar count for little when every stride requires twice the effort. Among those on the sand was ultra trail star Ryan Sandes, a long time supporter of the event and one of the country’s most accomplished endurance athletes.
READ MORE: Run Smarter Not Harder With Ryan Sandes’ Cape Town Marathon Tips
“Dune Dusters is a challenging event, it really drains your energy, but that’s what makes it so much fun,” said Sandes. “The vibe out here this year has been absolutely incredible.”
The format forces runners to dig deeper with every round. There is no settling into rhythm. No comfortable cruising speed. It is a constant negotiation between effort and efficiency.
The Champions Of The Dunes
After hours of eliminations and relentless racing, it was professional trail runner AJ Calitz who claimed the men’s title. Competing at the event for the first time, Calitz embraced the unpredictability of the terrain.
“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,” he said. “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 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.”
In the women’s race, Louise Dippenaar delivered a composed and determined performance to take the win.
“It was an incredible event and so well organised. Thank you to Red Bull. I honestly can’t believe I won,” she said. “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. An unwavering refusal to back down.
Zero Excuses. Only Sand.
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.
