Red Bull Dune Dusters Brings Adventurous Sand Running Back to the Atlantis Dunes

Cape Town’s legendary Atlantis Dunes will once again become a playground for endurance athletes as Red Bull Dune Dusters returns on 21 February 2026. This unique running event last took place in 2020 and will see runners step away from predictable road routes and groomed trails to take on one of the most demanding natural surfaces imaginable: sand.

Red Bull Dune Dusters is not about clock-chasing alone. Instead, it challenges runners to adapt, endure and think on their feet as they navigate a constantly shifting landscape of rolling dunes. The course is laid entirely on natural sand and combines flatter sections with technical terrain and steep dune climbs that test balance, leg strength and mental focus from the very first stride.

While the distance may appear manageable on paper, sand running transforms every kilometre into a serious physical and psychological test. Each step sinks and slides, forcing runners to work harder for forward momentum and placing greater demands on stabilising muscles. It’s this unpredictability that makes the event so compelling — no two strides feel the same, and no two races unfold in exactly the same way.

Red Bull Dune Dusters in Cape Town | What's on in Cape Town — Ryan Sandes

Red Bull Dune Busters is a race that rewards resilience

Unlike traditional road or trail races, Red Bull Dune Dusters is designed to reward adaptability rather than pure speed. Pacing, energy management and recovery play a crucial role, particularly as fatigue sets in. Runners must learn to listen to their bodies, choose when to push and when to conserve energy, and remain mentally composed even as the terrain challenges their rhythm and confidence.

Here’s what you can expect

Red Bull Dune Dusters feature a 5km loop course, delivered through a high-intensity elimination format. After each stage, the field narrows, with only the strongest and most resilient athletes progressing. This structure creates a fast-moving, spectator-friendly atmosphere while placing increasing pressure on competitors to perform consistently under fatigue.

As the rounds unfold, recovery becomes just as important as running ability. Athletes must reset quickly, manage rising heart rates and return to the start line ready to tackle the dunes again. It’s a format that mirrors real-world endurance challenges, where success depends on more than a single strong effort.

A new dimension for road and trail runners

One of the defining features of Red Bull Dune Dusters is its broad appeal. Road runners looking for a new test, trail runners seeking technical terrain, and gravel or adventure runners craving something different will all find themselves equally challenged. The event encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones and experience a style of running that feels raw, elemental and deeply connected to the environment.

Ultra-trail runner Ryan Sandes will return to the event

Ultra-trail runner and Red Bull athlete Ryan Sandes believes this is what makes the event so special. Reflecting on the previous edition, he recalls the overwhelming response from the running community. “After the 2020 event, the question I heard most was, ‘When is Dune Dusters coming back?’” he says. “It’s such a unique challenge because it brings together road, trail and gravel runners and asks them to do something completely different.”

Sandes emphasises that sand running requires a different approach. “It demands strength, patience and mental grit,” he explains. “My advice is to start training early, get used to running on sand, build leg strength and practise as much as you can. What you put in is what you get out.”