Survival

Run

“Adapt or Die”

March 4, 2026

Entry Details Coming Soon | 30 person cap

WHAT IS SURVIVAL RUN?

Survival Run is a unique endurance race on Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua. Started in 2013 alongside the Fuego y Agua ultra and trail races, it uses the island’s terrain and workload as the basis for every task. It is not an OCR, not an adventure race, not an ultramarathon, and not a skills course. It pulls pieces from all of them, then removes anything unnecessary.

There is no theme, no staged obstacles, no safe version of the island. The event uses real conditions, real distance, and real consequences. Only people who are already physically and mentally prepared should enter.

entry is simple

if you agree to the Survival Run oath - “If I get hurt, lost, or die, it is my own damn fault.”

Then you can register.

FAQs

What is the Cutoff Time?

30 hours with very strict cutoffs on the course

What is the distance?

80 kilometers - give or take - there is a lot more than running in this race.

How many challenges?

10–15 tasks drawn from local work, terrain, and tradition

Is the course marked?

Unless otherwise noted, the course is marked with white tape; reflectors are used at night

Other course details?

No aid stations, No drop bags, No water provided, source and filter your own - there is plenty on the island.

The course is broken up into 4 segments, each with a medal awarded (I / DID / NOT / FAIL). Failure to complete a segment ends your race.

any special requirements to register?

Personal accident insurance required. Must comply with mandatory gear list; missing items = no start.

can i race with a team?

The race is Solo format only, but you can always run with another participant, you cannot help each other on any challenges though.

are there any awards?

Only the 1st Male, 1st Female finishers receive an award

how do I get to ometepe?

Fly into Managua and take a ferry at San Jorge, or come up from Costa Rica via the land border.

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

SURVIVAL RUN INFORMATION & RULES

  1. Standard cutoff: 30 hours unless stated otherwise. Additional cutoffs apply within each segment.

  2. Mandatory gear check at start. Missing items = no start.

  3. Mandatory gear check occurs before the start. Food quantity is your responsibility.

  4. The event uses a four-piece medal system: I / DID / NOT / FAIL.

  5. Each piece corresponds to one race segment. Failing a segment ends your race.

  6. Only those who finish all four segments and earn the complete I DID NOT FAIL medal are eligible for placement - All others are DNF (Did Not Finish).

  7. Medal pieces may be metal, stone, wood, or another local material. Some events require you to make part of it.

  8. Each segment contains required tasks. Completing a task earns a wristband. A defined number of wristbands earns that segment’s medal piece.

  9. Challenges are pass/fail. No penalties. No substitutions. Missed wristbands reduce your chance of earning the segment piece.

  10. Some tasks allow multiple attempts within the segment cutoff. Target/throwing tasks have fixed attempts. Practice areas may be available.

  11. CHALLENGE ARRIVAL

    1. State your bib number.

    2. Read the posted instructions. Staff will not clarify beyond what is written.

  12. CHALLENGE DEPARTURE

    1. If you passed, confirm the wristband is on your wrist.

    2. Check out with staff.

    3. Follow posted departure instructions.

  13. No assisting other runners on challenges.