Entries for the 2025 Nedbank Desert Dash, which is set to take place from 5 to 6 December from Windhoek to Swakopmund, have officially opened with the solo riders’ category on Monday.

The two-person-team category entries will open on 9 June, followed by the most anticipated four-person team category set to open in June. 

Entries for all three categories will close on 30 September. This year, the Nedbank Desert Dash route will remain unchanged, covering the 401-kilometre (km) route of last year in the world’s oldest desert – The Namib Desert. 

This gruelling race navigates the breathtaking and challenging landscapes of the Namib Desert.

The 24-hour race will start on 5 December, at the Grove Mall in Windhoek, and conclude in Swakopmund at the Platz Am Meer Mall on 6 December.  Over 1 200 mountain bike cyclists are expected to participate.

All new race developments will be announced at the official launch which is slated for later this year. Last year’s solo men runner-up, Drikus Coetzee, says that his previous participation in the Nedbank Desert Dash have all been fantastic experiences, and is excited for this year’s competition: “The race keeps progressing very well and each year we see that they introduce new developments. Last year, they introduced a new route that I feel elevated the race.”

Four-time Nedbank Desert Dash participant Anri Greef says she is excited to participate as a solo rider this year: “I did my first solo in 2024, and my plan was simply to finish which has allowed me to use what I learnt then to improve for this year. I hope to improve my performance from last year.”

Nedbank Namibia Manager for Communications and Public Relations, Selma Kaulinge said: “The Dash continues to excel with each year. We have witnessed the increase in the popularity of the sport, and this race in particular, as it offers a profound personal and emotional rewards because completing the race is more than a physical achievement, it is a testament to one’s resilience, determination, and adventurous spirit. We continue to echo that the Dash isn’t just a race; it truly is a testament to the human spirit. 

“Every year, we witness incredible feats of hard work, sweat, resilience, camaraderie, and tears of personal triumph. We encourage cyclists, whether seasoned veterans or aspiring adventurers, to secure their spot early and prepare for an unforgettable experience.”

She added that Nedbank’s enduring commitment to the race underscores its dedication to empowering local, regional, and international sporting excellence, emphasising that the shared camaraderie among participants fosters lifelong bonds, uniting passionate cyclists from around the world in pursuit of a common goal.

The Dash is a Namibia Cycling Federation-sanctioned event. To enter the Dash, visit desertdashnamibia.com.