The South African endurance athlete conquered a gruelling 230km five-day stage race, finishing second in the women’s category after only receiving her entry five weeks before the event.
Cape Town, South Africa (25 June 2026) – Cape Town ultra-runner Maranda Muller has returned home after producing one of the standout performances of her endurance career, finishing second in the women’s race and 15th overall at the demanding 230km Amazon Jungle Ultra Marathon.
Maranda was the only South African in the field and entered the five-day stage race with little expectation beyond reaching the finish line.
Instead, she found herself standing on the podium after conquering one of the world’s toughest endurance events.
“I am completely in awe of my own strength. I did not know that I had that in me to firstly do so well in an international field, but also it was my first five-day stage race.”
Her achievement becomes even more remarkable considering she only learned she would be competing five weeks before the race. The opportunity came after her coach, who had originally secured an entry, was unable to attend and offered it to her instead.
“I had never run anything more than 160 kilometres before, so this was really something that surprised me, and I’m very, very proud of myself.”
Fortunately, she had built a strong foundation through five years of consistent training and had recently completed a 100-mile race in the Drakensberg.
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The race itself proved to be the most difficult challenge of her sporting career. While the opening stages were manageable, the latter half took runners deeper into the Amazon rainforest, where steep climbs, humidity and accumulated fatigue tested both body and mind.
“While it’s extremely physically taxing, after a certain point it becomes very mental. You’re having to override your brain’s natural instinct to want to preserve itself and push through the discomfort.”
Back home, Maranda received an emotional welcome from family and loved ones who had followed her progress throughout the event.
“It was amazing to see the people left behind while I was away still supporting me so much and so eager to celebrate in my achievement.”
A former Western Province hockey player and South African ice hockey nominee, she believes her lifelong sporting background helped prepare her for the challenge.
She also spoke openly about overcoming substance abuse earlier in life, crediting ultra-running with helping her build a healthier future.
“Second chances are 100% available to those who want them and those who choose themselves first.”
With the Amazon Jungle Ultra now behind her, Maranda’s attention has already shifted to the future. Inspired by the Beyond the Ultimate race series, she hopes to one day complete its remaining events, with the Desert Ultra in Namibia firmly in her sights.
For now, she is taking time to appreciate a result that exceeded even her own expectations.
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