In the year 2012, Patagonian International Marathon® became the first marathon to take place in Torres del Paine National Park. Since that first edition, the event has occurred each year in the month of September, either inside the park or within its surroundings. The only interruption was in 2020 due …
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In the year 2012, Patagonian International Marathon® became the first marathon to take place in Torres del Paine National Park. Since that first edition, the event has occurred each year in the month of September, either inside the park or within its surroundings. The only interruption was in 2020 due to the pandemic. Since its origin, the event has brought together runners from more than 65 countries, converging together in the extreme south of Patagonia to fulfill the dream of running in one of the most pristine locations on the planet. It is the most multinational marathon in Southern Chilean Patagonia.
The base city is Puerto Natales, located 250 km to the north of Punta Arenas, the capital of the region. Geographically, the event takes place in the extreme south of the American continent, at 51° south latitude, in a privileged location of Western Patagonia, located to the east of the Great Southern Ice Field and in the surroundings of Torres del Paine National Park.
The event will take place to the SW of Torres del Paine National Park, utilizing its vehicular gravel routes, which are characterized by various curves and steep slopes.
The magic of running in the heart of Patagonia, alongside runners from all over the world, and the adventure of facing a relentless, and at times even hostile, climate are essential elements of Patagonian International Marathon®.
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Stunning scenery, big hills!
We lucked out with the weather!! We were told to prepare for any kind of weather and that it could change on a dime. Temps were about upper 20s to … MORE
We lucked out with the weather!! We were told to prepare for any kind of weather and that it could change on a dime. Temps were about upper 20s to low 30s at the start (we saw frost along the drive to the start) and finished mid 40s F. I traveled with Marathon Tours who provided transportation from the hotel (where we finished) to the start line. We were able to stay on the bus until the race started. Sunny skies for most of the race. Winds were not nearly as bad as what we heard in the previous year. As I recall, it was only in the last 3 miles or so the winds picked up significantly. This was a marathon where I ran just to enjoy the scenery and ran without regard to time. I stopped to take many photos along the way.
I’d estimate there were ~200 marathoners. The field spread out over time so there were times I was running alone (enjoying the spectacular scenery!). The first 6 miles or so were packed gravel, and the last 2-3 miles were as well. The rest was paved road. I only had 1 stone in my shoe the entire run, so don’t let that concern you. There were sufficient water stops, as someone else had commented. You need to bring your own container for water as they don’t want paper cups littering the landscape. As I recall there was a porta-potty at only one water stop along the course. There were some at the start too. The mileage along the course was marked, however it was marking down distance to finish. The hills were impressive! I’m a decent hill runner and couldn’t make it up these. I’ve run 25 marathons before this and I’d say the course was most similar to Big Sur, another race with stunning scenery. The course is mostly straight, btw, so no chance of getting lost. As someone else commented, the only confusing part was the finish. You run onto the hotel property but don’t see the finish.
It could benefit from bigger signage and/or volunteers pointing where to go. Turns out the finish is in the back of the hotel out of view. The reception at the finish was lovely. The water stop volunteers were great too! Shout out to the Rio Serrano hotel where the race ended (and where I stayed). Outstanding property and staff!
The attached photo is from the start of the race, as we ran into a cloud.
Amazing!
I would highly recommend this race to all runner/adventurers! I found it to be very well organized, plenty of communication from the organization, and I felt very safe on race … MORE
I would highly recommend this race to all runner/adventurers! I found it to be very well organized, plenty of communication from the organization, and I felt very safe on race day. The scenery is epic. I cannot imagine a more beautiful run. The aid stations had water, isotonic drink, orange wedges, banana halves, chocolate, and puffed rice energy bars. The roads were mostly empty except for a few vehicles that seemed to be associated with the race (they cheered on everyone they passed too). There were photographers stationed at various points and at the finish line was basically a big party- we got free pasta but could purchase lots of other foods/drinks. The race is pricey but I think it is worth it. I absolutely loved it, highly recommend it, and would go back every year if it weren’t so expensive to get to the southern tip of South America!
Bucket List Race and Location
I co-hosted our first group of runners for this years marathon, half marathon and 10k. The following is a composite of the groups feedback: The Course Difficulty: - It was … MORE
I co-hosted our first group of runners for this years marathon, half marathon and 10k. The following is a composite of the groups feedback:
The Course Difficulty:
– It was a difficult course, especially the second half, but the views along the way were just phenomenal and worth every hill and pain :-).
– SPECTACULAR COURSE! It was a very difficult course, but the views were INCREDIBLE! It was completely worth the additional challenge.
– The hills are tough. The wind was tougher. It is a difficult course for average runners. But the scenery makes up for the effort to get to the finish.
Course Scenery:
– Most beautiful road marathon that I’ve done.
– Gorgeous! Stunning! Unreal.
– Breathtaking! Stunning!
Race Production:
– I didn’t expect much support being in the middle of nowhere. The markings where small due to wind so that is also understandable.
– A big shout-out to the local folk who were at the water and supply stops in the gusty winds all day. They were absolutely wonderful.
– I found the last few hundred meters of the course not as well marked as I would have liked.
– Love that it ended at our hotel, best finish area ever.
– Amazing they award so many categories, but they messed up the execution and it took too long for the marathon.
Race Swag:
– Very nice the bag was picked up and in my room.
– Loved the design and colors
– The buff was very useful for this trip, particularly during the W trek.
– Nice shirt
Looking forward to 2019!