Competitors will assemble at San Pedro de Atacama in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, to run the Volcano Marathon. The marathon will begin near the Tropic of Capricorn adjacent to Lascar Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Northern Chile. At a …
MORE
Competitors will assemble at San Pedro de Atacama in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, to run the Volcano Marathon. The marathon will begin near the Tropic of Capricorn adjacent to Lascar Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Northern Chile.
At a start altitude of 4,475 metres (14,682 feet), the Volcano Marathon is the highest desert marathon in the world. The impact of thinner air will be felt by competitors, but there is another certainty: the spectacular, panoramic views of up to 10 volcanoes will leave them breathless.
The first half of the race takes place on dirt roads at an average of over 4,000 metres altitude, with manned aid stations at the 10km and 21.1km points (half- marathon).
On reaching the third checkpoint at 30km, athletes ascend 2km off road. At 35km they encounter rough terrain for 5km alongside a gorge and need to pick their step carefully in this section.
The finish line is located at an altitude of 3,603 metres (11,821 ft) where the temperature could be 25C+.
The Volcano Marathon is more than just a marathon however! A few days acclimatisation at San Pedro, which lies at 2,600 metres (7,900 feet), will include training runs and visits to the Salt Mountain Range, Valley of the Moon and Valley of Death. These are spots that appear to be not of this Planet. The surreal, lunar shapes of Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) are bathed in striking colours of red, pink and gold at sunset: a sight not to be missed. The Valley of Death (Valle de la Muerte) features gigantic sand dunes and rocks that resemble the surface of Mars and it is little surprise that NASA tests equipment here when planning missions to the Red Planet.
LESS
