The Atacama Crossing is a self-supported footrace across 150 miles (250 kilometres) of the Atacama Desert in Chile. The race consists of six stages, lasting seven days, with distances ranging from 10-50 miles (20-80 kilometres) per stage. There will be checkpoints conveniently positioned along the course every 7 or 8 miles (10 or 12 kilometers). Competitors are required to be fully self-supported throughout the event and must carry all their own food, gear and clothing which they will need to complete the 150 mile (250 kilometre) course. Water and a place in a tent will be provided daily.
The Atacama Crossing will take place in the Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest place on Earth. The Atacama Desert is 15 million years old and is the location for many high tech astronomy centres for leading educational institutions in the world. The Atacama Desert has the most lunar-like landscape on Earth and is frequently used by NASA to test its Mars rover vehicles. The entire event will be held at one mile above sea level and cover the distance required to make a horizontal crossing of the country of Chile (250 kilometres). The course will follow river valleys, cross streams and traverse massive salt flats and volcanoes before finishing in a location around San Pedro de Atacama.
The Atacama Desert is 50 times more arid than California’s Death Valley and is virtually sterile because it is blocked by moisture on both sides by the Andes and the coastal mountains. During July the daytime temperature can reach highs of 100 Fahrenheit (40 degrees C) and drop below freezing after sunset.
Meet the team!