The Atacama Crossing (Chile), is a 7-day, 250-kilometer / 155-mile self-supported footrace located in the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world located in northern Chile.
The course takes competitors across a wide variety of terrain and includes approximately 1,683 meters (5,521 feet) of ascents and 2,508 meters (8,228 feet) of descents over the 7-day race. Starting at just below 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) in the Arcoiris Valley, the race gradually descends over the six stages to finish in the quaint town of San Pedro de Atacama at an elevation of 2,400 meters (7,900 feet).
Competitors will go through magnificent salt flats stretching as far as the eye can see, run-down huge sand dunes which will literally take your breath away, go through canyons where you can touch the walls on both sides, and sleep under glittering night skies in the driest place on earth.
The course is varied. You will tackle sand dunes, river crossings, gravel, loose rocks, hard-packed earth, and even waist-high grass. This is in addition to the infamous salt flats (described as “frozen broccoli / a ploughed field”) that will challenge even the most dexterous of runners to cross at full speed.
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