Race Coverage

Race Coverage

RACE Coverage

Atacama Crossing Home

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many questions that you may have as make the final preparations for the Atacama Crossing.  Most questions are answers in the Essential Race Information document which is available to confirmed racers.

However this list of questions has been put together based on questions that have been asked recently.

 

QU: Can I store a bag that I will use for the race?

We will store one bag for you during the race.  As a precaution we recommend that you bring minimal valuable items and lock your bags.

 

QU: What are the Sunrise and sunset times

 Sunrise is around 7:30am

Sunset at 7:30pm

This means you have some light from 7am to 8pm. 

 

QU: How does the Long March work

The Long March works the same as all the other Stages.

It is one Stage so most people will be out after dark.

The key differences:

 i)                 It is around double the distance so there are more checkpoints, but they are still Approx. 10km / 6 miles apart;

 ii)                There is one checkpoint called “the overnight” which is around halfway where there is hot water available

 iii)               A few hours will be added onto the cut-off time at this checkpoint to allow anyone who wants to have a rest.

The leaders will likely finish within 8-10 hours and the last people will finish in more than 24 hours.

  

QU: Is there hot water available during the race.

Yes, hot water is available at all Camp from about 5am until 7:30am and in the afternoon from about 2pm until 8pm.

Hot water is not provided at any checkpoints, except the overnight on the Long March.

 

QU:  How will the water be provided?

What is provided from large, 20 liter containers.

 

QU: Can I bring a drop bag?

No. We did have a drop bag during the post-COVID years, but this is no longer the case.

The only exception is that if you are bringing your own single tent we will carry this from Camp to Camp for you.  It can only be your tent, nothing else.

 

QU: Are there any water crossings

Yes.  On Stage 2 you will be in the slot canyons for about 5km where you will be in out of a small river.

There are other places where you may get your feet wet, but no major river crossings.

 

QU: What are the temperatures?

March, the first month of the autumn, in San Pedro de Atacama,

In the desert you should expect

Lows at night of -2C / 28F
Highs during the day of 40C / 104F
It can be windy
There is unlikely to be any rain

 

QU: Will there be a Tea / Coffee Tent.
Yes, we will have a tent where you can get tea and coffee in the morning and the afternoon at each Camp.
This is something we introduced for RacingThePlanet’s 20th Anniversary and have decided to keep this going at the Atacama Crossing 2025.
However if you are a coffee lover then you may still want to bring your own so you can be sure to get the coffee you like when you want it.

 


QU: Will I suffer from Altitude Sickness?
The highest point of the course is at 3,000 meters / 9,800 feet, this is at Camp.
This is the level where symptoms of altitude sickness can start.
Competitors have not previously had any major altitude issues, but you will feel minor symptoms such as shortness of breath and feeling more tired than usual.
After that the course is generally around 2,500 meters / 8,200 feet.