The Patagonian International Marathon is back for its second year after a successful inaugural race in 2012, which attracted almost 400 racers from 17 different countries. The race will be held in Chile’s beautiful Torres del Paine National Park on September 28th.
The race is organized by NIGSA, also the organizers of the Patagonian Expedition Race, one of “Ten Great Races in Amazing Places” (according to National Geographic, Jan 2012). NIGSA is committed to the preservation of the land and mindfully adheres to the globally recognized ‘Leave no Trace’ policy.
This marathon exists to draw the world’s attention to the conservation of Chilean Patagonia and to support the sustainable development of the region. The race highlights the beauty and diversity of the landscape and this intimate experience exposes the fragility of this unique eco-system, designated a UNESCO Biosphere reserve in 1978.
Participants run through one of the last great wilderness on Earth, a uniquely diverse and fragile environment, home to condor, puma, guanaco and the elusive endangered Huemul, or mountain deer. In keeping with the organizer’s strong environmental stance, the race will once again be in partnership with the Reforestemos Patagonia Project, which raises money to replant and care for areas damaged principally by wildfires.
Racers choose from four distances: a 63k (39.1 miles), 42k (26.2 miles), 21k (13.1 miles) and 10k (62 miles). The course, located deep in the Torres del Paine National Park, is a point to point race which allows participants to enjoy magnificent views of lakes, streams, the infamous granite towers, and much more.
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Wow! That’s an incredible destination marathon – awe-inspiring. May have to be at the top of the list after hitting all of the states this year!
It would be a pretty spectacular location.