Welcome to the Volcano Marathon - World's Highest Desert Marathon

The Volcano Marathon ® is provisionally scheduled for 14th - 19th November 2022 with the marathon due to take place on November 17th.

Competitors will assemble at San Pedro de Atacama in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world.

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 higest 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. 

This amazing event will also count towards The 7 Continents Marathon Club as an official South American marathon. 

For the 2022 entry fee of EUR 3,500 Global Running Adventures will provide:

• 5 days accommodation in a top San Pedro hotel*
• entry to the 2022 Volcano Marathon
• manned aid stations and support
• excursions to the Salt Mountain Range, Valley of the Moon and Valley of Death
• pre-race and post-race party
• t-shirts, medals, souvenirs
• professional photography of the race (personal use only)

*Entry fee for couple (both running) in one room or two freinds sharing room is EUR 5,000 total. Couple with one being a non-runner is EUR 4,000.

Places are limited and allotted on a first come first served bassi.