The Race: The Atacama Crossing is a 250km self-supported race on foot through the Atacama desert. The race is split into 6 stages which take place over 7 days. Each individual must carry his or her own gear, food and clothing - the only assistance provided is water, tents and medical assistance. The course starts at an altitude of around 3,000m. There are 4 consecutive stages of just over 40km, a very long day of nearly 75km, followed by the final 10 or so km being completed on the final 6 stage. The total course distance is equivalent to a horizontal crossing of Chile itself, from coast to border, and the whole race will take place at more than 1 mile above sea level. The race has been named as the second hardest endurance race in the world by Time Magazine earlier this year (beaten by the Dakar Rally)
The Location: The Atacama desert is the driest place on earth. It is a rainless plateau made up of salt lakes, lava flows and sand. In some places no human has ever recorded a single drop of rain and there are dry river beds that have not seen water in 120,000 years. The day time temperatures expected may exceed 32° C (90° F) while night time temperatures may drop to below 16° C (61° F) or lower.
For those who have seen the latest James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, much of the final drama was filmed in the Atacama desert (supposedly Bolivia), and you will have an idea of its stark beauty and isolation. One of my aims is not to end up like the villain at the end of that film, alone in the middle of the Atacama desert with only a can of motor oil to drink….
The Charity: Todos Juntos Childrens Trust was set up by Fiona Ambrosi in 2005 to help children in the slums of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Its aim is to improve their daily living conditions through Project Sonrisa ("Smile") providing free dental care and hygiene for serious oral health complications, and through provision of food, clothing, shoes and school supplies. None of the money I raise doing this event will be going to pay for the event itself, and Todos Juntos have not provided any financial support for the race.
So please sponsor me now!
