About the Atacama Crossing

The Atacama Crossing is a 7-day, 250 km / 155 mile footrace that takes place in the incredible Atacama Desert of Chile. Through the seven days, competitors traverse through salt flats, massive sand dunes, icy cold slot canyons, river crossings, and experience starry nights while in the foothills of the Andes mountains as they complete the 250-kilometer / 155-mile course. The race goes through the Salar de Atacama, Moon Valley and Valle de la Muerte, and finally ends in the Town Square of the adobe-like village of San Pedro de Atacama.

Itinerary

  • 22 Sep 2023

    Competitors Arrive in the host town (hotel provided)
  • 23 Sep 2023

    Race Check-In at Race Hotel
  • 24 Sep 2023

    Race Starts
  • 24 Sep 2023 - to - 30 Sep 2023

    Stage 1 - To - Stage 6 takes place
  • 30 Sep 2023

    Awards Banquet (hotel provided)
  • 01 Oct 2023

    Event Ends (travel home)

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Headlines

  • 15 Mar 2023 Flyover the Course

    See the course on Relive to get an idea of the route, distances, elevation and photos from each section.

  • 13 Mar 2023 Zoom Recording: Get ready for the Gobi March!

    Watch the Zoom recording to help you arrive at the start line of the Gobi March well prepared. Listen to Gobi March Course Director Carlos Garcia and get all the tips for a successful race.

  • 07 Mar 2023 Join The Fun

    We already have an incredible line up of racers including elite athletes, first-timers and lots of our alumni. There are still places available if you are ready for the experience of a lifetime.

  • 01 Mar 2023 Must Watch Film Series by Jeff Pelletier

    Episode 5 of Jeff Pelletier's 7-part Series on the Special Edition of RacingThePlanet: Georgia premiere's on 1 March at 5pm GMT. You can also watch the first 4 episodes anytime and the final two from the 3rd and 5th March. Jeff is a racer and film maker and his video series gives a great insight into the races.

  • 22 Feb 2023 Book Your Travel

    With seven months to go before the Atacama Crossing 2023, now is a great time to book your travel (before prices increase). The host town is the desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama and the most common route is to fly into Santiago (the capital) and then take a domestic flight to Calama.  You must arrive by Friday, 22 September and are ready to leave on Sunday, 1 October. See the Essential Race Information for details of recommended flight routes.

  • 14 Feb 2023 Top Tips on Stage Racing from Personal Trainers

    Missed the zoom call?  Go to our Youtube channel for first-hand accounts from three RacingThePlanet alumni, Hannah Walsh, Zandy Mangold and John Bezou, on what it takes to finish, to win or to achieve the 4 Deserts Grand Slam. 

  • 30 Jan 2023 Competitor Area is Open

    The Competitor Area is OPEN. It includes the document called Essential Race Information which is your guidebook for the Atacama Crossing 2023. It answers many race and logistics questions, including how to get to the host town of San Pedro de Atacama, entry requirements into Chile, mandatory paperwork and some additional information on the race itself to help you prepare. If you have not received the details, let us know - [email protected]

  • 22 Jan 2023 #MORETHANARACE Zoom Call

    Listen to a recorded Zoom call for an inspirational talk about What Makes RacingThePlanet more than just running 250km across a desert!

  • 11 Jan 2023 RacingThePlanet Cafe to Celebrate 20 Years

    As part of our 20-year celebrations, a special cafe will be set up at each campsite offering tea and coffee each day to all participants at the races in 2023.

  • 04 Jan 2023 Start Planning Your Travel to San Pedro de Atacama

    The Atacama Crossing starts on Sunday, 24 September. You should arrive in the host town of San Pedro de Atacama by Friday, 22 September at any time and will be ready to leave on Sunday, 1 October at anytime. 

Photos

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