About the Atacama Crossing and UltraLite (Chile)

The Atacama Crossing is a 7-day, 250 km / 155 mile footrace that takes place in the incredible Atacama Desert of Chile. Over the seven days, competitors traverse salt flats, run down unforgettable sand dunes, go through narrow slot canyons, and experience starry nights under the watchful eye of Volcan Lincancabur in the foothills of the Andes mountains. The race takes you through Moon Valley, the Valley of Mars the Salar de Atacama and finally ends in the Town Square of the desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. UltraLite (Chile) is held alongside the Atacama Crossing for those who seek the challenge of an ultramarathon but with a more flexible format. The race offers adventure, endurance, and community—all in an awe-inspiring setting.

Itinerary

  • 02 Apr 2027

    Competitors Arrive in the host town (hotel provided)

  • 03 Apr 2027

    Race Check-In at Race Hotel

  • 04 Apr 2027

    Race Starts

  • 04 Apr 2027 - to - 10 Apr 2027

    Stage 1 - To - Stage 6 takes place

  • 10 Apr 2027

    Awards Banquet (hotel provided)

  • 11 Apr 2027

    Event Ends (travel home)

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Headlines

  • 02 Sep 2026 Training Plans

    Not sure where to start?  Have a look at our six month training plans. There is one for beginners (just want to finish), intermediate (want to do as well as possible) and advanced (aiming for a Top 10 place). 

  • 22 Aug 2026 Namib Race and UltraLite (Namibia) 2026 Have Concluded

    Congratulations to all the participants of the Namib Race and UltraLite (Namibia) 2026 for their incredible achievements and perseverance. The overall winner was Takuro Kumagai from Japan, with the female category won by Michaela (Michi) Punz‑Raml from Austria. The Official Team Winner was Team Taiwan A from Taiwan, represented by Yi Chieh (Kevin) Lin and Min Feng Lee, while the Group Team Winner was JustRunEat from Korea, with members Yujin Kim, Hansol Hong, and Bomi Lee. Relive the race coverage. 

  • 30 Jul 2026 Explore the Incredible Course

    The course of the Atacama Crossing takes competitors across a wide variety of stunning and challenging terrain. Each Stage has unique cultural, historical and scenic highlights. See the full descriptions, distances, elevation, and watch a flyover of the course. 

  • 22 Jul 2026 How To Get to the Atacama Crossing

    The host town for the Atacama Crossing is San Pedro de Atacama.  Find out how to get there and start booking your flights. 

  • 09 Jul 2026 It Wasn't Just A Race ...

    "This wasn’t just a race. It was a journey of perseverance, of grit, of dreaming big and working harder than you ever thought possible. It was about facing the unknown, pushing through pain, and finding beauty—in the landscape, in the people, and in yourself."

  • 01 Jul 2026 Photos To Inspire

    The Photo Slideshow from the last edition of the Atacama Crossing will help to inspire and motivate you. 

  • 27 Jun 2026 RacingThePlanet History Made at the Gobi March 2026

    The 20th edition of the Gobi March concluded on Saturday and what a great week it was.  Relive all the action. watch the final film and find out about the milestone achieved. The Namib Race is up next. 

  • 20 Jun 2026 Follow the Gobi March 2026 Live Now

    The 20th edition of the Gobi March is underway. Follow the race to see results, photos, videos, blogs and more. Or sign up to receive breaking news to your email. 

    This will give you an idea of what your friends and family can see when you take on the Atacama Crossing. 

  • 10 Jun 2026 Find Out Everything You Need To Know At A Glance

    The itinerary, the logistics, the course, the highlights, the background, the average speeds, , the cost, what's included - find out everything in one place. 

  • 27 May 2026 UltraLite (Chile) is held alongside the Atacama Crossing

    If you seek the challenge of an ultramarathon seeking adventure, endurance, and community, but with a more flexible format, consider UltraLite (Chile):

    > Complete up to half the distance each Stage (up to 125km total over 7 days)

    > You don't have to carry a full pack

    > If you complete 50km in 7 days you are a finisher

Photos

Experience a race through these
incredible photos