Given that it is Global Running Day, we thought it a great time to look at some of the most amazing races on the planet. Many of which, coincidentally can be found in Latino America. For all those marathoners, triathaloners or simply lovers of the greatest scenery on earth. Check out our curation of some the most amazing races on Mother Earth.
Inca Trail Marathon
This 27.5-mile marathon in Peru follows the original pilgrimage trail. It begins in the city of Cusco and leads you to the capital of the Inca Empire and the “Lost City of the Incas” aka Machu Picchu. However, beginners beware, this race is not for the faint of heart. The trail is considered by many as the hardest marathon in the world. The trail takes you over mountain terrain with altitudes from 8,000 to 13,779 feet, but along the way you will be rewarded as you’ll be able to get your Indiana Jones on by seeing some of the greatest archaeological sites in the world.
The Atacama Crossing
This is a six-stage, 155-mile footrace across the Atacama Desert in Chile. Over a period of six days’ competitors race 12-50 miles daily through the desert, carrying their own food and water. The Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth, with an average rainfall of just 1mm per year creating an additional challenge to competitors. Plus, the course usually ranges between 8,200 and 13,780 above sea level – almost half the height of Mt. Everest. Yeah, this race gives a whole new definition to the phrase Burning Man.
Sao Silvestre Road Race
Regarded as the main international event in Latin American athletics. Inaugurated in 1925, the Brazilian competition is held yearly in the city of São Paulo, Brazil on December 31st. This day is Saint Silvester’s Day, the day in which the Catholic saint, who was a Pope, died in the 4th century of the Christian Era. The 15K race is must for running royalty and has been won by running greats, including Emil Zatopek, Frank Shorter, Carlos Lopes, Rosa Mota, Paul Tergat, and Priscah Jeptoo.
Maraton CAF, Caracas
Although a newcomer to the marathon game when compared to its Latin American brethren, CAF Maraton in Caracas, Venezuela is no less important and has become a qualifier for the Olympics. Since it began in 2001, the CAF Marathon – Caracas has seen its numbers grow. The race offers two categories a 21K and a 42K. Both routes were certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations, and the event is the yearly National Marathon Championship of Venezuela.
Carrera de Mujer
Latino America did not forget the ladies!!! Every year over 40,000 participants from over 12 nations descend on Cali to hit the road. Carrera de Mujer, held in Cali, Colombia, is the only female exclusive 10K event with the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation Road Race) Gold Label. The race is broken into three categories, the open and elite, mothers and daughters and couple’s category, so the guys can get in on the action too!
