In 2012, the Patagonian International Marathon became the first marathon in Torres del Paine National Park. Since its successful first edition, the event has occurred every September (except in 2020) and serves as a great excuse for the yearly season start at EcoCamp.
2024 will be no exception. The event will take place on Saturday, September 7, in Torres del Paine National Park. For the last 12 years, it has gathered runners from more than 65 countries in Chile's most beautiful place. At EcoCamp Patagonia, we chose this date to reopen the hotel for a new season with a Patagonian international marathon runners program that includes five days of adventures in Patagonia's finest national park.
EcoCamp Patagonia usually opens its doors from September to May. In 2024, the season will start on September 7 with the traditional Patagonian International Marathon. Sports enthusiasts can choose between 42K, 21K, or 10K.
Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp designed an incredible 5-day stay for runners to experience both the marathon and the best hiking trails in Torres del Paine. The program will start one day before the competition, on September 6, with a pick-up in Punta Arenas and a drive to Puerto Natales, where the event will occur the next day. On September 7, we will bring you to the competition's starting point and to EcoCamp after the finish.
The two days following the big challenge, runners can choose between easy and demanding excursions, including the famous towers' base trail, a nature walk to the Salto Grando and El Condor viewpoints, to Laguna Azul, or Cerro Paine. You rest in a cozy dome every night while connecting with other travelers in the community domes. EcoCamp will handle the logistics, with transportation inside and outside the park, delicious sustainable food, and guided activities for hikers and nature lovers.
If you're more of a trail runner kind of traveler, you may want to take on another challenge: the Ultra Paine.
The 10th edition of Ultra Paine will take place in Torres del Paine and its surroundings on September 28 and 29. In 2014, Ultra Paine was the first trail running event in both Torres del Paine and southern Patagonia. It attracts travelers from all over the world every September. Participants can opt for 80K, 50K, 35K, or 21K on September 28 or 14K or 7K on September 29.
At EcoCamp, we prepared a 5-day trail runners' stay for travelers who want to enjoy both the run and hikes in Torres del Paine, namely Cerro Paine, the towers' base, and an easy excursion to Laguna Azul.
Now, the million-dollar question...
The biggest difference between both options resides in the running distances. The Patagonian International Marathons offer three shorter distances, the three classic race distances of 42K (marathon), 21K (half-marathon) and 10K.
On the other hand, Ultra Paine includes six running distances: 80K, 50K, 35K, 21K, 14K, or 7 K.
The second biggest difference is the location. The Patagonian International Marathon offers a complete experience inside the borders of Torres del Paine National Park, whereas Ultra Paine’s longest races also happen outside the park.
Finally, the Patagonian International Marathon is slightly more popular than the Ultra Prail, though both events are becoming more renowned.
Whether you come as an elite runner, an enthusiast, or just a wanderer, you will be welcome in Torres del Paine for a fabulous season. See you soon!