The Atacama Crossing is a grueling ultramarathon that takes place in the Atacama Desert in Chile, known as the driest place on Earth. The race is organized by RacingThePlanet, a company specializing in endurance events. It is part of the 4 Deserts series, which includes some of the toughest footraces on the planet.
Participants in the Atacama Crossing cover approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) over six stages in six or seven days, depending on the year. They carry all their food, clothing, and gear in backpacks, except water and a tent provided by the organizers
The race takes runners through otherworldly landscapes, including salt flats, sand dunes, canyons, and volcanic formations. The extreme conditions, including scorching temperatures, high altitudes, and challenging terrain, make it one of the most demanding ultramarathons in the world.
The first time Atacama Crossing took place was July 2004.