Upcoming Mountain Trail Races
The Andes Mountains make Peru the paradise for trail runners. The Andes are majestic, and powerful. They are the second highest mountain range in the world. They steal your heart, and but relinquish your soul. No matter where you chose to run in the Andes, your experience will be forever changed. But before deciding where to go, you should understand the different regions and sections of the Andes that are run:
- Ancash/Huaraz Region, famous for its Cordillera Blanca Mountain Range, the trails in this region could arguably be the most beautiful trail runs Peru has to offer (or in my bias opinion, that the world has to offer). These races requiere travel overnight, as they are 8 hours from Lima, to arrive to Huaraz. But don't worry, Peru has amazing buses. These races are in high altitude, starting near 3,200m/10,500 ft and some races reaching as high as 4,900m/16,000 ft. These races require at least two days to acclimate, but are are worth every short breathe of air you've got. These are the races that change your life. See:
- Huarochiri and Lima Region The Huarochiri region of Lima, has a beautiful mountain range of the Andes, without the need to travel a long distance from Lima. All races within the Desafio Huarochiri series can be reached within a few hours’ car ride, and typically only require one-night stay (2night max, depending on altitude). This area is also unknown to tourists, you will see what local Andean life is really like without outside influence. Marcahuasi Ultra Trail is also in the high Huarochiri region of Lima, and encompasses running through a mystical, extraordinary energy-filled plateau. All Huarochiri races are beautiful weekend races, only 2-3 days max. The races typically start at an altitude around 3,000m/9,800ft, which does not affect most runners too much, but none the less require acclimating and proper preparation. Other Lima races include The North Face Endurance Challenge, just an hour south of Lima, in Pachacamac, an ancient pre-Incan civilization in the Lurin Valley, famous for its vertical challenges without any altitude, a great race for non-altitude loving runners! Lastly, Lomas de Lachay race is only a few hours from Lima, and does include mountain trails along the run, but also incorporates desert, and jungle trail within the same race, so you will see this race in various categories, and is also at low altitude. Lima/Huarochiri races include:
- Cusco Region Cusco is famous for its history of being the center of the Incan Empire. The Andes Race is the only race we have organized in this region, and is often a favorite as well of local runners. Check this race out, its unforgettable.
