Following the world's coldest and deepest marathons, the international running community is preparing to witness another unprecedented milestone: the highest altitude marathon on the planet. On 10/2, ten runners from various countries will participate in this unique race, starting from the summit of Ojos del Salado volcano in Chile, at an elevation of 6,893 m, surpassing Mont Blanc by approximately 2,000 m.

Runners prepare for the world's highest marathon. Photo: World’s Highest Marathon

This marathon truly lives up to its name as a "race in the clouds." The starting line is more than eight times the height of the Burj Khalifa, currently the world's tallest building, and twice the average altitude of a skydive. Ojos del Salado's summit also surpasses many famous mountains like Fuji, Mont Blanc, or Denali (Mount McKinley), even exceeding the typical flight altitude of the Andean condor, a symbol of the South American mountain range. At nearly 7,000 m, oxygen levels are only about 44% compared to sea level. Beyond the risk of oxygen deprivation, runners must also contend with freezing temperatures and strong, continuous winds.

The event is organized by BecomingX, the same entity that staged the world's deepest marathon in Sweden last October (at a depth of 1,120 m below sea level). Before the 10/2 start date, participants will have nearly two weeks to acclimatize to the severe high-altitude conditions. The challenging journey begins in Copiapo, Chile, with the team traveling from sea level to 4,000 m by vehicle. By the evening of 9/2, they will ascend further to 5,820 m, followed by a nine-hour overnight trek to reach the summit starting line by 7h the next morning.

Graphics illustrate the altitude comparison between the world's highest marathon and some famous tall structures on the ground, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building, which stands at 828 meters.

The roster of participants includes notable figures from exploration and adventure sports: British explorer and TV presenter Aldo Kane, world-record cyclist Mark Beaumont, mountaineers Sibusiso Vilane and Gavin Bate, and BecomingX CEO Paul Gurney. Some team members previously participated in the world's deepest marathon. To ensure safety and provide medical assistance throughout the 42,2 km course, the organizers have arranged a support team of twelve professional guides and mountaineers to accompany the runners.

The race aims to challenge perceptions of personal limits. "This is one of the toughest challenges imaginable, designed to change how people perceive their own limits," Gurney said. "Even with an experienced team, success is not guaranteed." Sibusiso Vilane, a South African and the first Black person to conquer Mount Everest, reinforced this sentiment: "We are not here to conquer the mountain or the marathon, but to overcome our own doubts and limitations."

Hong Duy (according to Canadian Running Magazine)