ROUTE COURSE

Except for a few occasions, El Cruce has changed locations, routes, and campsites in each of its editions. For this reason, we cannot anticipate permits for the 100k too far in advance.
In this opportunity, we have prepared 3 days covering between 96 and 100 kilometers with incredible views and trails in the surroundings of the Lanin Volcano. These routes may be modified due to weather conditions in the area such as snowfall, rain, or strong winds.
All the routes are in the process of being authorized, and permits have been requested from various government entities, communities, and individuals. Once all the route sections are approved, we will release the altimetry information. The final routes will be published the week before the event.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Runners must have excellent physical training and prior experience in adventure races. All participants must submit a physical fitness certificate signed by a medical professional to the organization.

STARTS

For the start of Stage 1, it will be necessary to transport participants by bus from San Martín de los Andes. The start of Stage 2 will be from the Camp. Once the second stage is completed, all runners will be transported by bus to Camp 2. Finally, Stage 3 will start within Camp 2 and finish in the center of San Martín de los Andes.

TRAIL RUNNING POLES

The use of poles is not mandatory, but we strongly recommend them during all three stages of the 2024 edition. It is strictly prohibited to leave poles at the Oases, Camps, or along the routes. The organization is not responsible for the loss or breakage of the poles.

TRAINING

Conscious training is crucial to enjoy El Cruce. It's not just another trail race. Those who are not adequately prepared will have a tough time.
As it spans 3 days of racing combined with camp life, the distances to walk are substantial, and the rest is not what one is accustomed to in everyday life. It's very likely that bad mood and annoyance may pay a visit, bringing the desire to go back home. Additionally, muscles might start to protest against further efforts.
The emergence of training groups and their growth mean that more and more people are getting to know the details of the race and training conscientiously. We recommend preparing for El Cruce with such groups as their origin is directly related to the ideal conditioning to reach the competition and enjoy it from start to finish.

OASIS

En esta edición de El Cruce contarán con un Oasis en la Etapa 1, uno en la la Etapa 2 y dos oasis en la Etapa 3. La ubicación de los mismos se dará a conocer junto con las altimetrías de cada etapa. En cada puesto de abastecimiento los corredores encontrarán:

It is strictly forbidden to leave poles, clothing, backpacks, or any personal or foreign objects at the Oases.

CHECKPOINTS

The marked route will have Checkpoints (PC) that competitors must pass through. At these checkpoints, participants will find an organization representative responsible for monitoring. In specific cases, there may be only a signal. Skipping a checkpoint will result in disqualification from the race unless the runner retraces their steps to pass through it.

RACE TIMING

The timing for the race will start with the beginning of the competition and stop once the finish line is crossed. Each stage will have its individual time, which will then be added together to determine the final race time.
The winner of the competition will be the participant who completes the course in the shortest amount of time without violating the competition rules.
Dead times (TM) will be applied if runners cannot continue the competition due to external reasons, in cases established by the Organization. The wait time will be subtracted from the total race time. Judges may add time to runners who are penalized and may also require them to stop at the Checkpoints to serve a penalty. The classification is based on the time it takes participants to complete the entire course, to which corresponding penalties, if any, will be added.
Each participant will receive a chip that must be mandatory used in their shoelaces. This chip will send a signal that, when passing through the corresponding readers, will display the competitor's race time.
Competitors will receive the chip on a loan basis and are responsible for its correct use and return at the end of the competition. The replacement cost for loss and/or destruction due to incorrect use will be the participant's responsibility, and they must pay the Organization the sum of 10 USD for this purpose.
The classification will be available on the El Cruce website.

TIME LIMITS AND CUT-OFF POINTS

The Organization will establish time limits for each stage. Based on these, it will determine CUT-OFF POINTS for the routes.

Time limits for GROUP 1: 12 minutes per kilometer.
Time limits for GROUPS 2, 3, and 4: 14 minutes per kilometer.

At the route's Cut-Off Points, competitors must stop and will be transported by the Organization to the next camp. The next day, they can continue the race and will be classified after the last runner who has completed the entire route.

The Organization's decision to apply the cut-off on the route due to the expiration of the time limit will be final and mandatory. Any competitor who does not comply will be automatically disqualified and prevented from continuing the competition in the following stage(s).

Furthermore, the Organization has the authority to implement Cuts for weather-related reasons at points along the route as it deems necessary.

SECURITY AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

The safety of the runners is a priority for the Organization. There will be a security team equipped for first aid and rescue, available to provide assistance to participants.
Throughout the different routes, specialized mountain guides will be present to ensure proper safety and care.
Participants will traverse areas often inaccessible by vehicles, sometimes only reachable by horses, and, depending on weather conditions and availability, helicopters.
Throughout the race, the Organization will have a significant team of medical professionals (doctors, nurses, assistants, etc.) under the medical direction of experts in the field, both on the routes and in the camps.
Additionally, specialist doctors will be available to answer runners' inquiries. In case a runner needs to be transported to a medical center, hospital, or clinic, the expenses will be at their own cost. Therefore, it is advisable to always carry health insurance or medical assistance coverage.

There will be a comprehensive security deployment for this race, including:

Expert mountain guides
Rescue teams
Interlinked radios for communication, bases, and repeaters
Ambulances with medical personnel
Head Medical Doctor
Medical tent at the Organization's base

Each El Cruce participant is exclusively and conclusively responsible for their decision to participate in the event, releasing organizers and/or sponsors from any liability for hypothetical damages to themselves or their belongings during or in connection with the event.
Each participant is responsible for assuming all emergency medical expenses, except for the coverage provided during the race.
Participants must have their health insurance coverage in case of an accident. The coverage during the competition will not cover expenses after the person is transferred to a hospital.
The Organization may prevent a participant from continuing in the competition if advised by the medical staff. It can also make modifications to distances, routes, and schedules due to weather factors. Such decisions will not give rise to any claims against the Organization, sponsors, and/or medical staff.
Once the race is finished, no claims can be made regarding medical assistance to the Organization.

WITHDRAWALS

It is crucial to arrive at the race in excellent physical condition and mentally prepared for the 3-day challenge. Participants who decide to withdraw during the race must make their way to the nearest camp (unless physically unable to do so) or wait for a representative of the Organization to reach their location. As an extreme high-mountain race, there may be sections where access to runners is difficult, and the wait could be lengthy.

Runners who decide to withdraw must notify the Information tent before 9:00 pm to be transported to San Martín de los Andes. From the moment the Organization transports a participant in such circumstances, the expenses for accommodation, meals, and any hospitalization outside the camp will be the participant's responsibility. The runner's bag who returns to San Martín de los Andes will arrive at 9:00 pm on the day of withdrawal.

It is important to note that the Organization will not have immediate transportation available to take participants back to the camp or San Martín de los Andes.

The bags of those who withdraw should be carried by the runner; otherwise, they can leave them at the Information tent in the camps until they are transported, along with all other bags, to the final event arrival.