General information
2026 Edition
Everything you need to know before you travel: dates, check-in, gear and how to prepare for the weather.
- Location
- Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, Río Negro
- Format
- 100 km in 3 days, with 2 lakeside camps
- Terrain
- Mountain trails, ridges, river crossings, beaches and streams
Schedule
Your week, by group
You check in the day before your Stage 1, so it’s best to arrive in Bariloche 48 hours before your start. All dates are in December 2026.
| Suggested arrival | Check-in | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Thursday 3 | Friday 4 | Saturday 5 | Sunday 6 | Monday 7 |
| Group 2 | Friday 4 | Saturday 5 | Sunday 6 | Monday 7 | Tuesday 8 |
| Group 3 | Saturday 5 | Sunday 6 | Monday 7 | Tuesday 8 | Wednesday 9 |
| Group 4 | Sunday 6 | Monday 7 | Tuesday 8 | Wednesday 9 | Thursday 10 |
| Group 5 | Monday 7 | Tuesday 8 | Wednesday 9 | Thursday 10 | Friday 11 |
La Etapa is run on Saturday 5 (15 km) and Sunday 6 (33 km). See La Etapa
Check-in
Everything starts at Cerro Catedral
It works by appointment, opened in the days before. Bring your medical certificate, or upload it to EntryFee before November 1.
- Stay at Cerro CatedralThat's where check-in, the opening ceremony, bag drop, the Stage 1 start, the final finish, the awards and bag pickup take place.
- Don't pay for extra nightsAvoid accommodation that charges you for the days you'll be racing.
- Early check-in in Buenos AiresOctober 27 to November 14, at Club de Corredores. In Bariloche you just pick up your wristband, with a quick appointment.
- Early check-in in Mar del PlataNovember 7, at Run & Bike. Also with quick wristband pickup in Bariloche.
- Chip wristbandYou use it at check-in and during the race. At the camps it works to buy drinks, snacks and extra services.
- Camp purchasesPaid when you pick up your bag at Cerro Catedral: cash (pesos, dollars or euros), card or Mercado Pago.
Categories and prizes
By group and by age
All participants must be over 18, without exception.
Cash prizes · Group 1
For women and men in the overall ranking. If you want to compete for these prizes, register in Group 1. Argentine runners are paid in pesos at the official exchange rate.
Groups 2 to 5
Medallions for the top three overall, women and men. There may be gifts from the sponsors.
Age categories, in every group
Women’s and men’s. Medallions for the top three in each, as long as there are more than 5 runners; otherwise they are ranked in the previous category. The awards ceremony is at 4 p.m. on each group’s finish day.
Mandatory gear
What you carry on all three stages
Part of the gear comes in your kit. The rest is up to you.
- Bib number In the kit
- Waterproof jacket In the kitAlways on you, even if the morning is clear.
- Long-sleeve technical shirt In the kit
- Fleece In the kit
- Soft cup In the kitNo plastic cups are handed out at aid stations or finishes.
- Race T-shirt In the kit
- Backpack with water reservoirWith shoulder straps.
- Bivy bagSuitable for spending a night outdoors. It is not the same as a survival blanket.
- Survival blanket
- Food and gels without wrappersFood in Ziploc-type bags; gels dissolved in a small reusable bottle.
Bags
What travels with you and what stays
Runner’s bag
- Up to 120 litersRecommended: between 100 and 120. Nothing hanging on the outside.
- Transported by the organizationBetween Cerro Catedral and the two camps. It goes with the tag you receive at check-in.
- Dropped off the day before the startLate drop-off carries a USD 15 fine, if it can still be transported.
- Second bag ExtraUSD 30 extra.
Left luggage
- For what doesn't go to the mountainsWhat you'll only need after finishing Stage 3.
- One backpack, carry-on or suitcasePer runner.
- You leave it on the morning of your startAnd pick it up at the same place after the third stage.
The organization is not responsible for damage to fabric, seams, straps or zippers during transfers.
Weather
In Patagonia, anything can happen
Big temperature swings and sudden changes from sun to rain. You need to be ready for any scenario, and know that in bad weather camp is less enjoyable.
The most common. Keep dry clothes in waterproof bags: there's nowhere to dry things and you may have to wear wet clothes again. In bad weather you spend more time inside the tent.
You'll be cold. A good rain jacket and minimal exposure make the difference in your recovery.
Not usual in December, but it can happen. If people are at risk, the organization activates Plan B or Plan C.
Sunny
- Sunscreen and capOn the ridges you'll be at 1,900 m above sea level and at the camps at 800: the sun is much harsher than usual.
- Dry your clothes outdoorsEspecially what you'll wear the next day.
Plan B
- Indoor gymIf a camp has to be evacuated, you spend the night there with your sleeping bag, on an inflatable mattress.
- Accommodation on your ownYou can book a cabin, hotel or hostel at your own expense; the buses drop you at the Cerro Catedral parking lot and you'll get a list of availability.
- More complex casesIf both camps are evacuated at the same time, buses are added as temporary shelter.
More
You may also find useful
Lodging and transfers
Recommended options for your stay and your arrival in Bariloche.
Inquiries to [email protected]
Companions
The routes cross private land and local community land, with permits for runners only. There will be authorized spots for cheering.
The camps are for runners only.
Caring for the environment
Separate bins for wet and dry waste at the camps, a mandatory reusable cup and no wrappers during the race.
Runtag: your photos
An app with face and bib recognition that gathers all your photos. This year there will be 40 photographers on the course; in 2025 the average was 100 photos per runner.
Order it in the registration form. Photos can be seen at fotorun.com.ar
The El Cruce book
The story of every edition since 2002, in Penitentes, Mendoza. You can personalize it with your own 8-page story and photos.
Orders to [email protected]