2026 Edition
Community
How to join the volunteer team, and the rules of the race.
Volunteering
The team behind the race
Behind every runner who reaches the finish there are hundreds of people who made it possible.
Volunteering means being where everything happens: welcoming runners when they arrive nervous and excited, and being there when they cross the finish line. They are intense days of teamwork in the middle of the mountains.
- When
- December 5–11, 2026
- Where
- Cerro Catedral base, Bariloche
- Who
- Over 18
How it works
- ApplicationFill in the form and choose your area and block. Confirmations are sent within 7 business days.
- TrainingIn the months before, you receive training for your area, operational information and the commitment documents. Taking part is required to join the program.
- AccommodationEach volunteer arranges their own, and it's best to book as soon as your participation is confirmed. Inquiries to [email protected].
Areas
Where you can help
Each area has its own date blocks. In every case, volunteer check-in takes place before the block begins.
Check-inDec 4–8
Runners' first contact with the race: you welcome them and help them start with the best energy.
Tasks
- Handing out kits and bibs
- Order and assistance in the area
- General guidance for runners
- Support with operational tasks in the area
Blocks and check-in
- Full block · December 4–8
- You check in on Dec 3
FinishesDec 5–11
The finish line, the hug, the moment nobody forgets. You welcome runners at the end of each route.
Tasks
- Assistance in the finish area
- Handing out drinks
- Handing out medals
- Order and flow of runners
Blocks and check-in
- Full block · December 5–11, including the La Etapa finishes
- You check in on Dec 4
Camps2 blocks
The logistical heart of the race: every tent and every space that keeps the camp running.
Tasks
- Setting up and organizing spaces
- General operational support
- Dining and logistics assistance
- Movement control and support
Blocks and check-in
- Camp 1 · Dec 4–10 · you check in on Dec 4
- Camp 2 · Dec 5–11 · you check in on Dec 5
- You're taken to the camp on your check-in day
The organization provides the tents.
Aid stations and hydration points3 blocks
Hydration, support and encouragement in the middle of the course, when they're needed most.
Tasks
- Handing out snacks and drinks
- Running the station
- Managing runner flow
- Setting up and taking down the aid station
Blocks and check-in
- Block 1 · Dec 5–9, La Etapa and El Cruce aid stations · you check in on Dec 4
- Block 2 · Dec 6–10 · you check in on Dec 5
- Block 3 · Dec 7–11 · you check in on Dec 6
You camp at the camps or wherever the aid station is set up. The organization provides the tent; each volunteer brings their own sleeping bag and camping gear.
Medical support2 blocks
For healthcare professionals, in two categories: general practitioners (assistance, monitoring and evaluation) and physiotherapy (physical recovery and muscle care). Proof of training is required.
Tasks
- Care and assistance for runners
- First aid and wound care
- Medical support in operational areas
- Support at camps and care points
Blocks and check-in
- Block 1 · Camp 1 · Dec 4–10 · you check in on Dec 4
- Block 2 · Camp 2 · Dec 5–11 · you check in on Dec 5
- You're taken to the camp on your check-in day
Photography4 blocks
Telling the story of El Cruce from the inside, alongside the official photography team.
Tasks
- Covering starts, courses, camps and finishes
- Capturing runners, staff, sponsors and atmosphere
- Working with the official team
- Daily delivery of material
Blocks and check-in
- Full block · Dec 5–11, all stages · you check in on Dec 4
- Block 1 · Dec 5–9, Stage 1 · you check in on Dec 4
- Block 2 · Dec 6–10, Stage 2 · you check in on Dec 5
- Block 3 · Dec 7–11, Stage 3 · you check in on Dec 6
Press and social mediaNew in 2026
For people who work with content, social media, design or media: real-time stories and everything that happens behind the scenes.
Tasks
- Covering key moments
- Creating content for social media
- Supporting the communications team
- Capturing stories and testimonials
- Producing visual pieces
Blocks and check-in
- Full block · December 5–11
- You check in on Dec 4
What you get
Who provides what
Patagonian weather changes fast: from sun to rain in very little time, with big temperature swings. Much of the volunteering takes place outdoors, so come prepared for cold or wet moments.
The organization
- ClothingA long-sleeve shirt, a T-shirt, a cup and a neck gaiter.
- CredentialID to move around the race areas.
- MealsDuring scheduled activity hours.
- CertificateOfficial certificate of participation.
Each volunteer
- TransfersTo Bariloche and the Cerro Catedral base.
- AccommodationOutside the blocks spent at camp.
- Camping gearSleeping bag and camping gear, when the area requires it.
- Meals outside scheduled hoursThose that don't coincide with scheduled activity.
Rules
The rules of the mountain
Registering for El Cruce means accepting these rules. The organization may change them and reserves the right of admission.
Race rules
What every runner must follow
Breaking any of these rules may result in a penalty or disqualification.
- All three stages are mandatory. Anyone who doesn't start Stage 1 or Stage 2 is disqualified, with no chance to run the following stages or access the camps.
- The bib number must be visible at all times.
- The mandatory gear must be carried on every stage.
- Using ropes that are not part of the backpack to pull a teammate or another participant is prohibited.
- Receiving outside assistance during the race is prohibited.
- Verbal or physical abuse of any staff member is prohibited.
- You may only overtake on the left and after calling out. The runner ahead must give way.
- The race bag is handed in the day before the start, at the place and time set by the organization. Late drop-off, if it can still be transported, carries a USD 15 fine. Items may not be attached to the outside of the bag.
- The organization is not responsible for items lost during the race, transfers, camps or in the tents.
Penalties
Offenses and penalties
| Offense | Penalty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Intentional shortcut that gives a significant advantage | Disqualification | — |
| Missing timing chip | Not ranked | — |
| Refusing a mandatory gear check | 5 hours | — |
| Not carrying the mandatory gear | 1 hour | Per item |
| No jacket | 30 min · 1 hour | First and second warning |
| Disrespecting or insulting staff | 1 hour | Any aggression may be reviewed by the jury, with harsher penalties |
| Littering on the course | 1 hour | — |
| Receiving outside assistance | To be assessed | Decided by the race jury |
Cutoffs and withdrawals
Time limits
Each stage has a time limit and mandatory, final cutoff points. If you think you won’t be able to meet them, we suggest preparing for the next edition or running La Etapa, with 15 and 33 km distances.
- Time limit
- 15 minutes per kilometer
- Cutoff point
- After 70% of each stage
- Missed cutoff
- Alternative medal
Cutoff points
- More cutoffs may be addedIn addition to the preset cutoff, the organization may set earlier ones, based on the time limit and the elevation.
- The time limit may be extendedDue to bad weather (previous rain, storms, mud, snow) or bottlenecks on the course.
- Anyone who arrives too lateDoes not continue the stage and is considered a withdrawal. The organization may take them to the camp; that transfer is charged.
- The El Cruce 2026 medalIs exclusive to those who complete all three stages.
Withdrawals
- During a stageYou can withdraw at checkpoints with organization transport, or make your own way back to Cerro Catedral.
- At the campAnyone who decides not to start Stage 2 or 3 tells the Information tent to be taken to Cerro Catedral.
- Waits can be longThere is no vehicle available for immediate transfer. Bags can be collected at Cerro Catedral from 7 p.m.
- Costs and medalHotel and meals are paid by the runner. Anyone who withdraws does not receive the El Cruce medal.
Terms
The full text
The legal text that every runner declares they know and accept when registering.
Medical certificate
The medical certificate must be dated after December 6, 2025. Each runner uploads theirs at entryfee.com.ar, under the “profile” or “utilities” option, and the organization validates it.
Runners over 70 must submit a certificate stating specifically that they are fit to run El Cruce with adequate training.
Terms and conditions
Notwithstanding the mandatory medical certificate required by the organization, each participant registers at their own risk and is the only one who judges whether it is advisable to take part in the competition and to continue, with full knowledge of the risks the competition may involve. Participants release the organizer and sponsoring companies in advance from all criminal and civil liability in the event of bodily injury or property damage that may occur at El Cruce.
The Organization reserves the right, after consulting the medical staff, to prohibit a competitor or team from starting the competition or, where applicable, from continuing it, if in the Organization's judgment there is a risk to their health. In case of injury, the Organization will handle transfers to the nearest hospital. All costs of medication, additional transfers, hospitalization and surgery will be borne by the participant/runner. The organization is not responsible for the behavior of competitors or teams that do not respect the laws of Argentina.
Images obtained during the competition may be used by Club de Corredores and by the sponsoring companies to promote and advertise the event and/or related products. Competitors who agree to take part in El Cruce will have no right to make claims. The Organization has full authority to shorten the route for participants who are behind the race average.
For those who wish to hire the logistics services, the organization will act as the link for these services. Those interested in registering for El Cruce paying only the registration fee, without the logistics services, must hire those services externally, through the supplier companies designated by the organization. These services must also be verified with the relevant administrative area. It is important to have all services contracted to avoid problems in the mountains.
The Organization has the authority to:
- Change the established route.
- Stop the race in case of bad weather or any other obstacle that prevents it from running normally.
- Divert runners' course in case of difficult terrain, bad weather and unexpected events.
Due to the nature and conditions of the event, it is subject to Force Majeure events, e.g. earthquakes, floods or National Park closures, among others. The organization reserves the right to change the venue and/or the routes, or to postpone, suspend or cancel the event. The decision will be made by the organization based on the circumstances and events, and will be duly communicated to registered participants. If the event is postponed, suspended or canceled for reasons of force majeure, the amount paid by the participant may be transferred to the following edition. Its date will be set and announced after the postponement, suspension or cancellation, or the amount may be used in any of the following three editions of the race. Amounts paid will NOT be refundable under any circumstances, nor transferable to other participants.
Participants are informed that the runner's kit may include alcoholic products provided by an event sponsor. In compliance with current regulations, the delivery of such products to anyone under 18 is strictly prohibited. Such products will not be given to participants who pay for the “kit during the race” option; they may collect them within 5 days after the event at the Club de Corredores offices, Monroe 916, Buenos Aires, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours subject to change. Drink responsibly; sale to minors under 18 is prohibited.
Runners registered for El Cruce who take part in any Club de Corredores race without having registered properly will be removed, and the amount paid for El Cruce 2026 registration will be refunded.
Registering for El Cruce implies acceptance of the terms and conditions set out in these rules, which participants expressly declare they know.
Liability waiver
I understand that El Cruce is an extreme adventure race and can be very risky. I am fully aware of the rigor and risks involved in taking part, including the physical challenge of the long distance, the difficulty of the terrain and possible bad weather. I take part in this race voluntarily, personally assuming the dangers that may arise from this type of event, including without limitation the risk of accidents, injuries, fractures, losses and even the risk of death. I am aware of the accidents that may occur during the race and I assume all of the risks.
I declare and confirm that I have the physical preparation, the gear and the appropriate training for this type of race, that I am competent for the activities I will undertake and that I do not suffer from any illness, condition and/or disability that may prevent me from taking part in strenuous and dangerous activities. I agree to submit a certificate of physical fitness and a stress test. I also declare that I have been informed about the dangers of poor hydration and/or overhydration and the risks of hypothermia, and I confirm that I will take the necessary precautions to prevent these risks.
I declare that I have valid health coverage in Argentina, whose details will be provided to the organization. In case of an accident, I authorize the organization to provide medical assistance and to transfer me to the nearest health facility, with all costs arising from my medical care from that moment on and/or from my transfer to and/or care at any other health center being my sole responsibility.
I authorize and assign rights to the organization and/or sponsoring companies to use the images, photos, videos and voices obtained during the competition and check-in days to promote and advertise the event and/or related products in Argentina and worldwide.
I understand that public-order emergencies may cause the cancellation or suspension of the event, and also that the organization has full authority to shorten the route for teams that are behind the race average and/or change the established route and/or, in the event of an emergency involving a participant, prevent that participant from continuing the race.
I declare that I have carefully read each of the points above, as well as the content of the El Cruce website (www.elcruce.com.ar). In consideration for being accepted into El Cruce, I assume full and personal responsibility for my health and safety, and I, on behalf of myself and my assignees, heirs, legatees and successors —collectively heirs— agree to hold harmless and waive any type of claim against Club de Corredores Asociación Civil and/or ST Producciones S.A. and/or Sebastián Rafael Tagle and/or Saucony and/or BRAKU S.A. and/or Wolverine World Wide and/or the sponsors of the competition and/or the provincial, national or municipal governments and/or any third party that has collaborated with the organization and/or any other natural or legal person that has had a primary or secondary role in organizing the event.
Due to the nature and conditions of the event, it is subject to Force Majeure events, e.g. earthquakes, floods or National Park closures, among others. The organization reserves the right to change the venue and/or the routes, or to postpone, suspend or cancel the event. The decision will be made by the organization based on the circumstances and events, and communicated to registered participants. If the event is postponed, suspended or canceled for reasons of Force Majeure, the amount paid by the participant may be transferred to the new edition. Its date will be set and announced after the postponement, suspension or cancellation, or the amount may be used in any of the next three editions of the race. The amount already paid will NOT be refundable under any circumstances, nor transferable to another participant.
The organization reserves the right to modify these race rules, as well as the right of admission to the event.