GENERAL INFORMATION
PLACE:: Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina.
FORMAT: 100 kilometers | 3 days | 2 lakeside camps
TERRAIN:Mountain trails | Ridges | River crossings | Unique beaches | Streams and lots of adventure.
SCHEDULE
Group 1: Will race on December 5, 6 and 7, 2026
Group 2: Will race on December 6, 7 and 8, 2026
Group 3: Will race on December 7, 8 and 9, 2026
Group 4: Will race on December 8, 9 and 10, 2026
Grupo 5: Will race on December 9, 10 and 11, 2026
In 2026, a new edition of La Etapa will take place. This time it will include two distances: 15 km on December 5th and 33 km on December 6th. More information at: www.laetapa.com.ar
SCHEDULE
GROUP 1
-
LLEGADA SUGERIDA:
3 de Diciembre.
-
ACREDITACIÓN:
4 de Diciembre.
STAGE 1: Sábado 5 de diciembre.
STAGE 2: Domingo 6 de diciembre.
STAGE 3: Lunes 7 de diciembre.
GROUP 2
-
LLEGADA SUGERIDA:
4 de Diciembre.
-
ACREDITACIÓN:
5 de Diciembre.
STAGE 1: Domingo 6 de diciembre.
STAGE 2: Lunes 7 de diciembre.
STAGE 3: Martes 8 de diciembre.
GROUP 3
-
LLEGADA SUGERIDA :
5 de diciembre.
-
ACREDITACIÓN:
6 de diciembre.
STAGE 1: Lunes 7 de diciembre.
STAGE 2: Martes 8 de diciembre.
STAGE 3: Miércoles 9 de diciembre.
GROUP 4
-
LLEGADA SUGERIDA:
6 de diciembre.
-
ACREDITACIÓN:
7 de diciembre.
STAGE 1: Martes 8 de diciembre.
STAGE 2: Miércoles 9 de diciembre.
STAGE 3: Jueves 10 de diciembre.
GRUPO 5
-
LLEGADA SUGERIDA:
7 de diciembre.
-
ACREDITACIÓN:
8 de diciembre.
STAGE 1: Miércoles 9 de diciembre.
STAGE 2: Jueves 10 de diciembre.
STAGE 3: Viernes 11 de diciembre.
CATEGORIES
GENERAL
El Cruce Saucony will be divided into the following main categories, all of which will have a time limit of 15 minutes per kilometer to complete each stage.
GROUP 1
Will race on December 5, 6 and 7, 2026
GROUP 2
Will race on December 6, 7 and 8, 2026
GROUP 3
Will race on December 7, 8 and 9, 2026
GROUP 4
Will race on December 8, 9 and 10, 2026
GRUPO 5
Will race on December 9, 10 and 11, 2026
Each category will have a limited number of participants. This is to ensure runners can move comfortably along the trails and that the number of participants at the camps allows us to provide an excellent service. All categories will share the same cut-off times, which will be announced along with the courses. All groups will have the same distances, routes, camps, organization, and regulations.
BY AGE *
Female and male age categories apply to GROUPS 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5:
- Up to 29 years old inclusive
- From 30 to 34 years old inclusive
- From 35 to 39 years old inclusive
- From 40 to 44 years old inclusive
- From 45 to 50 years old inclusive
- From 50 to 54 years old inclusive
- From 55 to 59 years old inclusive
- From 60 to 64 years old inclusive
- 65 years old and above
All participants must be over 18 years old, with no exceptions. The Organization reserves the right to cancel a registration if the participant does not meet the minimum age requirement on the race date.
Runners in GROUPS 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be recognized with trophies and/or sponsor gifts in both the general and age group categories. To compete for the cash prizes in the General category, runners must register in GROUP 1.
The awards ceremony will take place at 4:00 p.m. on the day each group finishes. Prizes will only be awarded if there are more than 5 runners in each category. If not, they will be grouped into the previous category.
Packet Pickup
WHERE: Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, Río Negro, Patagonia Argentina.
Each runner must check in the day before their group’s Stage 1 start. We recommend arriving in Bariloche at least 48 hours before the start.
Friday, December 4
- GROUP 1
Saturday, December 5
- GROUP 2
Sunday, December 6
- GROUP 3
Monday, December 7
- GROUP 4
Tuesday, December 8
- GRUPO 5
At Cerro Catedral the following will take place:
- Packet Pickup
- Opening Ceremony
- Distribution of Camping Bags
- Stage 1 Start and Final Arrival (Third Day)
- Awards Ceremony
- Bag Retrieval
We suggest staying in hotels or cabins near Cerro Catedral.
Important: Avoid accommodations that charge you for the days you will be actively participating in the race.
You may also complete early check-in in Buenos Aires or Mar del Plata, which will save time in Bariloche. Check-in in both Buenos Aires and Bariloche will be by appointment, available in the days prior to each location.
Buenos Aires:
From October 27 to November 14 – Club de Corredores, Av. Monroe 915, CABA. Av Monroe 915 CABA.
*Those who check in in Buenos Aires will only need to pick up their wristband in Bariloche with a fast-track appointment.
Mar del Plata:
November 7 – Run & Bike store. Location
*Those who check in in Mar del Plata will only need to pick up their wristband in Bariloche with a fast-track appointment.
WRISTBAND
Each runner will receive a wristband with a chip, which must be worn during accreditation and throughout the race. This wristband will allow you to check in and will be essential for activities at the camps.
It will be used to purchase extra drinks or snacks at the camps, as well as to book additional services if available. All expenses during the event will be paid when retrieving your bag at Cerro Catedral.
Payment methods: cash (pesos, dollars, or euros), credit/debit card, or Mercado Pago.
WEATHER
The weather in Patagonia is highly unpredictable, characterized by large temperature variations and abrupt changes from sunshine to rain or vice versa. Therefore, we must be prepared for any type of weather.
Both the organization and runners choose to be outdoors. Nobody enjoys a camp in bad weather—especially after hours of mountain running.
We must be aware that this is the activity we chose, and in hostile weather, it will be tough.
1.- Rain or drizzle: One of the most common (and sometimes most difficult) mountain conditions. Mandatory gear is essential. Once in camp, remember that not everyone will be able to sit under a large tent. In bad weather, you will likely need to spend time inside your personal tent.
There will be no designated spots for drying wet clothes. Dry clothing should be stored in waterproof bags inside your camp bag. Sometimes, you may have to reuse wet clothes the next day or wait for the rain to stop to dry them.
Wearing a waterproof jacket during the stages is essential, even if the day starts clear. Avoiding getting your warm clothing wet will make a huge difference in your recovery and rest at the camp.
2.- Rain or drizzle with wind:Same as the previous scenario, but be aware that you will feel cold, so it is very important to stay dry with a good rain jacket. Minimize your exposure to cold as much as possible.
3.- Rain, snow, or extreme windWhile December is not a period of heavy rain or extreme winds, in Patagonia anything is possible. If safety is at risk, the organization will activate Plan B or Plan C.
- FAVORABLE
Take advantage of enjoying Patagonia after running in the mountains and sharing the passion for running with participants from over 45 countries.
– Camps with good weather are the best option to truly enjoy the mountains, especially if they are located by a lake shore.
It's ideal to air dry your clothing outdoors while at the camp.
Be cautious of the sun! On the trails, especially on ridges, you'll be at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level. At the campsites, it's 800 meters above sea level. At these heights, the sun is much more aggressive than what we are accustomed to, and if you don't protect your face and body, you may end up with sunburn or overheating.
– Use sunscreen and a hat.
- UNFAVORABLE
The Organization cannot prevent you from getting wet if it rains, feeling cold or hot, not having a place to clean or dry your clothes, among other things.
– When you’re not enjoying the camp, remember that you chose to be there
– Fatigue can affect mood—stay positive.
– Don’t expect everything to be perfect. Both the Organization and the runners choose to take part in this adventure.
Avoid getting your camping gear wet and dry out any clothing you plan to use the next day as soon as possible.
In case of bad weather, try to stay well-covered. If it's raining, we advise staying inside the tent.
Plan B.
We have a Plan B in case extreme weather conditions require evacuating the camps. In this scenario, participants will be transferred to an indoor gymnasium, where they can spend the night with their sleeping bag on an inflatable mattress.
Those who wish may also book a cabin, hotel or hostel on their own. In this case, organization buses will drop runners off at the Cerro Catedral parking area, from where each runner must arrange their own transfer to the reserved accommodation. The cost of this option will be the runner’s responsibility. A list of available accommodations will be provided, updated according to capacity.
In more complex situations, such as the simultaneous evacuation of both camps, spending the night in the gyms—or even temporarily inside buses—will also be an option, organized and coordinated by the staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Those of us who organize and run adventure races are also the ones who most enjoy nature, mountains, lakes and landscapes; for this reason, we are also the ones who suffer most when we see papers, bags or other waste polluting the environment. We want to raise awareness among runners to take care of what we have.
- Consume responsibly and avoid waste.
- Reduce the use of polluting products and reuse whatever can be reused.
We urge runners to prioritize environmental care and recognize the impact of neglecting it. The Organization will provide waste bins at camps, separated into wet and dry waste.
As part of our environmental commitment, runners will receive a reusable soft cup in the race kit, which is mandatory to use during the stages. No plastic cups will be provided at Oasis or finish areas.
In addition, running with gels in their original wrappers is prohibited; they must be carried in reusable containers. The same applies to food, which must be carried in resealable bags.
RUNNER'S BAGS
Each participant must have a bag for the Organization to transport their belongings from the day before the start until the end of the race. The maximum accepted bag size is 120 liters. We recommend between 100 and 120 liters. If you bring two bags, an extra fee of USD 30 will be charged for the additional bag. Bags with items hanging outside will not be accepted. Each runner will receive a tag to properly identify their bag. The race bag must be handed in the day before the start at the place and time determined by the Organization. If delivered later (only if transport is still possible), a fine of USD 15 will apply. The Organization is not responsible for damage such as tears, broken seams, straps, zippers, etc., during transportation between stages.
Most runners will have a second bag that is not sent to the race and contains personal belongings for after the event. For this reason, the Organization offers a Bag Storage service for those who cannot leave their belongings at their hotels. On the morning of your start, you may leave one backpack, carry-on or suitcase with items you won’t need during the race. After finishing Stage 3, you can retrieve your bag from the same place where you left it. This service allows runners to carry only what is necessary during El Cruce, without worrying about the rest of their belongings.
OASIS (Aid Stations)
Sabemos lo importante que es recuperar energías durante cada etapa, por eso en cada edición trabajamos para mejorar y sumar más servicios de alimentación e hidratación en los Oasis. At each Oasis you will find a wide variety of options, both sweet and savory, hot and cold:
- Fruits: Banana, Orange, Watermelon, and Melon
- Savory Snacks: Breadsticks, Peanuts, Chips, and Crackers
- Sweet Snacks: Chocolate-covered Peanuts, Candied Peanuts, and Cookies
- Quince Paste and Bread
- Cold Drinks: Water, Gatorade, Coca-Cola, and Fruit Juice
- Hot Drinks: Coffee and Soup
There will also be options for gluten-free runners. If you have questions, you can contact us via email at [email protected] for more information. Ver más
For environmental care and commitment, no cups or plastic bottles will be provided at aid stations. Please remember to bring the reusable cup included in your race kit.
Per Stage:
Stage 1
Oasis A: km 7
Oasis B: km 16
Oasis C: km 23
Stage 2
Oasis D: km 11
Oasis E: km 23
Stage 3
Oasis F: km 5
Oasis G: km 22
In case of route changes or Plan B, aid station locations may be modified.
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
The mandatory equipment comprises items that every El Cruce runner must carry throughout all three stages of the race.
Remera de Carrera
Competitor number (Provided by the Organization)
1 Backpack with shoulder straps and water reservoir
1 Campera impermeable ( Provista por la organización)
1 Long-sleeved technical mountain shirt (Provided by the Organization)
1 Microfleece (Provided by the Organization)
It has to be suitable for spending a night outdoors
It is mandatory to carry food in a Ziploc bag without its packaging and gels in a plastic bottle already dissolved
Vaso Soft
Moleskin or similar for blisters
First aid kit (according to the needs of each runner)
Sunglasses
Hiking sticks
Sunblock
Towel
Headlamp
Sandals, essential for your feet to breathe after each stage
Hat
Rain jacket
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
While not essential for race participation, the recommended equipment will significantly enhance your race experience.
Runner’s Bag Checklist
As a guide, here is a checklist created by past participants of El Cruce from the Facebook group “La leyenda continúa” by José Luis Pepe Llanos. Packing is a personal process, but this list can be a useful reminder of the essential items you should take to the race.
Registration Form
Desde el 28 de agosto hasta el 22 de septiembre From August 26 to September 16, participants must complete the online form. The information in this document is very important, as it will allow for smoother logistics for every runner.
You can edit this form until the closing date.
This form can be edited until the closing date.
What is the form for?
- Verify your personal details
- Select kit pick-up location
- Reserve apparel sizes
- Camp tent group arrangements
- Rental requests
- Individual tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Bivvy Sack
- Inflatable Mattress
- Camp chair
- Massage and/or recovery boots
- Additional items
- Additional T-Shirt
- Your El Cruce photo package
- Your El Cruce book
- Personalized bib printing
- Merchandise items
- Complete medical and dietary information
- Indicate estimated race time for start wave organization
Rentals
Rentals and Optional Services
For those seeking more comfort during the experience, the organization offers optional rentals, which can be arranged through the online form.
Individual Tent: Normally, runners share a tent in Camp 1 and Camp 2, but those who prefer to sleep alone may rent an individual tent. Quantities are limited; once sold out, a waiting list will be opened.
Es importante saber que la cantidad de carpas individuales es limitada y, una vez completado el cupo, se habilitará una lista de espera para nuevas solicitudes.
Inflatable Mattress: Delivered directly to your tent before arrival. Spare mattresses will be available in case of punctures or air leaks, with night staff on hand for assistance.
Sleeping BagRented sleeping bags must be collected during accreditation and returned at the end of the race at Cef 7 in Villa La Angostura.
Bivvy Sack: This safety item will also be collected during accreditation and returned at the finish line.
Camp Chair: For those who want a seat outside their tent in both camps.
These services are designed to make personal logistics easier and offer more rest and warmth during your mountain days. We recommend booking early to ensure availability.
AWARDS
GENERAL
Se realizará al completar el podio.
Grupo 1 Caballeros y Damas.
- 1st Place: USD 3,000 2nd Place: USD 2,000 3rd Place: USD 1,000
*For Argentine runners, the prize will be awarded in Argentine Pesos at the official exchange rate.
Grupo 2 Caballeros y Damas.
- Medals for the top 3 finishers.
Grupo 3 Caballeros y Damas.
- Medals for the top 3 finishers.
GROUP 4 (Men & Women)
- Medals for the top 3 finishers.
Grupo 5 Caballeros y Damas.
- Medals for the top 3 finishers.
Sponsor gifts may be awarded.
BY AGE
The awards ceremony will take place at 4:00 p.m. on the third day of each group’s race.
GRUPO 1, 2, 3, 4 y 5 CABALLEROS Y DAMAS:
- Up to 29 years old inclusive
- From 30 to 34 years old inclusive
- From 35 to 39 years old inclusive
- From 40 to 44 years old inclusive
- From 45 to 49 years old inclusive.
- From 50 to 54 years old inclusive
- From 55 to 59 years old inclusive
- From 60 to 64 years old inclusive
- 65 years and above
Awards will be given with medals to the top 3 finishers in each age category.
*Awarding is contingent upon having more than 5 runners in the category. Otherwise, they will be classified in the previous category.
Recommended Accommodation and Transfers
We will soon announce the recommended accommodations and transfer services for this edition.
RunTag
At El Cruce, we aim to innovate in every area. That’s why we developed an app that uses dual artificial intelligence (facial recognition and number recognition) to automatically identify runners in photos. This allows El Cruce 2026 participants to view all their photos in a personalized way on their mobile devices or computers.
One of the most valued memories for runners year after year is the photos that capture the emotion, effort and incredible landscapes of El Cruce. Thanks to this technology, in 2025 we achieved an average of 100 photos per runner.
For this edition, we will have 40 photographers For this edition, we will have 40 photographers positioned at the most spectacular and strategic points of the course, with the goal of surpassing that average and offering unforgettable images of your journey through the mountains, camps, finish lines and unique race moments—because we know each photo is a way to relive the experience again and again.
This service will be available for purchase when completing the form for sizes, rentals, tents and additional services.
Once the photos are uploaded, you will be able to view them at fotorun.com.ar by registering with the same email used to sign up for the race.
Book
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first El Cruce start, a book was created telling its story. Its goal is to share the experiences of each edition since its beginning in 2002 in Penitentes, Mendoza.
With each new edition, the book is updated with the most important details. Runners can also personalize their book with an 8-page chronicle and their own photos on both the cover and inside.
More information, inquiries and orders: [email protected]
Spectators
Much of the El Cruce course crosses private land and areas belonging to local communities. The organization manages and obtains permits exclusively for runners, so it is strictly prohibited to access areas outside the authorized spaces.
Designated, authorized spots will be set where spectators can cheer for participants safely and respectfully towards the environment.
Reminder:
El Cruce camps are for runners only. No entry will be allowed to individuals not part of the organization or not properly accredited as participants.
