DIRECTOR´S BRIEFING
Dear El Cruce participants,
A new challenge awaits us. The memories of the experiences shared in the last edition, which included runners from over 45 countries, linger in our minds.
As in each of these 22 editions, our mission is to greet you with innovative, distinct, and unique ideas because that's what El Cruce is all about - being different.
We are already working hard to make El Cruce 2024 amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia a reality, just as we have been doing for the past 24 years. This time, we will traverse the trails of the majestic Lanín Volcano, one of the most beautiful spots in Lanín National Park.
Our aim is for you to immerse yourselves in the mountains from the very start of the race. Therefore, the chosen routes will be challenging and will demand significant physical exertion. It is essential to train conscientiously.
The two camps where you'll rest are incredible locations, nestled in nature, allowing you to enjoy a unique environment for a complete experience.
We want to express our gratitude to the local communities for allowing us to explore such a rugged, preserved, and incredible place like the trails of Lanín Volcano.
The host city, San Martín de los Andes, will serve as both the packet pickup location and final arrival. The latter will be set against the backdrop of the shores of Lake Lácar. In recent editions, with few exceptions, we've been blessed with very favorable weather conditions. What will 2024 bring? Nobody knows. El Cruce is a race that begins from the moment you sign up. Physical, mental, and logistical preparation starts today.
Get ready to experience a trail event, adventure, camping, and camaraderie with runners from countries around the globe.
See you in Patagonia. See you in San Martín de los Andes!
WHERE AND WHEN EL CRUCE TAKES PLACE
WHERE: Volcán Lanín, Neuquén, Patagonia Argentina.
WHEN December 1 to 6, 2024
HOST CITY: San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén.
There, the following will take place: packet pickup, opening ceremony, delivery of bags for the Camps, final arrival (third day), bag pick-up and award ceremony.
REGISTRATIONS, GROUPS, AND COSTS
SCHEDULE
GROUP 1: Will run December 1, 2 and 3, 2024.
GROUP 2: Will run December 2, 3 and 4 2024.
GROUP 3: Will run December 3, 4 and 5 2024.
GROUP 4: Will run December 4, 5 and 6 2024.The GROUP 4 will be opened when the rest of the groups have completed the 70% of their quota).
COSTS
The GROUPS 1, 2, 3, and 4 will have different registration fees but the routes, services and camps will be the same for each group.
TWO CAMPSITES IMMERSED IN PATAGONIA
As every year, El Cruce will feature two campsites located in unique places around the world. The Organization will be responsible for providing tents, breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and services designed to make this experience an unforgettable memory.
Camp life is one of the most characteristic aspects of El Cruce. From its inception to the present day, the runners' experience in the camps is one of the highlights of their participation in this emblematic international trail race, which boasts the largest logistics in the world.
ROUTES: THREE STAGES OF PURE MOUNTAIN
With few exceptions, El Cruce has changed locations, routes, and campsites in each of its editions. For this reason, we cannot anticipate permits for the 100k race too far in advance.
This time, we have prepared 3 days of routes ranging from 96 to 100 kilometers with incredible views and trails around the Lanín Volcano. These routes may undergo modifications due to local weather phenomena such as snowfall, rain, or strong winds. All routes are currently in the process of approval, and passage permits have been requested from various government entities, communities, and private landowners. Once all route sections are approved, we will release the elevation profiles. Final routes will be published the week prior to the event.
IN 2024, A NEW RACE IS BORN: LA ETAPA
We aim to have more and more runners enjoy the mountains and share the excitement that El Cruce generates!
WHERE, WHEN, AND WHAT DISTANCE IS LA ETAPA?
LOCATION: San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén.
DATE: December 1st, 2024
DISTANCE: 33 kilometers
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,762 meters