GENERAL INFORMATION
PLACE:Villa La Angostura, Neuquén, 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: Runs on December 1, 2, and 3, 2025.
Group 2: Runs on December 2, 3, and 4, 2025.
Group 3: Runs on December 3, 4, and 5, 2025.
Group 4: Runs on December 4, 5, and 6, 2025.
Grupo 5: Correrá el 5, 6 y 7 de diciembre 2025
In 2025, a new edition of La Etapa will take place with two distances: 33 km and 15 km, starting on Sunday, November 30. More information at http://www.laetapa.com.ar.
SCHEDULE
GROUP 1
- RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL IN VLA: Saturday, November 29.
- PACKET PICKUP: Sunday, November 30.
STAGE 1: Monday, December 1.
STAGE 2: Tuesday, December 2.
STAGE 3: Wednesday, December 3.
GROUP 2
- RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL IN VLA: Sunday, November 30.
- PACKET PICKUP: Monday, December 1.
STAGE 1: Tuesday, December 2.
STAGE 2: Wednesday, December 3.
STAGE 3: Thursday, December 4.
GROUP 3
-
RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL IN VLA:
Monday, December 1.
- PACKET PICKUP: Tuesday, December 2.
STAGE 1: Wednesday, December 3.
STAGE 2: Thursday, December 4.
STAGE 3: Friday, December 5.
GROUP 4
- RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL IN VLA: Tuesday, December 2.
- PACKET PICKUP: Wednesday, December 3.
STAGE 1: Thursday, December 4.
STAGE 2: Friday, December 5.
STAGE 3: Saturday, December 6.
GRUPO 5
- LLEGADA SUGERIDA A VLA: Miercoles 3 de diciembre.
- ACREDITACIÓN: Jueves 4 de diciembre.
STAGE 1: Friday, December 5.
STAGE 2: Saturday, December 6.
STAGE 3: Domingo 7 de diciembre.
PACKET PICKUP
WHERE: Villa La Angostura, Neuquén, Argentina.
DOMINGO 30 DE NOVIEMBRE
- GROUP 1
LUNES 1 DE DICIEMBRE
- GROUP 2
MARTES 2 DE DICIEMBRE
- GROUP 3
MIÉRCOLES 3 DE DICIEMBRE
- GROUP 4
JUEVES 4 DE DICIEMBRE
- GRUPO 5
Each runner must check in the day before their group's Stage 1 start We recommend arriving Villa La Angostura 48 hours before the race.
In Villa La Angostura:
- PACKET PICKUP
- OPENING CEREMONY
- DISTRIBUTION OF CAMPING BAGS
- STAGE 1 START AND FINAL ARRIVAL (THIRD DAY)
- AWARD CEREMONY
- RETRIEVAL OF BAGS
We suggest staying in hotels or cabins in Villa La Angostura.
Important: Avoid accommodations that charge for the days you'll be actively participating in the race.
CATEGORIES
GENERAL
El Cruce Saucony will be divided into the following main categories:
GROUP 1
Will be the first to start.
- Time limit: 15 minutes per kilometer.
GROUP 2
Will run with a 24-hour difference from GROUP 1.
- Time limit: 15 minutes per kilometer.
GROUP 3
Will run with a 24-hour difference from GROUP 2.
- Time limit: 15 minutes per kilometer.
GROUP 4
Will run with a 24-hour difference from GROUP 3.
- Time limit: 15 minutes per kilometer.
GRUPO 5
Correrá con 24 horas de diferencia del GRUPO 4
- Time limit: 15 minutes per kilometer.
Cada categoría tendrá un cupo limitado. Esto es para que puedan correr más cómodos por los senderos y que en los campamentos haya una cantidad de participantes adecuada que permita brindar un excelente servicio. Todas las categorías tendrán el mismo tiempo de corte, que se dará a conocer junto con los recorridos.
Todos los grupos tendrán las mismas distancias, los mismos recorridos, campamentos y organización, así como el mismo reglamento.
BY AGE *
Las categorías por edades femeninas y masculinas aplican a los GRUPOS 1, 2, 3, 4 y 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. The organization reserves the right to cancel registration if this requirement is not met.
Runners GRUPO 2, 3, 4 y 5 serán reconocidos con trofeos y/o regalos de sponsorsin both the general and age group categories.
En caso de querer participar por los premios en efectivo de la categoría general, deberán inscribirse en el GRUPO 1.
The awards ceremony will take place at 4:00 p.m. on the day each group finishes. Prizes will be awarded only if there are more than 5 runners in each category..
If not, they will be classified in the previous category.
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.
- FAVORABLE
Take advantage of enjoying Patagonia after running in the mountains and sharing the passion for running with participants from over 45 countries.
Campsites by the lake are ideal in good weather.
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 who chose to be there.
– Fatigue can affect mood—stay positive.
Don't expect everything to be perfect. Both the Organization and the runners have decided 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.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
As organizers and participants of adventure races, we are among those who cherish nature the most – the mountains, lakes, and landscapes. Consequently, it deeply troubles us to witness litter such as papers, bags, or other debris tarnishing these beautiful surroundings. We aim to instill environmental consciousness among adventure runners to safeguard our natural treasures.
• Let's consume mindfully and avoid unnecessary waste.
• Let's minimize the use of harmful products and repurpose items whenever possible.
We urge runners to prioritize environmental care and recognize the impact of neglecting it. The Organization will provide waste bins at the campsites, categorized into Wet and Dry waste for proper disposal.
RUNNER'S BAGS
Cada participante deberá tener un bolso para que la Organización traslade sus elementos desde el día previo a la largada hasta el final de la carrera. El tamaño máximo de los bolsos que se aceptarán será de 120 litros. Recomendamos entre 100 y 120 litros. En caso de tener 2 bolsos deberán abonar USD 30 (treinta dólares) por el bolso extra.
No se aceptarán bolsos que contengan elementos colgando fuera del mismo. Cada corredor recibirá una etiqueta que deberá colocar en su bolso para su correcta identificación.
The race bag debe ser entregado en el día anterior a la largada en el lugar y horario determinado por la Organización. En caso de incumplimiento y entregarlo más tarde, siempre que la Organización pueda transportarlo, tendrá una multa de USD 15 (quince dólares).
La organización no se responsabiliza por roturas, rasgaduras de tela, costuras, correas, cierres, etc. durante el traslado entre las diferentes etapas.
Guarda Bolso (Bolso NO Carrera)
La gran mayoría tendrá un 2do Bolso, el cual no despacharan a la carrera y en el mismo tendrán las pertenencias para utilizar cuando regresen a Villa La Angostura.
Es por esto que la Organización dispone de un servicio de Guarda Bolso para aquellos que no lo puedan dejar en hoteles hasta su regreso.
La mañana de su largada podrán dejar las pertenencias que no necesiten despachar al campamento y que tampoco utilizarán durante la carrera. Se recibirá una mochila, carry on o valija por corredor. Al finalizar la tercera etapa, podrán retirar su bolso del mismo lugar en el que lo dejaron.
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
The mandatory equipment comprises items that every El Cruce runner must carry throughout all three stages of the race.
Official Shirt of El Cruce (Provided by the Organization)
Competitor number (Provided by the Organization)
Runner's chip (Provided by the Organization)
1 Backpack with shoulder straps and water reservoir
1 Waterproof jacket for high-altitude mountain
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
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 PACKING CHECKLIST
For your convenience, we're sharing a checklist put together by fellow runners from past editions of El Cruce in the Facebook group "La leyenda continúa," moderated by José Luis Pepe Llanos. While assembling your bag is a personal process, this checklist can serve as a helpful guide to ensure you have all the essentials for the race.
RUNNERS FORM
During August, participants will need to fill out a form. The information provided in this document is very IMPORTANT as it will allow for simpler logistics for each runner.
This form can be edited until the closing date.
What is the form for?
- Verify your personal information
- Select your KIT pick-up location
- Reserve clothing sizes:
You’ll need to select sizes for the Bib, Fleece, Base Layer, and Camp T-shirt. The form includes a size guide, but if you prefer to try on the items, they will be available at Club de Corredores.
.
A small percentage of items are made for potential size exchanges, but availability cannot be guaranteed at the time of your request
- Tent groups
Mediante un código de 2 letras y 2 números podrán informar a la organización para compartir un mismo sector de carpas para aquellos que vayan en Grupos. El código deber ser el mismo y de esta forma tendrán las carpas juntas.
- Rental requests:
- Sleeping Bags
- Individual tent
- Bivy Sac
- Inflatable mattress
- Service bookings:
- Massages
- Pro-Gravity Therapy
- Additional requests:
- Additional T-Shirt
- Custom Printing
- Your Photos
- Merchandise Items
- Fill out medical and dietary information
AWARDS
La premiación final se realizará los días (3, 4, 5, 6 y 7) de diciembre.
General
GROUP 1 (Men & Women)
- 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.
GROUP 2 (Men & Women)
- Medals for the top 3 finishers.
GROUP 3 (Men & Women)
- 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
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
Medals will be awarded.
*Awarding is contingent upon having more than 5 runners in the category. Otherwise, they will be classified in the previous category.
FOTORUN
At El Cruce, we're constantly pushing boundaries, and that's why we've introduced RUNTAG – an innovative app that harnesses the power of dual artificial intelligence in facial and numerical recognition. This cutting-edge technology allows runners to effortlessly identify themselves in event photos. For participants of El Cruce 2024, this means accessing all their personalized event photos directly on their mobile device or computer.
To take advantage of this exciting feature, simply opt-in when completing your registration form for sizes, equipment rentals, tents, and more.
Once photos start rolling in, you can view them by visiting elcruce.runtag.app and registering with the same email you used to sign up for the race. Get ready to capture and relive every moment of your El Cruce experience like never before with RUNTAG.
EL CRUCE BOOK: A PERSONALIZED JOURNEY
Celebrate 20 years of adventures and challenges with the official Cruce book. From its humble beginnings in 2002 in Penitentes, Mendoza province, this work captures the essence and excitement of each edition of the most emblematic trail running event.
Every year, the book is enriched with new stories and highlights. But the best part is that runners can add their personal touch: an 8-page chronicle and their own photos on the cover and inside.
Immerse yourself in the magic of running among the mountains of Patagonia with your own personalized copy of the Cruce book.
For more information, inquiries, or orders, contact us at libro@elcruce.com.ar
VOLUNTEER
Coming soon
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