GENERAL INFORMATION
LOCATION: Lanín Volcano, Neuquén, Argentine Patagonia.
HOST CITY: San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén, Argentina.
FORMAT: 100 kilometers | 3 days | 2 campsites
TERRAIN: Mountain trails | Ridges | River crossings | Unique beaches | Streams and plenty of adventure.
SCHEDULE
GROUP 1
- SUGGESTED ARRIVAL TO SMA: Friday, November 29th
- Packet Pickup: Saturday, November 30th.
STAGE 1: Sunday, December 1st.
STAGE 2: Monday, December 2nd.
STAGE 3: Tuesday, December 3rd.
GROUP 2
- SUGGESTED ARRIVAL TO SMA: Saturday, November 30th.
- PACKET PICKUP: Sunday, December 1st.
STAGE 1: Monday, December 2nd.
STAGE 2: Tuesday, December 3rd.
STAGE 3: Wednesday, December 4th.
GROUP 3
- SUGGESTED ARRIVAL TO SMA: Sunday, December 1st.
- PACKET PICKUP: Monday, December 2nd.
STAGE 1: Tuesday, December 3rd.
STAGE 2: Wednesday, December 4th.
STAGE 3: Thursday, December 5th.
GROUP 4
- SUGGESTED ARRIVAL TO SMA: Monday, December 2nd.
- PACKET PICKUP: Tuesday, December 3rd.
STAGE 1: Wednesday, December 4th.
STAGE 2: Thursday, December 5th.
STAGE 3: Friday, December 6th.
PACKET PICKUP
LOCATION: San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén, Argentine Patagonia.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH
- GROUP 1
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1ST
- GROUP 2
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2ND
- GROUP 3
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
- GROUP 4
Each runner must pickup their packet on the day before the start of Stage 1 of their respective GROUP. For this reason, we advise arriving in San Martín de los Andes 48 hours before the start.
In San Martín de los Andes, the following will take place:
- PACKET PICKUP
- OPENING CEREMONY
- DISTRIBUTION OF CAMPING BAGS
- FINAL ARRIVAL (THIRD DAY)
- AWARD CEREMONY
- RETRIEVAL OF BAGS
For this reason, we recommend staying in hotels or cabins in San Martín de los Andes.
Please remember NOT to book cabins or hotels that charge for days when you are not staying, i.e., the days you are in the middle of 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: 12 minutes per kilometer.
GROUP 2
Will run with a 24-hour difference from GROUP 1.
- TIME LIMIT: 14 minutes per kilometer.
GROUP 3
Will run with a 24-hour difference from GROUP 2.
- TIME LIMIT: 14 minutes per kilometer.
GRUPO 4*
Will run with a 24-hour difference from GROUP 3.
- TIME LIMIT: 14 minutes per kilometer.
Each category will be limited to ensure a comfortable running experience on the trails and to maintain an optimal number of participants at the campsites for excellent service. The cutoff time will be the same for all categories and will be announced along with the routes. Additionally, all groups will cover the same distances, follow the same routes, utilize the same campsites, and adhere to identical organizational and regulatory standards.
All groups will have the same distances, routes, campsites, organization, and regulations.
*GROUP 4 registrations will open when the rest of the groups reach 70% capacity.
BY AGE *
The age categories apply to both male and female participants in GROUPS 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- 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 without exception. The organization reserves the right to cancel registration if it is found that the participant does not meet the minimum age requirement on the race day.
GROUPS 2, 3, and 4 will be awarded trophies and/or gifts from sponsors, both in the general and age categories.
Participants wishing to compete for cash prizes in the general category must register in GROUP 1.
*The awards ceremony will take place at 4:00 p.m. on the arrival day of each group. Prizes will be awarded only if there are more than 5 runners in each category. Otherwise, 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, especially those with lakeside locations, are the best option for enjoying the mountains 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 campsite, remember that you have choosen to be there.
Fatigue is a major motivator for irritability. Can you handle that tiredness?
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
Each participant must have a bag for the Organization to transport their items from the day before the race until its conclusion. The maximum accepted size for bags will be 120 liters, with a recommended range between 100 and 120 liters. For those with 2 bags, an additional fee of USD 30 (thirty dollars) per extra bag will apply.
Bags with items protruding outside will not be accepted. Each runner will receive a label to be affixed to their bag for proper identification.
Runner's bags must be dropped off on the day before the race at the designated location and time determined by the Organization. Failure to comply and delivering bags later, if transportable by the Organization, will incur a fine of USD 15 (fifteen dollars).
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.
AWARDS
The final award ceremony will take place on (December 3, 4, 5, and 6).
GENERAL
GROUP 1 MEN AND WOMEN:
- Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3:
- First place: USD 3,000
- Second place: USD 2,000
- Third place: USD 1,000*
*For Argentine runners, the prize will be awarded in Argentine Pesos at the official exchange rate.
GROUP 2 MEN AND WOMEN:
- Medals will be awarded to the top 3.
GROUP 3 MEN AND WOMEN:
- Medals will be awarded to the top 3.
GROUP 4 MEN AND WOMEN:
- Medals will be awarded to the top 3.
*There may be gifts from sponsors.
BY AGE
GROUP 1, 2, 3, AND 4 MEN AND WOMEN:
- 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.
EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR RUNNERS
RUNTAG
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
THE MAGIC OF RUNNING AMIDST THE PATAGONIAN MOUNTAINS
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