FAQ

According to the ITRA (International Trail Running Association), trail running is defined as running through a natural environment (mountains, deserts, forests, plains, etc.) with a minimum amount of paved or asphalted roads, which must not exceed 20% of the total course. The type of terrain may vary (dirt path, forest footpaths, trails, etc.), and the route must be properly marked. Within this general context provided by ITRA, Ultra Fiord Running is an intensive way to connect with nature; it is a life experience.

The term “Ultra Fiord” is the result of the combination between two concepts: Ultra and Fiord. Ultra, in a sports context, is associated with challenges that go beyond usual limits, which is the factor that defines the event’s character. The other term, which defines the foundation of this Ultra Trail Running, is Fiord (Fjord), or Fiordo in Spanish, and is used to highlight the many fjords located in Chilean Patagonia. Ultra Fiord is a journey into a magical world of fjords, one that will lead to discovering this territory shaped by the passage of glaciers. Chile is one of the only countries with fjords, and even more, the thousands and thousands of kilometers of these that have accumulated are still preserved, making it perhaps one of the country’s best-kept secrets. If you wish to see them, you can observe them through a map of Chile’s extreme southwestern end, and find them hidden under the names of “channel,” “strait,” or others that hide the true origin of these giants, which are actually Fjords in origin!

The event will be held in the Province of Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope), Magellan and Chilean Antarctica Region. The region’s capital is Punta Arenas; however, the closest town and logistics center to the course is Puerto Natales, which is also the finish line for both the 100 Miles and 100K distances.

The race format is going to be a non-stop, semi-autonomous race. This means that each runner must be independent between aid stations, which will roughly be located every 15 kilometers. Thus, in order to endure any possible weather or physical conditions that may arise, each runner must carry mandatory equipment at all times (see equipment list in Race Rules). Similarly, the runner must carry a sufficient amount of nutrition and hydration to last each leg of the race. Ultra Fiord adheres to the values of sportsmanship, loyalty, solidarity, and environmental respect.

Ultra Fiord’s route will pass through a wide variety of terrain and scenery. Thus, all of the following will be passed along the course: ranch farms, forests, grasslands, mountains, bordering lakes, and other natural environments. For the course’s terrain, runners will move on animal tracks, trails, back-roads for vehicles, etc. Only at the end of the course, which is the entrance to the city, will there be a stretch of pavement, about a 5km stretch (corresponding to less than 3% of the 100-mile route).

The race route will be clearly indicated by various markings, depending on time and runner location, which will include stakes, flags, flares, etc.

The event will offer seven race distances:

*These race distances could be slightly modified when the route details are finalized.

The runners from each race distance will be classified according to the following table of categories, which is based on the runner’s age as of the date for his/her race distance:

NOTE: The categories have been chosen in recognition to the course’s natural environment, being assigned a name that corresponds to the wildlife inhabiting the area.

• All runners that cross the finish line within the established time limits will receive a finisher medal.
• For the ULTRA FIORD® 30K, 42K and 50K, the first three places of each category, which are determined by age and gender, will be awarded.
• For the ULTRA FIORD® 70K, and 100K, the first three places of each category, which are determined by age and gender, will be awarded. Also, the overall best three times for each distance, for both men and women, will be awarded.
• For the ULTRA FIORD® 100 Miles the first three places of each category, which are determined by age and gender, will be awarded. Also, the overall top ten finishers for both the men and the women will be awarded.

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® Qualifying Race

Ultra Fiord is a Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc® 2018 qualifying race with the following points awarded by ITRA:

2018 HARDROCK 100 QUALIFIER

The 100-Mile Distance of Ultra Fiord is a 2018 HARDROCK 100 qualifying race, meaning finishers can enter into the lottery for the 2018 edition of HARDROCK 100. Additionally, 100-Mile Finishers from Ultra Fiord 2016 and 2017 are qualified to enter into the lottery for 2018 HARDROCK 100 as well.

ULTRA FIORD 100 MILES
2018
2017
2016

NOTE: Registration for the vertical kilometer distance will open on December 22, 2017. If a runner is already registered for one of Ultra Fiord´s other distances, he/she can request a 50% registration discount for this distance by writing to runner@ultrafiord.com.

Yes, for security and logistical reasons, cut-off times will be set at intermediate points. Please see Article 10 of the Rules and Regulations.

It is prohibited for runners to be accompanied throughout the race; however, there will be aid stations where the assistance from friends, family, or team members is permitted. Some of these stations are accessible by land, while others are only accessible by sea due to the fjord. The event organizers will arrange discounts and special conditions for support groups, but it will be your responsibility to make use of these external services.

The runners will receive a Race Passport after their Mandatory Gear Check in Puerto Natales. In this passport, it is mandatory for each runner to register him/herself at every Aid Station (PAS), Control Point (PC), the Starting Line, and the Finish Line.

The organization also reserves the right to check the mandatory equipment, which will be noted in the race passport, in the following points:

• Starting Line Hotel Río Serrano (30K & 50K)
• Boat trip to the Starting Line Hostería Balmaceda (42K, 70K, and 100K)
• Hostería Balmaceda (For 100M)

It is the runner´s responsibility to check him/herself in at each PAS / PC listed in the Race Passport. If a runner is missing a check-in from one or more PC / PAS, the organization reserves the right to disqualify the runner and/or not include his/her time in the finals results.

Yes, runners should enter his/her personal equipment bag (drop bag) according to his/her distance (second table). These bags must be submitted in advance, based on both the following schedule and the runner´s race distance, and WILL NOT be accepted directly at the starting line. One must remember that some of these bags will need to be transported by sea and/or land.

All Drop Bags must be brought to the drop bag reception in Puerto Natales after completing equipment revision and kit pick up, dependent upon the following schedule:

In Patagonia’s Extreme South, weather conditions are both highly variable and unpredictable in all four seasons. However, in April, it will be middle of autumn in this area, which usually consists of a reduction to the strong winds of summer and winter, although exceptions may exist. Overall, average temperatures range from 4 to 12ºC, being even close to 0ºC in the high mountain areas.

Autumn is the time when the trees change color from green to yellow, orange, and various shades of red.

NOTE: In reference to weather conditions, the mandatory equipment seeks to improve the race experience, while also serving as an important part of your safety and comfort during the event. Selecting and evaluating each item is the runner’s responsibility.

There will be bathrooms in Hotel Río Serrano and Hostería Balmaceda, the starting locations for 100K, 70K, 50K, 42K, and 30K, however, La Península, the starting location for 100 Miles, will NOT have bathrooms.

When entering Chile from outside the country, one must first arrive in Santiago, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, code SCL (Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez). From this airport, there are frequent flights to Punta Arenas, President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo), which is the closest airport to Puerto Natales and the Ultra Fiord race zone. The airport code is PUQ. The capital of the Magellan and Chilean Antarctica Region. From Punta Arenas, there are regular bus services to Puerto Natales (250km). From Puterto Natales there will be special bus services to travel to the race’s starting points.

Official bus transfer is provided in the cost of registration from Puerto Natales to the following starting lines:

• Hotel Río Serrano – 50K & 30K Starting Line
• La Península – 100-Mile Starting Line

For the starting lines at Hostería Balmaceda, which is the case for the 100K, 70K & 42K race distances, runners must purchase a boat ticket when completing payment for registration, which can be done by including it as an additional item through Welcu. Additionally, this must also be done for all 30K runners, as they will need this transportation when returning to Puerto Natales from their Finish Line at Hostería Balmaceda.

The ticket cost is $40,000 CLP or $65.00 USD. All other ground transportation, such as to the dock for departure or return from the dock to the Plaza in Puerto Natales, and evacuations (via land, air, and/or sea) are included within the registration cost.

Before a runner is able to pick up his/her runner´s kit, he/she MUST complete an equipment check, which is mandatory for ALL race distances. Should a runner fail this equipment check, he/she will have a second opportunity to find the piece(s) of missing equipment and return to complete the revision. The equipment revision will be based on the following schedule:

Upon equipment approval, a runner will be given his/her race passport, which must then be shown at kit pick up in Espacio Ñandú as verification for completing the equipment revision, based on the following schedule:

• Official Runners Shirt ULTRA FIORD® 2018
• Official Elastic Cylindrical Headband ULTRA FIORD® 2018
• Official Race Number and Race Passport
• PDF Documents: Rules and Regulations, Runner’s Guide, Race Map, Elevation Profile with aid stations and control points
• Official bags for Drop Bags and bag adhesives for personal identification.

During the event, the runners can be followed along the course by tracking their progression through the various checkpoints. These points will have satellite connection, providing specific information regarding a runner’s location during the event. A runner’s friends and family will be able to access this information through the Internet.

Registration opens on on May 11, 2017, and will close on February 28, 2018, or when the maximum space available, according to race distance, for the fourth edition has been reached. The registration period is the following:

NOTE: Registration for the vertical kilometer distance will open on December 22, 2017. If a runner is already registered for one of Ultra Fiord´s other distances, he/she can request a 50% registration discount for this distance by writing to runner@ultrafiord.com.

Registration payment includes:

• Route Design, exploration, clearing, cleaning, and marking.
• Hydration and food stations along the course route and at the Finish Line.
• Control points in strategic areas
• Support Staff and Medical Team during the Race
• First Aid, Search, Rescue, and Evacuation Teams
• Aerorescate Insurance (Click for more details) – A private, multipurpose helicopter, based in the race zone, especially set aside for prevention and possible rescues in justified, emergency situations.
• Sea or land transportation in case of evacuations or race withdrawals.
• Ground transportation from Plaza de Armas in Puerto Natales towards the Starting Lines (100M, 50K & 30K).
• Ground or sea transportation from the Finish Line at Estancia Perales to Puerto Natales (50K & 42K).
• Ground transportation from Finish Line at Estancia Dos Lagunas to Plaza de Armas in Puerto Natales (70K).
• Official Runners Shirt ULTRA FIORD® 2018
• Official Elastic Cylindrical Headband ULTRA FIORD® 2018
• Official Race Number
• Finisher’s medal
• Medal for Category/Overall Winners (Please see General Rules for distance-specific awards
• PDF Documents: Rules and Regulations, Runner’s Guide, Race Map, Elevation Profile with aid stations and control points
• Official bags for Drop Bags and bag adhesives for personal identification.
• Digital Race E-book

Registration payment DOES NOT include:

• Transfer to/from Punta Arenas
• Sea Transportation to/from Hostería Balmaceda (Start / Finish)
• Transportation in general (such as Starting Line, Finish Line, etc) for VKM runners
• Entry fee to Torres del Paine National Park for VKM runners
• Accommodation
• Unspecified Services

Registration can be made by completing the registration process. Upon registration, participant will pay a non-refundable deposit of $15.000 CLP (USD $25.00) to secure his/her spot in the race. The runner´s application will be reviewed by the organization to access if he/she has met the requirements of his/her selected race distance. This will take 1-5 working days. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a unique confirmation link from the race organizer in order to complete the registration process by making full payment online for the remaining entry fee within 10 consecutive days of notification. Should the participant not complete the process within the time limit, his/her spot could be given to another runner, but should his/her spot in the race still be available and the registration period has changed, the link will be invalid and therefore updated to reflect the updated registration fee.

Successful applicants will be required to send in the following documents (which will be sent to the applicants via email) at least one month before the event:

• Medical certificate that clearly indicates a runner’s ability to complete this sort of activity, specifically including the completion of the specified distance.
• A signed copy of the event’s disclaimer form.

All runners should have previous Trail Running experience, and all additional experience included in mountain-type events will be an additional benefit. In order for an applicant to participate in ULTRA FIORD, he or she should complete the following pre-requisites:

• ULTRA FIORD® VKM: Have completed trail-running events of distances greater than or equal to 10K. In the evaluation, additional experience in mountain activities will be considered as a positive factor.
• ULTRA FIORD® 30K: Have completed trail-running events of distances greater than or equal to 30K. In the evaluation, additional experience in mountain activities will be considered as a positive factor. Additionally, previous participation in the Patagonian International Marathon, Ultra Trail Torres del Paine, or Ultra Fiord will also be a factor considered favorably for participation.
• ULTRA FIORD® 42K: Have completed trail-running events of distances greater than or equal to 35K. In the evaluation, additional experience in mountain activities will be considered as a positive factor. Additionally, previous participation in the Patagonian International Marathon, Ultra Trail Torres del Paine, or Ultra Fiord will also be a factor considered favorably for participation.
• ULTRA FIORD® 50K: Have completed trail-running events of distances greater than 30Km. In the evaluation, additional experience in mountain activities will be considered as a positive factor. Additionally, previous participation in the Patagonian International Marathon, Ultra Trail Torres del Paine, or Ultra Fiord will also be a factor considered favorably for participation.
• ULTRA FIORD® 70K: Have completed trail-running events of distances greater than 60Km. In the evaluation, additional experience in mountain activities will be considered as a positive factor. Additionally, previous participation in the Patagonian International Marathon, Ultra Trail Torres del Paine, or Ultra Fiord will also be a factor considered favorably for participation.
• ULTRA FIORD 100K: Have completed trail-running events of distances greater than 80Km. In the evaluation, additional experience in mountain activities will be considered as a positive factor. Additionally, previous participation in the Patagonian International Marathon, Ultra Trail Torres del Paine, or Ultra Fiord will also be a factor considered favorably for participation.
• ULTRA FIORD 100 Miles: have completed trail-running events that are equal or superior to 100Km. The completion of mountain activities and events will be an additional factor considered favourably in the assessment of his or her experience. Additionally, previous participation in 109Km Ultra Trail Torres del Paine or Ultra Fiord will also be a factor considered favorably for participation.

In order to be eligible for the event, the runners must meet the required experience. All applications will be evaluated, and only runners that have proven the minimum necessary requirements will be accepted. These requirements are requested to ensure a good level of event security during the race, as well as ensuring a good experience for all participants.

Please note that physical and physiological demands for the event are high, and a schedule of cut-off times will be included in the race, which could cut some unprepared runners out of the race.

Aerorescate Service – Emergency Medical Rescue. Serious,
life-threatening emergencies that justify aerial evacuation:

• Traumatic abdominal injuries
• Jaw fracture, femur fracture, or a protruding fracture with severe
  bleeding
• Thoracic injuries with breathing difficulty and respiratory failure
• Cranial contusions with loss of consciousness
• Severe, uncontrolled bleeding
• Other types of high-energy trauma
• Shock
• Cardiac arrest
• Sever and extensive burns
• Acute Coronary Syndrome
• Metabolic Emergency
• Cerebrovascular accident
• Gastrointestinal bleeding with hemodynamic instability
• Acute Abdomen
• Other neurological emergencies (i.e. status epilepticus, subarachnoid
  hemorrhage)
• Any other that could endanger your life or cause the loss of limb or
  sight if not attended to promptly.

For international runners, payment must be made in USD through an international credit card. For runners residing in Chile, payment must be made in CLP through either a credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or WebPay.

Once accepted and payment has been completed, the ULTRA FIORD runner will receive a confirmation email, as long as all the following has been completed:

• The registration form has been completed and accepted by WELCU.
• Received application confirmation (Within 1-5 days of completing registration).
• Paid the registration cost

First, ensure that you have not received the confirmation email in your spam folder by checking the junk folder in your email. If there is still no email, please send us an email at info@ultrafiord.com explaining your situation, with an attachment of your payment confirmation. It is noteworthy to mention each registered runner is always sent a welcome email, so if you have not received a confirmation email, it usually means there has been a problem with completing your registration.

Yes, you can make any necessary change until February 28, 2018 by writing us an email at info@ultrafiord.com.

Any change to your registration can be completed at any time until February 28, 2017. However, we please ask that you first send us an email at info@ultrafiord.com. As long as you meet all the additional requirements for that race distance, and if there are still additional spots remaining, we will make the requested change.

You may be granted a refund on the balance of your registration fee, which would not include the non-refundable deposit of $15.000 CLP or USD $25.00, depending on the following periods:

• May 11 – August 31 2017: 25% Refund
• After September 1, 2017: No Refund

Note: Refunds in USD can only be done through PayPal. Please email info@ultrafiord.com for more details.

Yes, you can transfer your registration, as long as you have advised us of the change by February 28, 2017. We will complete the final change once we have approved the request and reviewed the certification for the specific distance in ULTRA FIORD. In addition to the change, you should inform us of the new runner’s name that will take your place in ULTRA FIORD. In order for the change to be accepted, you must pay 5,000 CLP or $10.00 USD for administrative costs.

Similar to any registered runner, as soon as the change has been made, the new runner will receive a welcome email.