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.

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 10 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.

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 eight 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® 21K, 42K, 50K, 60K and 80K, in addition to the finisher medal, the first three finishers of each category, which are determined by age and gender, will be awarded an additional medal (1st, 2nd, or 3rd). This additional medal will be awarded the moment the corresponding runner crosses the finish line. In addition, for each distance, the three best overall times will be awarded as well for both the men and women.
• For the ULTRA FIORD® 95K, 115K and 136K, in addition to the medals awarded in the previous article, the ten overall best times for both the men and women will be awarded. This overall award ceremony for the 95K, 115K and 136K will take place on Saturday, 25 April, in the same sector as the Finish Line.

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.

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.

For all of the races during ULTRA FIORD® 2021, runners can send a bag with personal items (Drop Bag) to the Finish Line. These Drop Bags must be entered directly at each respective Starting Line. This Drop Bag may only be used for nutrition and/or clothing. It may NOT, however, be used to carry electronic equipment, fragile items, or anything of value. For each race distance, the organization will provide personalized stickers to be placed on each bag.

For the 80K race distance, the organization will provide personalized bags, which will include the runner’s name and number, for the intermediate Drop Bag located at PAS Hotel del Paine. It will be a runner’s exclusive responsibility to adequately store each of his/her belongings in his/her respective bag, which may only include what can be included in the following capacity: 55cm x 35cm. Any bag that is not properly closed or has items not properly placed within the bag will not be accepted.

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.

The Race takes place far away from urban centers and places, so runners will only have access to bathrooms and facilities at the Starting Line and Finish Line at Hotel Río Serrano, the Starting Line at Patagonia Camp, and at both PAS Hotel del Paine and Hostería Balmaceda. Therefore, if necessary, runners must be at least 60 meters away from any water source and utilize the technique “cathole.” Runners must try to avoid roads and animal tracks as well.

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 ALL Starting Lines.

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:

• Route Design, exploration, clearing, cleaning, and marking.
• Support Staff and Medical Team during the Race
• First Aid, Search, Rescue, and Evacuation Teams
• Ground or sea transportation in case of evacuations or race withdrawals.
• Hydration and food stations along the course route and at the Finish Line.
• Control points in strategic areas
• Official Runners Shirt ULTRA FIORD® 2021
• Official Elastic Cylindrical Headband ULTRA FIORD® 2021
• Official Race Number and Race Passport
• Official bags for Drop Bag 80K
• Final Drop Bag Sticker for Finish Line (all distances)
• Finisher’s medal upon crossing the Finish Line
• 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

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 Tuesday, 14 April.

Registration opens on on Tuesday, 14 April.

Registration payment includes:

• Route Design, exploration, clearing, cleaning, and marking.
• Support Staff and Medical Team during the Race
• First Aid, Search, Rescue, and Evacuation Teams
• Ground or sea transportation in case of evacuations or race withdrawals.
• Hydration and food stations along the course route and at the Finish Line.
• Control points in strategic areas
• Official Runners Shirt ULTRA FIORD® 2021
• Official Elastic Cylindrical Headband ULTRA FIORD® 2021
• Official Race Number and Race Passport
• Official bags for Drop Bag 80K
• Final Drop Bag Sticker for Finish Line (all distances)
• Finisher’s medal upon crossing the Finish Line
• 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

Registration payment DOES NOT include:

• Transfer to/from Punta Arenas
• Any form of transportation not previously mentioned as being included in registration
• Accommodation
• Unspecified Services