About the Atacama Crossing 2011
The Atacama Crossing (Chile) is part of the 4 Deserts which was named by TIME magazine as #2 on its list of the Top 10 Endurance Competitions in the world.
The Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011 is the seventh edition of this event.
The Atacama Desert is 15 million years old and 50 times more arid than California’s Death Valley.
Some of the oldest mummies found on earth come from the Atacama, dating as far back as 9000 years.
The entire race will be held at least 1.6 kilometers / 1 mile above sea level and cover the distance required to make a horizontal crossing of the country of Chile (250 kilometers).
The day time temperatures expected are 32 Celsius / 90 Fahrenheit, while nighttime temperatures may drop to 10 degrees Celsius / 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
The Atacama Desert has the most lunar-like landscape on Earth and is frequently used by NASA to test its Mars rover vehicles.
More than thirty-five (35) countries are expected to be represented in the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011 including competitors from Brazil, France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland.
The strongest contingent of competitors (40%) is from the United Kingdom, followed by the United States and Australia.
Chile’s own Sergio Echeverria will be running for his country at the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011. Many more competitors from Chile are expected to join the race and break last year’s record of nine Chilean competitors.
There are already thirteen (13) confirmed charities that will be supported through the race.
The youngest competitor in the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011 is the Netherland’s 18 years old Christopher Schrader, who resides in Hong Kong.
Approximately 20% of the competitors will be female and 80% will be male.
Four teams will be competing, including team Smoking Aces from the United Kingdom with some of the youngest competitors.
A full medical team will be working at the race. In addition to treating competitors, the medical team will also be conducting medical research.
During the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011, competitors, volunteers and staff will consume more than 14,000 liters of water over the seven days of the event.
RacingThePlanet will be using Bedouin style tents specially made in Egypt for the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011.
Competitors will be required to pass through up to 30 checkpoints throughout the seven-day event.