You’ve made up your mind: you’re going to run the Patagonian International Marathon. But now comes the big question…
What distance should I choose? 10K, 21K, or 42K?
Am I prepared for this? Will I survive the Patagonian wind?
Relax! Take a deep breath. Choosing the right distance is part of the journey, and there’s no single right answer. It all depends on you, your experience, your desire, and what you’re looking to experience.
Here we tell you everything about each category so you can make a decision with confidence (and with a little bit of butterflies in your stomach, which always comes in handy 😉).
🟢 10K – The first step into the wild
Ideal for:
- Beginners with a thirst for adventure.
- Urban runners who want to try something different.
- Travelers who want to experience a marathon without killing themselves training.
What to expect?
A friendly distance, but not necessarily “easy.” Remember, you’re in Patagonia: there’s wind, gentle climbs, mixed terrain, and the weather can change several times during the race. But that’s also the excitement.
Our recommendation:
Ideal if you want to experience the excitement of being at the event, cross the finish line with pride, and still have enough energy to explore Torres del Paine the next day.
🟡 21K – The right balance between challenge and enjoyment
Ideal for:
- Runners with experience in long-distance or half-marathons.
- Active people who train with some regularity.
- Adventurers who want a real challenge without going to extremes.
What to expect?
A varied, challenging, yet achievable route, with climbs and descents that will make you sweat… and smile. You’ll feel your body working, but you’ll also have time to look at the scenery, take a mental snapshot, and keep going.
Our recommendation:
If you’ve already run a half marathon, this is the ideal distance for you. But be careful: Patagonia isn’t like running in your hometown. You’ll have to train in the wind, hills, and weather changes!
🔴 42K – The total epic, the adventure you'll tell your whole life about
Ideal for:
- Runners with previous marathon experience.
- Lovers of extreme challenges and trail running.
- People who train seriously and want something unforgettable
What to expect?
A cinematic journey and a transformative experience. The elevation gain, the terrain, the changing weather, and the distance make this marathon a true test of body and mind. But crossing that finish line… is indescribable.
Our recommendation:
Don’t jump in unprepared. This category is for those who already have experience running long distances and are ready to experience a marathon in unique conditions. If you can handle that, don’t hesitate: it will be one of the most powerful experiences of your life!
⚠️ Bonus: Choosing well is not choosing “more”
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that the longer the distance, the more “valuable” your participation is.
The value lies in living the race to the fullest, reaching the finish line with joy, and enjoying the journey.
🎽 There are those who choose 10K and are amazed.
💥 Others who run 21K and feel at the peak of their running career.
🏔️ And some brave souls who face the 42K and return transformed.
Whatever your category, the important thing is that you’re there, feeling the wind, breathing the purest air in the world, and celebrating with other crazy people who also chose to race at the end of the world.
👉 Don’t know which distance to choose?
Write to us! We’ll help you with personalized advice to choose the ideal category based on your training, your goals, and what you want to experience on this great adventure.
Because at the Patagonian International Marathon, it’s not how many kilometers you run that matters, but rather that you’re there, living it to the fullest.
