Last Update – 29 July, 2024
Article 01: Definition, Format, Organization
Article 02: Rights & Obligations
Article 03: Environment
Article 04: Participation Requirements
Article 05: Registration Process
Article 06: Categories, Times, Classification and Awards
Article 07: Responsibilities and Disqualification
Article 08: Equipment and Final Bag
Article 09: Runner’s Kit
Article 10: Time Limits, Starting Schedule and Cut-Off Times
Article 11: Security During the Race
Article 12: Policies for Event Modification, Cancelation and Refunds
1.1. The name of the event is "Patagonian International Marathon®", hereafter, also referred to as the "Race" or the "Event". The first edition took place on 23 September, 2012, using the interior roads of Torres del Paine National Park. Since that first edition, the event has occurred each year in the month of September, either inside the park or within its surroundings.
1.2. Patagonian International Marathon® is organized by Racing Patagonia®, hereafter, also referred to as the "organization" or the "organizers". The Racing Patagonia® project, which includes Patagonian International Marathon® and other events, which began in the year 2002 with the intention of promoting Chilean Patagonia around the world and contribute to sustainable development of tourism and the local community.
1.3. The rights and obligations of the race, the event organizers, and the runners, in addition to the development of the race, shall be governed and amended by these rules and regulations.
1.4. The maximum authority for the event is the Race Director, who shall make all final decisions concerning any difficulties or disputes that occur during the progression of the event.
1.5. The official language for Patagonian International Marathon® is Spanish, as the event’s host country is Chile; however, being that it is an event including a large percentage of runners from different countries, English has been established as a second language. Therefore, all of the generated documents required for the participants will be available in both Spanish and English.
1.6. The race distances for the twelfth edition are: 42km, 21km and 10km. The race route has been designed over vehicle routes made of gravel, with curves and steep slopes.
1.7. The dates and schedules for Patagonian International Marathon® are listed in detail on the website (Race Calendar) and in the Runner’s Guide. The complete race calendar, including all activities for the event, can be found on that page. It is a runner’s responsibility to read it and remain attentive to any and all modifications.
2.1. The organization of Patagonian International Marathon® is responsible for the proper execution of the event, meaning it reserves the right to reschedule or cancel The Race for security purposes or reasons of force majeure, such as national disasters or other similar occurrences. Specific details are noted in Article 12. Therefore, in cases of force majeure – including, but not limited to, fires, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, accidents, justified reasons or permits from any competent authority – the organization reserves the right to modify any of the schedules, any aspect of the race route or aid stations at any time, even during the course of the event if deemed necessary.
2.2. Upon registration, all competitors accept both the use and distribution of any images, videos, photographs, recounts and/or testimonies that may be obtained while participating in the event, whether it be for commercial, advertising or other purposes. Signing the release form is a requirement for participating in Patagonian International Marathon®.
2.3. The organization reserves the right to modify at any moment these current Rules and Regulations. The event’s official rules will correspond to the most current version of the rules and regulations prior to the start of the event. The Rules and Regulations will always include the current version’s date, which will be listed under the document’s title.
2.4. The organization reserves the right to implement a doping control. Any runner found to be in violation of the current list emitted by WADA (World Anti-Doping Authority), will be disqualified and reported to their national athletic federation, in addition to being ineligible to participate indefinitely in any events organized by Racing Patagonia®.
2.5. The organization reserves the right to reject a runner from participating if he/she lacks the sufficient preparation to compete in the event, does not share the spirit of the event, or has previously demonstrated aggressive behavior or disrespectful conducts against other runners or members from the organization, whether it be during this event or others.
3.1. Patagonian International Marathon® is an environmentally friendly event, meaning any action that causes damage to the local flora or fauna (vegetation and wildlife) is strictly prohibited and will result in penalty or disqualification.
3.2. It is prohibited to leave clothing, bottles, food or drink wrappers, or any other type of waste or equipment along the route, except in points that are designed primarily for that purpose, where specific containers will be designated for garbage and waste.
3.3. The Race takes place far away from urban centers and places, so runners will only have access to bathrooms at specific locations.
3.4 In order to reduce waste and garbage, the Event will not include plastic cups. Runners must carry their own hydration system and/or bottles, which can be filled at each aid station (PAS).
4.1. The minimum age to participate in the distance of 42km and 21km is 18 years old. The minimum age for the 10km is 16 years old. In both cases, the age of the person on Race Day will be considered at the time of registration.
4.2. Running a marathon or half-marathon requires a high level of physical fitness. To enroll in the Patagonian International Marathon®, the runner accepts and understands that he/she must have the physical fitness suitable for a test of this kind, by the day of the race.
4.3. A runner must present a medical certificate stating adequate and sufficient health to run your specific race distance. Complete the medical form provided by the Organization. Sign the liability waiver and release form. All of these documents must be submitted to the organization by the date provided by the Organization.
4.4. Having health insurance to cover potential health problems that may occur, whether it is due to injury, accident, or other risks associated with the activity.
4.5. The participant takes part in the event voluntarily, assuming all of the responsibility for his/her actions, belongings, health, and physical and psychological integrity, thus renouncing all responsibility and waiving the right to make any claim against the organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and/or any representative of the event with regard to any damages, including, but not limited to, the following: physical or moral pain, thefts, misplacements/lost items, or any other incident a runner could personally suffer or have occur to a third-party member or friends/family before, during, or after the event.
4.6. Notwithstanding the minimum requirements established by the Organization, the runner is responsible for his/her participation in the Race. Each runner is freely choosing to register and participate in the event, acknowledging that he/she is aware of the magnitude associated with this challenge and is the one best suited to truly understand the scale of his/her strengths and weaknesses, physical state and health conditions.
5.1. Patagonian International Marathon® Is an experience within the Running discipline, which involves high physical and mental demands. On the other hand, it is an experience with many specific singularities, given its extreme location, and therefore personal logistics, personal strategy and overall planning are fundamental to participation. In this context, each runner must inform his/herself of all race details and prepare responsibly. Upon registering for the event, each runner declares that he/she accepts and understands all regulations and conditions associated with the event.
5.2. In order to register for Patagonian International Marathon®, each interested person must meet all minimum requirements, complete the registration form accessible on the website and pay the amount corresponding to the specific race distance. In addition, each registered runner must comply with the submission of documents and adhere to any other requirements by the Organization and meet all required deadlines (See Article 04).
5.3. The registration payment for Patagonian International Marathon® includes:
- General design and operation of Patagonian International Marathon®.
- Annual event management (administrative tasks, website and social media management, permit requests, managing event registration, communication with runners, authorities, suppliers and press, etc.).
- Hydration and/or alimentation points at Starting Line, throughout the Race Route, and Finish Line.
- Support Staff and Medical Team during the Race.
- First Aid and Evacuation Teams.
- Official Runner Shirt Patagonian International Marathon®.
- Official Elastic Cylindrical Headband Patagonian International Marathon®.
- Official Race Number (required to wear).
- Recyclable Timing Chip (required to wear).
- Medal for all runners who complete their race distance within the established time limit.
- Medal for the first three finishers of each race category.
- Special Medal for the first overall finisher for each race distance (women and men).
- Hydration and snack at the Finish Line.
- Checkroom for Runner’s Bag.
- Runner’s Guide (Digital Copy).
- Awards Ceremony at the Finish Line.
- Entry Ticket into Torres del Paine National Park.
5.4. The registration payment DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Transfers/transportation in general
- Accommodation
- Accident insurance
- Unspecified services
6.1. The classification of runners in each race distance, 42, 21, and 10 km, will be made according to categories given by ranges of age and sex. There are a total of 14 categories, which are presented in the following table:
Category | Age Range: Men | Age Range: Women |
Hares | 16 – 17 (10K Only) | 16 – 17 (10K Only) |
Guanacos | 18 – 29 | 18 – 29 |
Pumas | 30 – 39 | 30 – 39 |
Huemules | 40 – 49 | 40 – 49 |
Foxes | 50 – 59 | 50 – 59 |
Condors | 60 – 69 | 60 – 69 |
Mylodones | 70 + | 70 + |
Horned Owls | Inclusive, physical disability | Inclusive, physical disability |
Note: The categories have been named in recognition of the natural environment in which the event takes place; the assigned names correspond to the fauna that inhabit or have inhabited the region. |
6.2. General race time will begin at the moment of the official start. Individual race time will begin when each competitor crosses the start line and will end when he/she crosses the finish line.
6.3. Competitor timing will be by electronic chip. Each chip is unique and corresponds to the runner’s number. They are not transferrable.
6.4. All runners must have their official number securely attached to the front of their clothing and visible at all times during the race. The timing chip must be fastened to a runner’s shoes as instructed.
6.5. Only the runners who cross the finish line within the established time limit will be included in the official classification and receive finisher medals.
6.6. For each race distance, both the first three finishers for each category and the first three overall finishers, for both men and women, will be awarded with an additional medal.
6.7. The awards ceremony for all distances and categories will take place at the Finish Line according to the schedule indicated in the official Race Calendar.
7.1. All Participants of Patagonian International Marathon® are responsible for the following:
7.1.1. Being knowledgeable and aware of the event’s features, which includes fully understanding the mental, physical, and logistical challenges involved in Patagonian International Marathon® participation. In addition, runners should arrive fully prepared to confront the Race’s challenges safely and enjoy the experience.
7.1.2. Inform another person, friend, or family of your participation in Patagonian International Marathon®, which should include the general information, date and place, the website links to Patagonian International Marathon®, as well as the organization’s contact information. A runner should further indicate to the person that he or she will not have a permanent Internet connection during the days of Patagonian International Marathon®, as well as not having a permanent mobile connection.
7.1.3. Promptly arriving to his or her corresponding starting point based on the itinerary schedule for his or her race distance. Remembering that in all of the races the assembly time will be at least one hour of waiting time prior to the start of the race.
7.2. All of the Participants are required to conduct themselves in a responsible manner according to sportsmanship and sports ethics, especially maintaining a healthy competition among competitors, which includes, but is not limited to: assisting other runners if necessary; respecting the nature and places he or she passes at all times; respecting all participants; respecting the inhabitants living within the surrounding towns; respecting all members that are either a part of the organization or assisting the organization and the event; taking care of his or herself during the event; and trying to be consciences of the environment, the risks associated with each action, and what he or she is experiencing during the days of the event.
7.3. The organization shall have the right and duty to penalize or disqualify any runner whose actions do not conform to an ethical responsibility of sportsmanship, or in cases where he or she does not accordingly conform to the event’s requirements or demands. In the case that a runner is disqualified, the runner should continue to the point indicated by the organization, and will not be included in the event’s official ranking. Some causes for disqualification, while not being limited to their extent, are the following:
7.3.1. He or she does not meet the medical requirements to participate in Patagonian International Marathon®.
7.3.2. Arriving at the aid stations after the time limit.
7.3.3. Does not wear their race number in a visible and permanent manner.
7.3.4. Goes outside of the race route.
7.3.5. Leaves any material, such as equipment, trash, or non-organic waste on the race route.
7.3.6. Damages the vegetation and wildlife in the surrounding area.
7.3.7. Having an aggressive behavior, whether it is verbal or physical, towards other runners, organizers, or other persons associated with or attending the event.
7.3.8. Refusing to help another runner when requested or required.
7.3.9. Not following the Race Director’s instructions.
7.3.10. Violating the WADA rules (World Anti-Doping Authority).
7.3.11. Run with or alongside an unregistered companion.
7.3.12. Not complying or refusing to comply with health measures to prevent COVID-19.
7.4. In cases where a runner demonstrates offensive, aggressive, or rude behavior against the organization or others associated with the event, which includes being sanctioned after the event, such as through social media sites. All those found guilty can be sanctioned and/or excluded from future Patagonian International Marathon® editions and/or other events associated with the organization. Any complaint or clarification must be done so through the event’s official email, info@patagonianinternationalmarathon.com, using straightforward language that both describes the situation and clearly argues their point with evidence regarding the matter.
8.1. Given the geographical and meteorological conditions present in the race zone, the equipment recommended by the Organization seeks to improve the personal experience for all runners and strengthen personal safety. However, it is the personal responsibility of all runners to evaluate and select his/her own personal equipment. In general, even if you have an idea of how the weather conditions will be on Race Day, it is recommended to arrive at the Starting Line with various clothing options, leaving the decision for the last minute. The following items are just a few recommendations: sunglasses, windbreaker, hat, gloves and thermal garments depending on personal experience and level of preparation (a detailed section about recommended equipment will be included in the Runner’s Guide.
8.2. The mandatory elements that runners must use at all times are: race number (always visible), timing chip (attached to the shoe) and a reusable cup/bottle or hydration system.
8.3. The use or trekking poles is permitted. In order to use them, they must be used throughout the entire race, from start to finish. For safety, they must remain folded at the Start and only opened once the race has begun.
8.4. The use of skates or any other type of forward moving wheels is strictly prohibited.
8.5. Each runner may submit a “final drop bag” in his/her respective starting line. This bag can be collected at the finish line upon completing the race. In each runner kit, a special bag sticker is included in order to properly identify bags, which is required upon submission or the bag will not be accepted at the Start.
9.1. A runner’s kit will only be provided if/when a runner has met/fulfilled all requirements for participating in the race.
9.2. All Kits will be provided in Puerto Natales according to the schedule indicated in the Race Calendar.
9.3. A Runner’s Kit includes the following items:
- Official Shirt Patagonian International Marathon®
- Official Elastic Cylindrical Headband Patagonian International Marathon®
- Official Race Number (required to wear)
- Official Timing Chip (required to wear)
- Personalized Final Bag Sticker
- Sticker Patagonian International Marathon®
10.1. Each race distance has an allocated time limit. These limits must be considered in relation to the characteristics of the route, as Patagonian International Marathon® takes place far from the city, on a gravel road with steep slopes (See Map). In this context, the time limits are the following:
- 42K: 7 Hours
- 21K: 6 Hours
- 10K: 3 Hours
10.2. The Starting Line locations and schedules are different for each race distance. This information can be found in the Race Calendar and Map and Race Profile sections of the website. It is the personal responsibility of all runners to arrive at the Starting Line one hour before the scheduled start, whether it be through private transfer to the starting lines or the official buses of the event. Therefore, it is also his/her responsibility to review the Race Calendar and remain attentive to any and all changes. The schedule for the event and corresponding times and locations for each race distance can also be found in the same schedule.
10.3. Fore security and logistical purposes, for the 42K and 21K race distances, intermediate cut-off points have been put in place. These cut-off times have been established proportionally, according to distance and overall race time. Runners that do not arrive to the point before the established time will be disqualified from the race. Runners are responsible to study the distance and slope for each section of the race, which are detailed on the Map and Race Calendar.
11.1. There will be both stationary and mobile medical teams along the race route. If any member of those teams determines that a runner must not continue, the competitor must obey his/her command and/or instruction.
11.2. Runners may request assistance for minor problems from medical teams found along the route, and then either continue or not, as determined by the assisting medical personnel.
11.3. If a runner is not able to complete the race, he/she must inform any member of the Organization and wait at the nearest aid station, from where he/she will be transferred to the finish line.
11.4. The last runner on the route will be followed by vehicle control.
11.5. The organization is not responsible for any cost associated with injuries that may occur during the preparation, the transfer to or from the place of the event, or participation in the race. This includes, but is not limited to, medical costs, transport to and from a hospital, services of qualified medical assistance, or any drug product as necessary. For this reason, all participants must have an adequate and valid personal insurance in Chile.
12.1. During exceptional cases, due to force majeure, the organization Patagonian International Marathon® reserves the right to reschedule the date or race schedule for the event. The possible reasons include, but are not limited to the following: fire, war, acts of terrorism, restrictions due to a global pandemic, problems with permissions regarding right to access of land, extreme climatic conditions, other natural disasters, for security reasons or justified orders from a competent authority. In these cases, which are beyond the will and responsibility of the organization, the event will be rescheduled and the runners will maintain their race entry without any additional cost. In addition, in order to be as flexible as possible, any registered runner can choose to reschedule his/her race entry for the next year or any future edition, with the ability to reschedule as many times as necessary until he/she is able to run. Therefore, the ticket provided at registration will not expire until it is used. Another alternative exists as well, which allows any registered runner to transfer his/her registration ticket to another runner. To summarize, in these exceptional cases for rescheduling, the registration ticket is 100% flexible, in the sense that it can be used for any future edition or be transferred to another runner.
12.2. In any case that the organization finds it necessary to cancel the event, without any option to postpone for a future edition and for reasons not attributed to force majeure, registered runners will be reimbursed for the amount paid at the time of registration.
12.3. Should a registered participant be unable to travel due to certified medical reasons or travel restrictions in the region, the organization will offer the greatest possible flexibility. Therefore, a runner may choose to postpone his/her participation until the following edition or any future edition, including the ability to change as many times as necessary, or choose to transfer his/her registration ticket to another runner.
12.4. The “right of withdrawal” established in article 3 of the Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights does not apply to your registration for Patagonian International Marathon®. The Cancellation and Return Policies in force for this service are described below:
If for any reason or circumstance a registered runner decides to withdraw his/her race entry before the start Patagonian International Marathon®, he/she may either opt to transfer 100% of the registration value to the event’s next edition or apply for a refund, which can only be accepted before the registration window has closed, based on the following refund policy:
- Between 01 & 30 days after registration payment: 75% refund*.
- Between 31 & 60 days after registration payment: 50% refund*.
- Between 60 & 90 days after registration payment: 25% refund*.
- 90 days after registration payment: No refund will be provided.
*Refunds can only be made through Chilean bank account or a PayPal account. The refund process can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Refunds do not include the commission paid to Welcu, WeTravel or others at the time of registration or the costs associated with the refund transfer. Regardless of the timetable noted above, once registration has officially closed, according to the date provided during registration, no refunds will be provided and no changes to race distance will be accepted.
Any runner who wishes to renounce his/her participation in Patagonian International Marathon® after registration has closed but before the event has started, the only option available is to request that 50% of their registration payment be used as a discount to register for the even’t next edition.
In order to take advantage of one of these options, a runner must advise the Organization before the day of the event by writing an email to info@patagonianinternationalmarathon.com.
If a runner does not attend or express his or her intention to postpone registration, it will be deemed as lost.
12.5. If a runner opts to use their postponed spot from a previous edition, the deadlines for requesting a refunded percentage will be governed by the conditions that would have applied to their original registration, regardless of the date the ‘new’ registration was completed.
12.6. In the event that a runner decides to change to a shorter distance, no refunds will be provided.