Recommendations from César Díaz and Karen Torrealba,
two winners of Patagonian International Marathon®
The eleventh edition of Patagonian International Marathon® is quickly approaching, and César Díaz, alongside Karen Torrealba, provide recommendations for the next participants. The first marathon of Torres del Paine National Park is scheduled to take place this 9 September, 2023, and it will feature race distances of 42K, 21K and 10K, which have been the classic distances since the 2016 edition.
After completing the race in 1:14:00, Díaz was the big winner of the 21K in last year’s tenth anniversary edition. Meanwhile, Torrealba was the first women to cross the finish line for the same distance: completing the race in 1:23:27. Both runners will compete again in the next edition of our multinational event.
Living the experience of running in Torres del Paine is truly incredible.
“Living the experience of running in Torres del Paine is truly incredible. Last year, I was delighted with the landscapes throughout each race section and with the good organization of the marathon, so coming back brings me enormous happiness,” said Díaz. “Returning brings me a diverse mix of sensations and emotions. It produces admiration, both for the challenging environment and for the race itself. I am grateful for the possibility to run once again in such a unique event,” added Torrealba.
Karen Torrealba 21K Women’s Winner / 2022
César Díaz 21K Men’s Winner / 2022
It produces admiration, both for the challenging environment and for the race itself.
Consequently, the two athletes took advantage of their experience and sent suggestions for the motivated athletes, enthusiasts and travellers who will join this new challenge:
What should I consider when selecting my clothing and equipment?
Torrealba: “A lot depends on each runner’s personal preferences, the weather and the selected race distance. From my experience in 2022, I think the essentials would be the following: gloves, bandana or buff, something with sleeves or a base layer, a collapsible or flexible bottle to refill at the hydration stations or any hydration system that allows you to easily replenish water or isotonic. Since clothing depends on several factors, as I mentioned before, I think it is appropriate to carry specific items of clothing in a backpack or small bag, such as long or short running tights, windbreaker, jacket and a change of clothes, reviewing all of the clothing from socks up to your gloves.”
Díaz: “I wore a hat to protect myself from the sun and the wind, but the weather was nice, so I ran with shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. Hopefully, we will have great weather again this year as well.”
The type of shoe that I should wear
Torrealba: “Similar to clothing, it will depend on various factors. However, I would like to make it clear that the route is not a type of trail. The course is a vehicular route that mixes dirt/clay, some small stones and a bit of mud. The shoes can be similar to those that many runners use to train. Personally, I think street shoes work quite well; in other words, those that are used for running around the city. I would make sure that they are flexible, but stable at the same time… have markings at the bottom of the soles and be light-fitting, but not necessarily light enough to ‘fly’.”
Díaz: “Due to my previous experience in the last edition, I would recommend wearing shoes with good grip, since the terrain is solid ground. Although it is not a trail, I ran with Pegasus Trail and it turned out quite well for me”.
Necessary nutrition for race day
Torrealba: “The lower temperatures force us to demand a higher calorie intake, so I would recommend taking nuts, such as peanuts, raisins, dates, almonds, fruit cups, chocolates, honey, water and isotonic, and if the option exists, some toast with manjar (similar to dulce de leche or nutella) or jam.”
Enjoy the Patagonian landscape
Díaz: “I suggest you enjoy the race and be motivated to participate. The race exceeds our expectations, the route is incredible and I still remember every part of it. The organization and international ambiance are both very good. I’m eager to participate in this next edition and I hope that everyone enjoys the landscape, as that is what will remain in your memory after the experience. You must prepare well, however, to ensure that you don’t suffer along the course, which I believe is fundamental.”
I’m eager to participate in this next edition and I hope that everyone enjoys the landscape, as that is what will remain in your memory after the experience.
Preparing for Patagonian International Marathon
Torrealba: “I’m going to incorporate a bit more strength work into my training regimen. This will be done in two stages, the first with weight machines, which I’ve already started, and the second will be training outside. I think it’s good to run in race courses that have fine clay and uneven slopes.”
Registration for Patagonian International Marathon® is open and spots are limited. You can keep up to date with all the news via our Instagram account @patagonianmarathon.