El Cruce
2026 Edition

El Cruce

El Cruce

What is El Cruce?

The race

A 3-day adventure in Patagonia

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+ Runners from all over the world

01

Date

December 5 - 11

02

Location

Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina

03

Format

100 kilometers | 3 days | 2 lakeside camps

The race was born to cross the Andes, linking Argentina and Chile. The mountain range offers many passes between the two countries, so the course changes every year, always keeping geographic settings that are unique in the world.

The places. Runners cross mountains and volcanoes, snowy peaks, forests, lakes, valleys and rocky terrain. Even though it takes place in summer, the weather swings are huge: from sunny 20 C days to cold, snow, wind and rain.

The runners. In the last edition more than 4000 runners from 42 countries took part. Men and women of all ages, mostly amateurs and some elite, who share the passion for testing their limits.

The organization. A team of more than 30 people works for months, growing to more than 900 during the race: meals, camps, hydration and transfers deep in the high mountains.

Safety. Throughout the race there is medical guidance from a renowned sports doctor, plus ambulances and helicopters for rescues and transfers.

"Not everyone can run it. But whoever does will never forget it."

History

History

El Cruce was born in 2002 with the goal of linking Argentina and Chile by crossing the Andes over 3 days. It was the first adventure race to bring together more than 300 participants aiming to reach another country, crossing mountains and sharing the largest camps. It quickly became the race every adventure runner dreams of facing.

Press

Press

Press resources and El Cruce news.

  • News: updates and stories.
  • Press contact.
  • El Cruce Saucony logo and press kit available on request.
Past editions

Past editions

2025 - 23rd edition

Winners. Men: Lucas Del Pero. Women: Anna Tarasova.

2024 - 22nd edition

4500 runners from 45 countries explored Patagonia from San Martín de los Andes and the Lanín Volcano. La Etapa, a 30 km race, debuted. Winners. Men: Robert Pkemoi. Women: Sylvia Nordskar.

2023 - 21st edition

4500 runners from more than 47 countries, with Cerro Catedral as the base. Winners. Men: Miguel Heras. Women: Grayson Murphy.

2022 - 20th edition

El Cruce returned to Villa La Angostura, repeating camps (Lago Espejo and Bahía Inalco). Winners. Men: Gamaniel Huaman Córdoba. Women: Roxana Flores.

Regulations

Regulations

Read the full El Cruce 2026 regulations.

View regulations

RACE FORMAT

To improve the event experience and logistics, runners are split into 5 start groups.

All groups complete:

  • the same stages

  • the same route

  • the same camps

But on consecutive dates.

This allows for:

  • greater safety

  • a better experience on the trails

  • more comfortable camps

You can find more info at [email protected]
To mark the 20th anniversary of the first El Cruce start, the book that tells its story was born. The goal behind its creation was to share with every runner the experiences of each edition since its beginnings in 2002, in Penitentes, province of Mendoza. With each new edition, the book is updated with the most important details. In addition, runners can personalize their book with an 8-page chronicle and their own photos, both on the cover and inside. More information, questions, and orders at [email protected]
A large part of the El Cruce routes cross private land and areas belonging to local communities. The organization manages and obtains the corresponding permits exclusively for the runners, which is why it is strictly forbidden to travel outside the authorized areas. Accordingly, strategic and authorized points will be designated so that companions can cheer on the participants in a safe and environmentally respectful way. We remind you that the El Cruce camps are for the exclusive use of runners. Entry will not be permitted for anyone outside the organization or who is not duly accredited as a participant.
Each participant must have a bag for the Organization to transport their belongings from the day before the start until the end of the race. The maximum size of the bags that will be accepted is 120 liters. We recommend between 100 and 120 liters. If you have 2 bags, you must pay USD 30 (thirty dollars) for the extra bag. Bags with items hanging outside of them will not be accepted. Each runner will receive a tag to place on their bag for proper identification. The race bag must be handed in the day before the start at the place and time set by the Organization. In the event of non-compliance and handing it in later, provided the Organization is able to transport it, a fine of USD 15 (fifteen dollars) will apply. The organization is not responsible for any tears, rips in the fabric, seams, straps, zippers, etc. during transport between the different stages. Bag Storage (NON-Race Bag) The vast majority will have a 2nd Bag, which they do not check for the race, containing the belongings they will use once they finish the 3rd stage. This is why the Organization offers a Bag Storage service for those who cannot leave it at hotels until their return. On the morning of their start, they may leave the belongings they do not need to send to the camp and that they will not use during the race. One backpack, carry-on, or suitcase per runner will be accepted. At the end of the third stage, they can pick up their bag from the same place where they left it. This service aims to let each runner carry exactly what they need during El Cruce, without worrying about the rest of their belongings.