El Cruce
What is El Cruce?
A 3-day adventure in Patagonia
+ Runners from all over the world
Date
December 5 - 11
Location
Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina
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
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 resources and El Cruce news.
- News: updates and stories.
- Press contact.
- El Cruce Saucony logo and press kit available on request.
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
Read the full El Cruce 2026 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
