Routes
Preparation, times, safety and everything you need to know about the stages
Difficulty level
El Cruce Saucony requires excellent physical fitness and prior experience in adventure racing. It is an extreme adventure race: 3 days running and living in the mountains.
To take part, every runner must present a medical fitness certificate at accreditation (or uploaded to EntryFee before November 1).
It is essential to consider the time limits and to honestly assess whether you can meet them. There will be a Plan B in case of bad weather, but there will be NO alternative courses for those unable to complete stages 2 or 3.
Time limits and cut-off points
- Cutoff after 70% of each stage, plus additional early cutoffs depending on elevation gain.
- Runners who do not reach the cutoff must stop and may be transported to the camp (cost covered by the runner).
- They receive an alternative medal.
Withdrawals
- During stages: notify at checkpoints.
- At camps: notify at the Information tent.
- The organization does NOT have immediate transport.
- Bag available from 7 PM at Cerro Catedral.
- Hotel and food at the participant's expense.
- No El Cruce medal.
Training
10 tips to get ready
- 01
Train in a group for motivation and tips from veterans.
- 02
Strengthen your muscles, especially the ones that support your knees.
- 03
Practice descents specifically (most injuries happen on descents).
- 04
Train with all your race gear (shoes, backpack, clothing, food).
- 05
If you only train twice a week running 10K, El Cruce should not be your goal.
- 06
You cannot complete El Cruce by walking alone.
- 07
Plan your training months in advance, not just the last month.
- 08
Get some experience sleeping in a tent.
- 09
Practice running 1+ hour with wet shoes and socks.
- 10
Do at least one long run per week.
Poles
Highly recommended. Practice during training. They cannot be left at campsites, oases or along the course. The organization is not responsible for losses.
Oasis
Hydration and food stations at every stage
Fruit
Banana, Orange, Watermelon, Melon
Savory snacks
Breadsticks, Peanuts, Potato chips, Savory crackers
Sweet snacks
Chocolate-covered peanuts, Candied peanuts, Sweet cookies
Other solids
Quince paste and bread
Cold drinks
Water, Gatorade, Coca Cola
Hot drinks
Coffee, Soups
Special options
Gluten-free options available
Checkpoints
Mandatory passage points. Skipping a checkpoint means immediate disqualification. Each checkpoint is staffed by a member of the organization or is properly marked.
Preparation
- The routes change every edition.
- They are NOT published until the day before the start (at the request of private owners and local communities).
- Training or entering these areas is not allowed.
- Some sections have restricted access all year round.
Timing
- Bib on the chest is mandatory.
- Phone on the left side of the vest (opposite the chip).
- Do not fold or peel off the chip.
- Do not attach the bib with magnets.
Safety and medical assistance
- Expert mountain guides
- Rescue teams
- Interconnected radio communications
- Ambulances with doctors
- 1 lead doctor
- Medical tent at base camp
Environment
- Dry and wet bins available at camps and oases.
- A reusable cup is mandatory throughout the race.
- No plastic cups are handed out at any point.
- Gels must be carried in a bottle (not in loose sachets).
- Food must be carried in a reusable ziploc bag.
Weather
The route is subject to changes depending on weather conditions. See more at Weather - General Information.
Route map
Elevation profile and layout of each stage.
The courses change every edition and, at the request of private landowners and local communities, are not published until the day before the start. We will soon add a visual map with the elevation profile of each stage.