Last weekend, Argentina’s trail running scene was boosted by the running of Patagonia Run, which is part of the Spartan Trail World Championship.
Based in the mountain village of San Martín de los Andes, in Argentina’s Northern Patagonia, the event went ahead under guidelines and protocols from the local and national authorities. The event saw over 4,000 runners distributed in its six distances, from 10km to 100 miles.
The second stop of the inaugural Spartan Trail World Championship was affected by the country’s safety restrictions not allowing international runners. The event still went ahead, aiming to be a celebration for the sport of trail running in Argentina… ‘setting the standards for a safe return to racing in a huge production effort.’
As a Crown Label race, the biggest prize purse in the history of Argentinian trail and ultra running was set for one of the best elite fields in the country’s trail running history. The 100 miles were valid for the Trail Ultra category, and the 42k for the Trail Run category of the Spartan Trail World Championship.
The weather was a determining factor during the weekend, as Patagonia’s autumn/fall moody skies elevated the strategic game for the elites on the long distance. Patagonia Run’s 100 miler has over 29,000 feet of elevation gain (9,000m), and is one of South America’s biggest ultra running events.
Sergio Pereyra took the lead from the start to the finish, taking the win in 21:30:45. After a tough battle, Adriana Vargas was the female winner in 26:26:25.
Patagonia Run’s marathon is one of the most challenging in Argentina, with mixed trails, a summit with views of the Andes and Lanin Volcano, and the Lacar Lake in sight during the whole course in a total 43km (26.7 miles) with 2,380m of elevation gain (7,800 feet). Hugo Rodriguez was the winner in the men’s side with 3:50:42 and Roxana Flores outran everyone on the women’s field with 4:28:03.
The Spartan Trail World Championship continues from June 24th to June 27th in the Dolomites, in northern Italy, with the Lavaredo Ultra Trail. Here, the 120km distance race is valid for the Trail Ultra Championship and the 48km for the Trail Run Championship.
