ULTRA MACHUPICCHU TRAIL

PACHAK
100K

From $259 USD

" Run in the footsteps of the ancient Incas, where each kilometer revives a thousand-year-old story. "

DISTANCE

103 KM /64 MILES

ELEVATION GAIN:

5.808 M+/19.050FT+

START DATE:

FRIDAY 20st JUNE 2025

RACE START:

OLLANTAYTAMBO / 16:00 HRS.

Max Allowed Race Time

26:00 HOURS.

ultramachupicchu_1

HATUN

CATEGORY

1

PARTICIPANTS

OLLANTAYTAMBO

START PLACE

16:00 HRS.

START TIME

THE INCA TRAIL RACE

PACHAK 100K

Walk along ancient Inca trails, surrounded by imposing mountains or Apus, while crossing cloud forests full of life and vegetation. As you advance, the paths take you to crystal-clear lagoons, such as Laguna de Piuray, whose hues reflect the majesty of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range. And to make the journey even more epic, you will discover the surprising agricultural terraces of Chinchero, an archaeological wonder that evokes Inca ingenuity.

But that’s not all. The route will take you through mountain passes as high as cachicata, an Inca quarry from which megaliths were extracted for the construction of Inca cities such as Ollantaytambo, where the view extends over the Sacred Valley and the peaks of Chicon and Wakay Willka (Veronica), offering you panoramas that seem to touch the sky.

And at the end of the tour, you will be welcomed in the historic city of Cusco, the capital of Tawantinsuyu, where the vibrant and ancestral culture will envelop you.

Get ready for a unique adventure along the sacred trails of Qhapaq Ñan, in the heart of the Cusco Andes!

Distance and Elevation Gain:

  • Total distance: 103 km / 64 miles (equivalent to 2.46 consecutive marathons).

  • Positive elevation gain (ascent): 5,808 m+ / 19,050 ft+ (like climbing Mount Everest from Base Camp twice).

  • Negative elevation loss (descent): 5,135 m- / 16,847 ft- (similar to descending from the summit of Kilimanjaro to sea level).

  • Total cumulative elevation change: 10,825 m / 35,515 ft (more than the ascent of K2, the second highest mountain in the world).

Race Information:

  • Date: June 20–21, 2025.

  • Start time: June 20 at 4:00 PM (Ollantaytambo).

  • Cut-off time: June 21 at 6:00 PM (Cusco).

  • Estimated time for elite runners: 15 hours.

  • Maximum allowed time: 26 hours (That’s over two days and one night of racing!).

Aid and Control Points:

  • Solid food stations: 3 (Socma, Urubamba, Chinchero).

  • Pukaras (Control Points): 7.

  • Hampy Wasi (Medical Assistance): 5.

  • Hydration points: 10

MANDATORY CUT-OFFS (NON-NEGOTIABLE):

PointKMLocationCut-Off TimeElapsed Time
124.2SocmaJune 20 – 10:00 PM6 hours
241.1MarasJune 21 – 03:00 AM11 hours
367.5RacchiJune 21 – 08:00 AM16 hours
475ChincheroJune 21 – 11:00 AM19 hours
583UmasbambaJune 21 – 01:00 PM21 hours
698Puka PukaraJune 21 – 05:00 PM25 hours

UNIQUE COURSE PROFILE

  • First 15 KM: Brutal climb to Socma (+1,800m).

  • KM 41 (Maras): Multiple trail intersections at night — stay alert and follow the signs carefully.

  • KM 60–70: Technical climb to Chinchero (uneven stones + accumulated fatigue).

  • KM 80 (Umasbamba): Final ascent before reaching Cusco.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
(Official Ceremony – Saturday, June 21, 2025)

AGE CATEGORIES

General Rule:
The top 3 finishers in each category will be recognized only if the category has at least 10 registered participants.
If a category does not meet the minimum, runners will compete in the next higher category or in the Overall category.

Established Categories and Prizes: [Click here – Rankings and Prizes]

Category Awards (if applicable):

  • 1st Place: Trophy + Certificate + Local product kit

  • 2nd Place: Trophy + Certificate + Local product kit

  • 3rd Place: Trophy + Certificate + Local product kit


AWARD CEREMONY

  • Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

  • Time: 8:00 PM (after the finish of all race distances)

  • Location: (To be confirmed)

Requirements for Winners:

  • Present original ID/PASSPORT and official race bib

  • Mandatory attendance (if absent, the prize will be donated to the Inca Trail Race Series project)


SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

  • Spirit of the Chasqui:
    Symbolic award for the runner who best embodies perseverance and respect for Inca culture.

  • Guardians of the Trail:
    Recognition for runners who assist others during the race.


KEY CONSIDERATIONS

  • Ties:
    In case of identical finish times, the following will be considered:

    1. Older age (experience)

    2. Best time in the highest-altitude section

  • Unclaimed Prizes:
    Will be donated to Inca Trail Race Series projects

  • Digital Certificates:
    Sent via email to all finishers (includes official time and ranking)

103K ULTRAMARATHON COURSE

From Ollantaytambo to Cusco via Inca Trails


STAGE 1: THE AWAKENING OF THE INCA (KM 0–24)

Section: Ollantaytambo (2,850 m) → Intipunku → Abra Puka Ccasa (4,200 m)
Cultural Landmark: Intipunku (“Sun Gate”) – Inca astronomical viewpoint
Key Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (6-hour time limit)
Terrain:

  • KM 0–12: Inca stone trail with loose sand. 1,350 m of elevation gain.

  • KM 12–24: 40% gradient with loose earth and rocks — known as La Muralla Inca (The Inca Wall).


STAGE 2: NIGHT IN THE REALM OF THE KUNTUR (KM 24–41)

Section: Socma → Maketa Inca → Kallarakay (4,100 m)
Key Time: 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM (5 hours of total darkness)
Terrain:

  • KM 24–30: Technical downhill along the Shadow Path — wet stones and ravine crossings.

  • KM 30–41: Climb to the Condor’s Nest, featuring 800 meters of steep zigzag through dense vegetation.

Risk: Thick nighttime fog with visibility under 10 meters.


STAGE 3: DANCE WITH THE MOON (KM 41–67)

Section: Maras → Salt Mines → Urubamba (2,870 m)
Key Time: 3:00 AM – 8:00 AM (Andean sunrise)
Terrain:

  • KM 41–50: 1,200 m descent through slippery terrain around ancient salt pools — called Descent of the Salt Mirrors.

  • KM 50–67: Flat stretch through the Sacred Valley with agricultural paths lined by cornfields.


STAGE 4: PACHAMAMA’S SIGH (KM 67–98)

Section: Racchi → Chinchero → Umasbamba → Puka Pukara (3,680 m)
Key Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Terrain:

  • KM 67–83: 900 m climb over eroded Inca terraces — known as The Patience Hills.

  • KM 83–98: Trail with sharp stones and tall grass obstructing visibility — named The Slope of Sorrow.


FINAL STAGE: THE CHASQUI’S RETURN (KM 98–103)

Section: Puka Pukara → Cusco (3,400 m)
Key Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Terrain:

  • KM 98–103: Final stretch along the Qhapaq Ñan, featuring 5 km of compact grass trail and Inca steps leading to the finish line at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.

RUNNER’S PACK: EVERYTHING INCLUDED WITH YOUR REGISTRATION

What’s in the Machu Picchu Ultramarathon 2025 Kit?

✅ INCLUDED (REGISTRATION VALUE):

Technical Equipment:

  • Race T-shirt: Breathable Dry-Fit fabric (sizes S–XXL).

  • Finisher T-shirt: Premium cotton, exclusive 2025 edition design, awarded only to those who cross the finish line.

Symbolic Rewards:

  • Finisher Medal: Custom design inspired by Inca culture, with anti-wear finish.

  • Personalized race bib + industrial-grade safety pins.

Comprehensive Safety:

  • Hydration at 9 stations: Purified water, isotonic drinks, and local fruit (banana, orange).

  • Medical team: Ambulances and certified paramedics trained in high-altitude rescue.

Smart Logistics:

  • 2 Drop Bags (25L each)

    • Pre-race drop-off: Only in Cusco during the technical briefing.

    • Access points: Maras (KM 41) and Chinchero (KM 75).

    • Return: Pick them up at the finish line (Cusco) starting at 5:00 PM.

👉 Bring your bib to collect your bags!


❌ NOT INCLUDED (OPTIONAL):

  • Outbound transportation: Book your seat on official buses [Click here].

  • Accommodation: We offer special rates in hotels in Cusco and Ollantaytambo [Check here].


⚠️ IMPORTANT:

  • Drop bag size limit: Maximum 25L (we recommend foldable backpacks).

  • Prohibited in gear check: Fragile items, electronics, or valuables — we are not responsible for loss or damage.

TRAIN FOR TECHNICAL DESCENTS (NOT JUST UPHILL)
Why? The -5,135 m of downhill will destroy your quads.
Ultra MP Tip: Train 2 hours downhill on rocky trails (simulate KM 12–20 in Chinchero).

HYDRATE WITH ELECTROLYTES EVERY 20 MINUTES (NOT 30)
Why? High altitude speeds up dehydration.
Ultra MP Tip: During the first 20 KM (ascent to Machu Qolca), drink 500 ml/hour of isotonic drinks (available at aid stations).

WEAR SHOES WITH “VIBRAM MEGAGRIP” OUTSOLES (NOT JUST ANY TRAIL SHOES)
Why? 60% of the course is loose dirt and rocks.
Recommended models: Salomon Speedcross 6, La Sportiva Akasha II.

START 20% SLOWER THAN YOUR NORMAL PACE
Why? The start in Ollantaytambo (2,850 m) feels “low” but it’s deceptive.
Key fact: The first 24 KM climb to 4,200 m. If your heart rate goes over 160 bpm, you’re burning out too soon.

ANTI-CHAFING CREAM… USE IT ON ARMPITS AND INNER THIGHS
Why? Hydration packs cause more friction during long ascents.
Local product tip: Use “Pasta de Cuy” (available in Cusco pharmacies – made with vegetable fat and Andean herbs).

YES TO POLES, BUT MAKE THEM FOLDABLE FOR KM 67–75
Why? In the Chinchero → Umasbamba section, you’ll need your hands free to run the flat terrain.
Logistics tip: Store your poles in the KM 75 drop bag if you won’t use them in the final climb.

EAT HIGH-FRUCTOSE FOODS AT NIGHT (SACRED VALLEY BANANAS)
Why? Night cold (-5 °C) makes it hard to digest gels.
Race fact: Roasted bananas will be available at Maras (KM 41) and Racchi (KM 67).

ACCLIMATIZATION: 3 DAYS IN CUSCO + 1 DAY IN OLLANTAYTAMBO
Why? 68% of race withdrawals are due to undiagnosed mild pulmonary edema.
Free check-up: Use the oximeter at the medical booth during kit pickup.

ACCLIMATIZATION TOURS – TUPAC ADVENTURES
Why choose them?

  • Designed by high-altitude specialists to boost hematocrit levels safely.

  • Wellness approach: Andean yoga at sacred viewpoints + iron-rich meals (quinoa, trout, coca leaves).

  • Includes hotel transfers, accommodation, and guided tours from Cusco.

IN YOUR MARAS DROP BAG (KM 41): DRY CLOTHES + SECOND-SKIN GLOVES
Why? Between KM 41–67 you’ll cross rivers and humid salt flats.
Warning: Don’t include spare batteries (they’ll get wet). Better to bring two headlamps.

10-MINUTE POWER NAP AT KM 75 (CHINCHERO)
Why? You’ll have been running for 19 hours. A micro-nap in a safe zone can prevent collapse.
Pro tip: Set an alarm on your watch and ask a volunteer to wake you up.

STARTING POINT NUMBER OF CUT DISTANCE LOCATION TIME/HOUR FINISH POINT
04 PM – OLLANTAYTAMBO
1
KM 24.2
Socma
06 HRS. / 10:00 PM
06 PM – CUSCO
2
KM 41.1
Maras
11 HRS. / 03:00 AM
3
KM 67.5
Racchi
16 HRS. / 08:00 AM
4
KM 75
Chinchero
19 HRS. / 11:00 AM
5
KM 83
Umasbamba
21 HRS. / 1:00 PM
6
KM 98
Puka Pukara
25 HRS. / 05:00 PM

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