PACHAK
100K Relay
" The Apus guide you, the Pachamama drives you. Run with your soul..."
DISTANCE:
103.4 KM / 64.24 MI
Elevation Gain:
5 690 M / 18 660 FT
START DATE:
2026
EXIT
OLLANTAYTAMBO / 16:00 HRS.
Maximum time allowed:
26:00 HOURS.
Category
PARTICIPANTS
START PLACE
START TIME
THE INCA TRAIL RACE
Pachak 100K Relay
Discover the Qhapaq Ñan Route — as a Team!
Get ready for the Ultra Machu Picchu Inca Trail Race Relay (Pachak 100K)—a high-altitude trail challenge built for teams of 4. This is not “just a race”: it’s strategy, commitment, and shared willpower across the Sacred Valley and the Andes, on routes inspired by the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca road network).
Inca Trail Relay Route: Pachak 100K Team Challenge (4 Runners)
The Pachak 100K Relay lets you experience the full legend—without running all 100K solo. Each runner takes an official section, and together you complete the epic journey from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Ollantaytambo: Your starting line awaits in this ancient Inca village, surrounded by agricultural terraces and towering peaks. Feel the pulse of the Sacred Valley as your team begins its journey—one bib, one mission, four hearts.
Official Relay Legs & Exchange Points (4-Person Team)
Official Relay Legs & Exchange Points (4-Person Team)
- Leg 1: Ollantaytambo → Socma (0–24 km)
Elevation: +1,800 m / -800 m - Leg 2: Socma → Urubamba (24–52 km)
Elevation: +800 m / -1,600 m - Leg 3: Urubamba → Umasbamba (52–76 km)
Elevation: +1,700 m / -700 m - Leg 4: Umasbamba → Cusco (76–104 km)
Elevation: +1,100 m / -1,700 m - Cusco: The finish that hits different.
When your final runner enters the city, it’s not only a finish line—it’s the moment your team proves what The Power of Will looks like when it’s shared.
DISTANCE AND ELEVATION GAIN
Total distance: 50.7 km / 31.5 miles
(equivalent to 1.2 marathons + half an Ironman back-to-back)Positive elevation gain (ascent): 2,200 m+ / 7,217 ft+
(like climbing Mont Blanc from Chamonix 1.3 times)Negative elevation (descent): 1,654 m- / 5,426 ft-
(similar to descending from the summit of Mount Rainier to its base)Total accumulated elevation: 3,854 m / 12,643 ft
(more than climbing Mount Fuji from the base)
RACE SCHEDULE & TIMES
Race date: June 21, 2025 (Andean winter solstice)
Start time: 06/21/25 – 5:00 AM
(Urubamba – Sacred Valley)Finish line cutoff time: 06/21/25 – 6:00 PM
(Cusco – Plaza de Armas)Elite time: 7 hours (8:16 min/km pace)
Maximum allowed time: 13 hours
(A challenge against the Andean sunset!)
COURSE INFRASTRUCTURE
Pukaras (Control Points): 4 (mandatory bib scan)
Hampy Wasi (Medical Assistance): 4
(with portable oxygen and altitude sickness treatment)Mijuna Wasi (Aid Station): 1
Solids: dried fruits
Liquids: mineral-rich isotonic drinks
Food
Hydration Points: 4 (purified spring water)
MANDATORY CUT-OFFS (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
| Point | KM | Location | Cut-off Time | Elapsed Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | Chinchero | 12:00 PM | 7 hours |
| 2 | 30 | Umasbamba | 02:00 PM | 9 hours |
| 3 | 45.4 | Puka Pukara | 05:00 PM | 12 hours |
UNIQUE ROUTE PROFILE
Urubamba → Yucay → Huayllabamba (KM 0–18):
Ancestral flatlands through the Sacred Valley (2,870m – 3,000m), flanked by cornfields and sacred rivers.KM 18–25 (Ascent to Racchi):
Trial by fire: +900m elevation gain in 7 km via a mule path with loose rocks (reaching 3,700m).KM 25–32 (Machu Qolqa → Chinchero):
Technical climb to 3,650m + rolling terrain through Inca terraces (15% inclines).KM 32–40 (Chinchero → Umasbamba):
Serene path along Piuray Lagoon (3,780m), flat but exposed to 30km/h winds.KM 40–45 (Final ascent to Kellecoccha):
Last effort: +600m in 5 km through damp grasslands (watch out for roots!).KM 45–50.7 (Puka Pukara → Cusco):
Ceremonial descent along the Qhapaq Ă‘an to the finish line at Plaza de Armas (3,400m).
PARTICIPATION & PRIZES
Maximum participants: 100
Champion’s prize: S/900+
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
(Official Ceremony – Saturday, June 21, 2025)
AGE GROUP CATEGORIES
General Rule
Top 3 finishers in each category will be awarded only if there is a minimum of 10 registered participants.
If a category does not meet the minimum, participants will compete in the next higher age group or in the General Category.
Established Categories and Prizes
Click here (classification and prizes)
Age 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
AWARDS CEREMONY
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM (after all distances are completed)
Location: (To be confirmed)
Winner Requirements
Present original ID/PASSPORT and official race bib
Mandatory attendance (if absent, prize will be donated to the Inca Trail Race Series project)
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
Spirit of the Chasqui:
Symbolic award to the runner who best represents perseverance and respect for Inca culture
Guardians of the Trail:
Recognition for runners who assist others during the race
KEY NOTES
Ties
In case of identical finish times, the following will be considered:
Older age (more experience)
Best time on the highest-altitude section
Unclaimed Prizes
Will be donated to Inca Trail Race Series projects
Digital Certificates
Sent by email to all finishers
Includes official time and ranking
ULTRAMARATHON 50K COURSE
“Ultramarathon 50K Route: From the Sacred Valley to the Heart of the Inca Empire”
STAGE 1: AWAKENING OF THE VALLEY (0–18KM)
Section: Urubamba (2,870m) → Yucay → Huayllabamba (3,000m)
Key Time: 5:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Cultural Icon: Yucay, Inca agricultural center for sacred corn.
Terrain
KM 0–10: Ritual flat between the Urubamba and Vilcanota rivers (compacted earth).
KM 10–18: Gentle ascent (+130m) on Quechua farming paths.
Risk
Morning fog between KM 8–12 (visibility reduced to 20m).
STAGE 2: BREATH OF THE APUS (18–25KM)
Section: Huayllabamba → Racchi (3,700m)
Key Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Cultural Icon: Racchi, Inca stone granaries.
Terrain
KM 18–22: +500m zigzag climb on mule path (25% incline).
KM 22–25: “Condor’s Staircase”: loose rocks + ancestral steps.
Risk
Intense sun exposure in areas without shade.
STAGE 3: DANCE WITH THE CLOUDS (25–32KM)
Section: Racchi → Machu Qolqa (3,650m) → Chinchero (3,780m)
Key Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Cultural Icon: Machu Qolqa, strategic Inca silo.
Terrain
KM 25–28: Technical descent (-300m) with volcanic gravel.
KM 28–32: “Cloud Slope”: rolling terrain on agricultural terraces.
Risk
40 km/h winds between KM 30–32.
STAGE 4: TEARS OF PIURAY (32–40KM)
Section: Chinchero → Lake Piuray → Umasbamba (3,600m)
Key Time: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cultural Icon: Lake Piuray, sacred mirror of water.
Terrain
KM 32–36: Serene flat alongside the lake (wet grasslands).
KM 36–40: Ritual ascent of +200m on eroded Inca trail.
Risk
Slippery zones near marshlands by the lake.
STAGE 5: CRY OF KELLECOCCHA (40–45KM)
Section: Umasbamba → Kellecoccha Pass (4,200m)
Key Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Cultural Icon: Kellecoccha, ceremonial Inca pass.
Terrain
KM 40–43: “Final Wall”: +600m over 3KM (28% incline).
KM 43–45: Exposed ridge with sharp rocks.
Risk
Dense fog and sub-zero temperatures.
FINAL STAGE: THE GLORY OF THE INCA (45–50.7KM)
Section: Puka Pukara (3,680m) → Cusco (3,400m)
Key Time: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Cultural Icon: Qhapaq Ă‘an, Inca road network (UNESCO Heritage).
Terrain
KM 45–50: Ceremonial descent on compact grass and stone steps.
KM 50–50.7: Finish at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, heart of the empire.
Risk
Crowds in final urban section.
RUNNER’S PACK – EVERYTHING INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION
WHAT’S IN THE MACHU PICCHU ULTRAMARATHON 2025 KIT?
INCLUDED (REGISTRATION VALUE)
Technical Gear
Race shirt:
Breathable Dry-Fit fabric
Sizes S–XXL
Finisher shirt:
Premium cotton
Exclusive for finishers only
Limited Edition 2025 design
Symbolic Rewards
Finisher medal:
Inca culture–inspired design
Anti-wear finish
Personalized bib number
Industrial-grade safety pins
Full Safety Support
Hydration at 11 aid stations:
Purified water
Isotonic drinks
Local fruits (banana, orange)
Medical coverage:
3 ambulances on course
Paramedics certified in high-altitude rescue
NOT INCLUDED (OPTIONAL SERVICES)
Transportation to the start line:
Book your seat separately on official race buses
[Click here]
Accommodation:
Special hotel rates available in Cusco and Ollantaytambo
Inquire here
IMPORTANT NOTES
Drop bag size:
Maximum 25 liters
Foldable backpacks recommended
Prohibited in bag check:
Fragile items
Electronics
Valuables
Disclaimer:
The organization is not responsible for prohibited or valuable items
PROTECT YOUR ANKLES & KNEES ON DESCENTS
Why? The -1,654m negative elevation punishes ankles and knees on uneven terrain.
50K adaptation:
Run 1 hour on loose rock + wet grass descents
Simulate KM28–32 (Machu Qolqa) conditions
HYDRATE WITH ELECTROLYTES EVERY 25 MIN (NOT 30)
Why? Altitude at Racchi (3,700m) accelerates sodium loss.
50K adaptation:
On the ascent to Kellecoccha (KM40–43)
Drink 400 ml/hour of a magnesium- and potassium-rich beverage
WEAR SHOES WITH VIBRAM MEGAGRIP SOLES
Why? 45% of the route runs over wind-polished limestone rocks.
Recommended models:
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Brooks Cascadia 17
START 30% SLOWER THAN YOUR PLANNED PACE
Why? The start at Urubamba (2,870m) has limited oxygen.
Key tip:
If your heart rate exceeds 150 bpm between KM0–18, slow down immediately
ANTI-CHAFE CREAM… ON YOUR SHOULDERS
Why? Backpack straps rub badly during the Racchi ascent (+900m).
Top product:
Solid stick petroleum jelly
Won’t freeze on cold mornings
USE FOLDING POLES FOR KM18–25 (ASCENT TO RACCHI)
Why? The 25% zigzag slope demands extra support.
Logistics tip:
Leave poles in your Umasbamba drop bag (KM40) if unused later
EAT CHUĂ‘O (DEHYDRATED POTATOES) AT AID STATIONS
Why?
High in complex carbohydrates
Easy to digest at altitude
Race fact:
Available at Mijuna Wasi – Chinchero (KM22)
Also at Umasbamba (KM30)
ACCLIMATIZATION: 3 DAYS IN CUSCO + 1 IN OLLANTAYTAMBO
Why?
68% of dropouts are linked to undetected mild pulmonary edema
Free check:
Use the pulse oximeter at the medical stand during kit pickup
ACCLIMATIZATION TOURS – TUPAC ADVENTURES
Designed by altitude experts:
Safe itineraries to increase hematocrit
Wellness focus:
Andean yoga at sacred viewpoints
Iron-rich diet: quinoa, trout, coca leaves
Integrated logistics:
Hotel transfers, lodging, and tours included
UMASBAMBA DROP BAG (KM30): SPARE HEADLAMPS
Why?
If you fall behind, the final descent (KM45–50) reaches late afternoon
Forbidden:
Alkaline batteries (fail in cold)
Use instead:
Lithium batteries
5-MIN ACTIVE NAP AT KM32 (CHINCHERO)
Why? Mental fatigue peaks after 7 hours of racing.
Tip:
Lie on your back
Legs elevated against an Inca wall
| STARTING POINT | NUMBER OF CUT | DISTANCE | LOCATION | TIME / HOUR | FINISH POINT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05 AM – URUBAMBA | 1 | KM 22 | Chinchero | 07 HRS. / 12:00 M | 06 PM – CUSCO |
| 05 AM – URUBAMBA | 2 | KM 30 | Umasbamba | 09 HRS. / 2:00 PM | 06 PM – CUSCO |
| 05 AM – URUBAMBA | 3 | KM 45.4 | Puka Pukara | 12 HRS. / 5:00 PM | 06 PM – CUSCO |
Elevation Profile
