On 11 November 2014, competitors will assemble at San Pedro de Atacama, a Chilean town in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, for the Volcano Marathon!

The marathon will begin near the Tropic of Capricorn adjacent to Lascar Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Northern Chile. At a start altitude of 4,475m, the impact of thinner air will be felt by competitors, but there is another certainty: the spectacular, panoramic views of up to 10 volcanoes will leave them hot and breathless.

Run in Breath-taking Sight of Smoking Volcanoes

With its otherworldly appearance and smoking volcanoes, the Atacama Desert been used as a location for filming scenes in many Hollywood productions like Spy Kids (2001) and Quantum of Solace (2008).

The first half of the race takes place on dirt roads at an average of over 4,000m of altitude, with manned aid stations at the 10km and 21.1km points (half- marathon). On reaching the third checkpoint at 30km, athletes ascend 2km off-road.

At 35km, you will encounter rough terrain for 5km alongside a scenic gorge and need to pick your steps carefully in this section. Traverse the last 7km towards the finish line, located at an altitude of 3,603m where the temperature can reach above 30 degrees Celsius!

Photo Credit: Richard Donovan, Polar Running Adventures

Enjoy 5 Days' Vacation Full of Scenic Spectacles at San Pedro de Atacama!

The Volcano Marathon is more than just a marathon! A few days' of acclimatisation at San Pedro, which lies at 2,600m, will include training runs and visits to the Salt Mountain Range, Valley of the Moon and Valley of Death.

Photo Credit: Richard Donovan, Polar Running Adventures

These are beautiful spots that appear to be not of this planet! The surreal, lunar shapes of Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) are bathed in striking colours of red, pink and gold at sunset: a sight not to be missed. The Valley of Death (Valle de la Muerte) features gigantic sand dunes and rocks that resemble the surface of Mars and it is little surprise that even NASA tests equipment here when planning missions to Mars.

With a whole plethora of enjoyable activities, sign up for the Volcano Marathon to enjoy sights that are almost out of this world!

The Volcano Marathon 2014 takes place on 11 November 2014. Registrations are now open for the Volcano Marathon 2015 on 12 November 2015, and is priced at EU€1,950 (US$2,478) per person for the 5-day vacation package.