ENGLISH VERSION
PATAGONIA CHILE
“The creation of Ultra Fiord has been a great challenge. We wanted to create an innovative trail running experience that differs from the usual and goes beyond adding miles. We needed a new, attractive, and challenging concept. Thus the birth of Ultra Fiord, a long journey toward the magical world of the fjords…” Stjepan Pavicic Race Director
FjORD ÚLTIMA ESPERANZA and FjORD EREZCANO
Publication Director
Stjepan Pavicic Graphic Designer and Editor
Eduardo Hernández Photo Manager
Walter Alvial Testimony Managers
Trish Tan Camila Pérez Max Triantafylou Camila Muñoz Jorge Vidal Samuel Wild
A partial or total reproduction of this book (texts, photographs, or any other section) electronically or through print, photocopy, internet, or any other means, is strictly prohibited without prior, written authorization from NIGSA, who is the sole copyright owner. This work is being protected by the copyright laws of Chile and all of the nations who enforce under law section Number: 236.338 of the Berne / Switzerland Convention. Any and all infractions to the Copyright law will be cause for legal action in Chile or abroad.
3
Photographic Credits
Alexis Gatica:
Pag. 2, 4, 76, 77, 78, 79, 82, 83, 96, 107, 112, 140, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, Back cover.
Alfonso Vargas (Patagonia D)
Pag. 29, 226.
Anthoni Muñoz
Pag. 100.
Christian Miranda
Pag. 201, 204, 205, 227, 228, 229, 234, 235.
Eduardo Hernández
Pag. 12, 15, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 44, 45, 47, 219, 220, 221, 222.
Gema Pla
Pag. 28 Botton Left, 106 Top Right. 103, 209, 206.
Guillermo Salgado
Pag. 5, 223, 231, 230, 230, 230, 232, 230, 233, 236, 237.
Juan Carlos Pasten (Solo Running)
Pag. 224, 225, 238.
Leandro Chavarría (I Love Runn)
Pag. 11, 13 Top Right. 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28 der, 28 Top Left. 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 46, 52, 53, 84, 84, 87, 85, 86, 88, 90, 104,105 Right. 113, 124, 122, 207, 208, 213, 215, 214, 226, 13.
Luis Espinoza:
Front Cover, pag. 49, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 89, 91, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 101, 102, 106 Right. 115, 116.
Matias Bull (Trail Chile)
Pag. 13, 14, 22.
Matt Maynard (Green Bean Trails)
Pag. 199, 197.
Patricia Ainol
Pag. 48, 75, 80, 81, 92, 114, 118, 119, 121, 123, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139.
Rodolfo Soto (Recasur)
Pag. 40, 50, 51, 93, 105 left. 106 Botton Left. 108, 109, 110, 111, 120.
Stjepan Pavicic
Pag. 2, 7, 10, 18, 24, 25, 26, 27 der, 184, 185, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 198, 200, 202, 203, 210, 211, 21,2 216, 217, 239, 240 left, 244, 247.
Walter Alvial
Pag. 8, 27 left, 218, 240 right, 246.
NIGSA: www.nigsaworld.com / info@nigsaworld.com / Av. O´Higgins 531, Punta Arenas, Chile / +56 61 2613891
“Upon arriving at the starting point, I jumped from the bus to take the first images. The energy from the runners was such that it was transmitted to all those that were present, only missing seeing them start and begin the pursuit in order to capture the best possible images. The awaited Ultra Fiord began exactly at the scheduled time, like my pursuit of the protagonists... Never had I enjoyed following the runners so much, as the scenery and energy that was experienced in this race surpassed all previous experience as a reporter…” Matías Bull (Chile)
Trail Chile Founder and Director
GLACIAR BALMACEDA fiordo última esperanza
PATAGONIA CHILE
Inaugural Edition Memories 16th-18th April, 2015
table of contents
Puerto natales
PATAGONIA CHILE
GEOGRAPHIC INDEX
Puerto natales
PATAGONIA CHILE
Puerto natales
PATAGONIA CHILE
“Upon setting foot in Puerto Natales, I fell in love. I think that’s what happened to the majority. Everyone received you with a smile, and many runners felt the same. With a spectacular view, it was the perfect scenery for a race! And truthfully, and without going into more details, I was terrified!” Karina Palomino (Peru) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“Just three minutes from Puerto Natales, the Hotel Remota was a perfect meeting place for Ultra Fiord. The Trail Running Film Festival, the dinner for the 100-Miles runners, and other actives took place in their spacious rooms.” Stjepan Pavicic Race Director
HOTEL REMOTA / PUERTO NATALES MEETING POINT 100M RUNNERS AND PRESS
PATAGONIA CHILE
11
“The first distance to start the Ultra Fiord was the 100 mile race… The start line was in barren land about an hour outside of Puerto Natales... After a relaxed pasta dinner in the Remota, hotel vans moved the racers to the start line while press and photographers piled into a van with the race director, Stjepan Pavicic. The ultra runners appeared relaxed and anxious to finally start racing...” Anne-Marie Dunhill (France) Sleep Monsters Reporter
ESTANCIA SHOTEL AIKE / CERRO CASTILLO START 100M / 16·04·2015 / 23:59hrs
PATAGONIA CHILE
13
15
“A big field with a dirt road and a start line arch. Excitement and fear made the air heavy. Rain began to fall. There was no turning back. This was happening...� Candice Burt (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“After a long time of dreaming, imagining, and planning, after months of work, the time came to see how a dreambecomes a reality, and how this transforms into the dreams of others... This is the moment of Ultra Fiord’s birth…” Stjepan Pavicic
Race Director
17
The night is long, experiencing the feeling of daydreaming once again, multiforms, colors, and native animals become present in the lonely night…. each runner has different experiences while running at night. I dream awake, and I like it, the trees end up expressing themselves in voices along the route…” Juan Carlos Pasten (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
ESTANCIA EL KARK Aid station 100M
PATAGONIA CHILE
19
“....the race director returned to comment about how fast the runners are moving… before long, Emmanuel jumps the gate as if it was an obstacle course race. Various runners pass by, and we set off for the control point at Bahía El Bote, located at kilometer 25…” Matías Bull (Chile)
Trail Chile Founder and Director
CAMPING BAHIA DEL BOTE Aid station 100M
PATAGONIA CHILE
21
23
“...We arrived at our refuge with him, wherein we would live for the 4 days remaining until the race, Hotel del Paine... along Río Serrano’s shores, with the whole massif of Torres del Paine and the 4 glaciers perfectly positioned around us, formed the most beautiful postcard ever seen, from the inside, with a fireplace and crystal that allow you to daydream...” Gemma Pla (Spain) Ultra Fiord-Reporter
HOTEL DEL PAINE aid station 100m
PATAGONIA CHILE
25
“The aid station at Hotel del Paine is a pleasure, including hot breakfast with scrambled eggs, beverages, water, and everything that one could possiblly need after a night of almost 60 Km. I loved this station, the very friendly and accommodating people made me want to stay in this warm place…” Juan Carlos Pasten (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
PAINE GRANDE
CUERNO PRINCIPAL TORRES DEL PAINE
(3050masl)
(2600masl)
(2850masl)
ALMIRANTE NIETO (2670masl)
TORRES DEL PAINE national park
HOTEL RIO SERRANO
start 100K-70K / 17路04路2015 / 08:30am start 30K / 18路04路2015 / 08:30am
PATAGONIA CHILE
27
29
“Minutes before the start of Ultra Fiord ... we were just about to run one of the hardest ultras in the world...� Harry Thomas (Brazil) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
31
“Friday, April 17th, at 4:30 am, and I was on my feet… At 8:30 am, I arrived at the Hotel Río Serrano, the starting point for the 70km and 100km distances… We took off on a flat and cushioned terrain, but by kilometer 3, we encountered the first river crossing, where if you do not submerge a good portion of your body, you will be totally submerged. It was the official “welcome” to Ultra Fiord…” Julio Carvajal (Chile)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
33
“For me, it was a great feat…the wildest and most extreme Trail experience until now… Ultra Fiord became a tattoo of my being…” Hery Bello (Chile)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“...We were in a race that was no game. It was a true ULTRA TRAIL, with capital letters...” Genís Zapater (Spain) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
35
“Friday, 10:20 am: I should cross a 20-meter river from one end to the other, asking if the rope is sufficiently taut. I am told no, I should cross by using the rope from the water instead, which came up to my chest. Once on the other side, the guide who gave me the instructions on how to cross asked me where I was from, which I responded by saying Santiago. Upon leaving the river’s shores, we said our goodbyes, but he ended with a “Welcome to Patagonia!” Juan Carlos Pasten (Chile)
100M Ultra Fiord 2015
37
“It is not possible to understand what a runner really goes through during a trail without having lived it, especially a trail such as Ultra Fiord in Patagonia.� Xavier Thevenard (France) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“Endurance sports are a true introspection, not only in ourselves, but also in our environment, in our place in the actual world…” Xavier Thevenard (France) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
39
41
“This race becomes a personal challenge that gives you a lot in different ways, such as. for example, personal growth…” Sylvaine Cussot (France)
70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“Without thinking about it, I crossed! The water came from everywhere, and I told myself, “this will be hard,” and from there, everything changed. We entered the mountain by means of trails full of mud and vegetation, and my feet were never dry again until kilometer 70...” Karina Palomino (Peru) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
43
“Running in Patagonia…wilder and more beautiful than what I imagined…” Verónica Rojas (Ecuador) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
45
“It was the wildest and technical race of all ... the hardest race of my life …” Fernando Luís (Argentina) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
47
49
“In order to follow the runners with the press and production group, we had to move down the river fast and then along the fiord. The contribution of Rio Arriba and Punta Alta was essential to achieve this… Manolo and Rolando did a great job navigating as they knew what to do.” Stjepan Pavicic
Race Director
“After an hour long zodiac journey the press reached the Hosteria Balmaceda… The clouds were low hanging and oppressive and the colors were muted grey, browns and green; the only vibrant color came from three bright pink flamingos floating on the fjord...”
“It felt as though we had entered another world and this SleepMonsters reporter now understood what was meant by “the magical world of the fiords”. It wasn’t the magic one would conjure up whilst reading a bed time fairy tale in which a winged fairy appears and sprinkles magical dust. No, this was the world of trolls. It was harsh and raw and the elements demanded that one make oneself as small as possible: they demanded humility” Anne-Marie Dunhill (France) Sleep Monsters Reporter
53
“A world in which the sensations and emotions are heightened….we entered this world from Chilean Patagonia’s fjords, and like with each initial experience, it was a deep privilege…” Anne-Marie Dunhill (France) Sleep Monsters Reporter
“…We ventured into what seemed like an endless forest, 20km of ancient trees, gigantic roots, and mud on all sides…” Jeison Costa (Brazil) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
55
57
“Though the race was exceedingly dangerous this year, much of the danger can be mitigated, and I hope that it is because the course is beautiful, challenging and crazy-fun. And provided some necessary changes occur, Ultra Fiord may just become a race many ultra junkies looking for a truly challenging course will yearn to attend...� Nikki Kimball (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
59
“Ultra Fiord marked a difference in my life as a runner. It came and combined what I like most: a trail with an adventure and more than that, added a beauty and demand that nobody expected. It was a place full of natural obstacles that made me enjoy and dream as if I had returned to my childhood.” Katherine Cañete (Chile)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
61
“Ultra Fiord promised to be an adventure, but it was much harder and more spectacular than what I imagined.” Álvaro de la Barra (Venezuela)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“A totally wild and technical race...” Verónica Rojas (Ecuador)
70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“A stretch where I only remember crossing 7 or 8 streams, a lot of mud, and repeating to myself what Pablito told me: “Pa, a mountain runner never quits.” Rafael Lim (Argentina)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
63
“It was a dream-like experience. What I experienced is recorded in my conscience. It is an intense experience with the virgin nature, which I took part of like one more creature…” Ángel Valenzuela (Chile)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
65
“I feel very inspired by Ultra Fiord… I do not want to do normal races anymore, I want extraordinary experiences…” Candice Burt (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“A truly wild trail, where sometimes I had there impression of being the first man passing through there…” Alexandre Clop (France) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
67
“I intended to run, but I couldn’t. I fell and fell, not being able to find the correct place to set foot, falling as deep as the mud would go! It was 30km of remembering how clumsy I was! It hit me psychologically, and I felt really disappointed in myself!… I cried of frustration, of happiness, I cried for reasons that I can’t remember in this moment, but I was relived!!!” Karina Palomino (Peru) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“...An epic story that we actually did!!” Hery Bello (Chile)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
69
“I enjoyed, suffered through, and lived each km….It really was the most difficult that I have done…” Edith Espinosa Torres (Mexico) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
71
“A wild and very muddy test of survival. A spectacular place…” William Ricardo Schulz (Brazil) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“Accustomed to UTMB’s “spacious paths” or those from other trails, which generally pass through GR type trails, I found myself here on about 90% of single paths, with some portions not even having a single footprint…” Alexandre Clop (France) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
73
“He was running the 100 miles in Ultra Fiord, his second attempt at achieving this mythical distance, and with footwear of only a thin, flexible rubber sole, without drop, cushioning, grip, or any reinforcement and control of tread, with free fingers and loose feet…” Jaime Hume (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
75
“…so we went with Jeff until km 90 at Balmaceda. Around 9:30 am, we could eat something hot, change shirts, and grab our trekking poles, which were fundamental for the climb…” Emmanuel Acuña (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
77
79
“The famous river arrived, I began to cross, the water coming up to just above the waist… Back to the trail, and seeing it that clear, I looked at my watch thinking: if the trail is like this through the entire run and I maintain this pace, I will be able to to descend in 3 hours. Patagonia would kindly prove otherwise… The trail was locked with a lot of mud and limited our advancement! But it gave us a lot of fun.” Felipe Contreras (Chile) 30K Ultra Fiord 2015
81
“Do eternal dreams exist? Because this is the sensation that I am living; each night I have visions of the test and of this magical place. I enjoy remembering those moments of absolute tranquility with nature, where the only sound was that of feet in the water and above the leaves...� Vinicius Lopes (Brazil) 30K Ultra Fiord 2015
83
85
“I advanced at a good pace until the control point at Km 29. There I ate some noodles, replenished my backpack with things that I had left in the drop bag, took my poles, and went toward the mountain stretch. I already knew that what was coming ahead would not be easy, so I prepared my mind…” Manuela Vilaseca (Brazil) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
87
“During the training in my city, I tried to meditate and think about what I might find in Patagonia…I tried to imagine what the organizer of one of the world’s wildest and most challenging adventure races would expect in a mountain ultramarathon…” Fernando Nazario (Brazil) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
89
“Extraordinary wildlife and flora... impossible to find the name of any tree or plant, nothing resembling what we are familiar with in France. The colors leave you breathless…” Xavier Thevenard (France) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“From km 30 onwards, the race started becoming more difficult, but much more hallucinatory and with incredible sceneries…” Juan José Reyes (Ecuador) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
91
93
“Incredible experience in Chilean Patagonia… It’s altimetry made it seem like a simple race, but rivers, paths full of mud, technical descents, rocks, thorns, and a lagoon were part of this beautiful and wild race; it was full of sceneries that simply took my breath away…” Maria Caridad Rojas (Ecuador) 30K Ultra Fiord 2015
95
97
“Everything is put to the test, as well as the head. When the fjord’s wild side was in charge of grounding each one of the runner’s expected time…they were overwhelmed by a land that wanted to be a protagonist, and remind us of how insignificant we are in this indomitable nature.” Cristian Valencia (Chile) 30K Ultra Fiord 2015
99
101
“An indescribable place, it is a paradise, we are at the end of the world doing Trail Running…” Eduardo Silva (Chile) Full Outdoor
HOSTERÍA BALMACEDA
AID STATION 100M - 100K - 70K FINISH 30K
PATAGONIA CHILE
103
“Then, I remember sitting on the ground… removing the water and stones from my shoes for the fourth time in the race. A photographer put a banana in my mouth. A volunteer arrived with my drop bag from the tent. I took a knife, and cut the cord wrapped around my bag to take out my waterproof pants…Then I kept on running…” Matt Maynard (UK) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“… I took my wet clothes, and wrapped them up with everything I had. I ate (soup, beans, chocolate, coffee, and two sandwiches), and I stayed on the side of the heater for about ten minutes, where I was able to digest the food and begin the process or rewarming my body. I once again could speak, and completely forgot about the thought of withdrawing.” Enzo Ferrari (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
105
“I grabbed my bag, changing my first and second layers, which were completely soaked from the rain. I took my trekking poles, drank a warm soup, and took off for the 1.250mts ascent, which I admit, looked much more innocent on the elevation map, but looked appeared almost like an ascent to Aconcagua…” Jeison Costa (Brazil) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
107
109
“ Thanks Chile and the province of Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) for maintaining such a wild and magical place for the world. I am in love with Patagonia…” Maria Caridad Rojas (Ecuador) 30K Ultra Fiord 2015
111
“…As soon as I saw the finish line, I began to tremble from head to toe, with the tears beginning to flow…. In this moment, I thought thank you God and took out my Brazilian flag to show that I was a Brazilian!” Vinicius Lopes (Brazil)
30K Ultra Fiord 2015
Arriving at the finish line after 5 hours of mud, trails, rivers, and an incredible scenery…. My euphoric face said it all…. Beyond happy!!!… Wonderful experience!!! Francisca González (Chile) 30K Ultra Fiord 2015
“…I was so immersed in the race and in the impossible fight with the wild nature, that I did not have time to contemplate what was around me, while enjoying each step and progressing towards the finish.” José Ruiz Aguilera (Spain)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“…Running alongside of tremendous athletes let me learn and continue acquiring experience, leaving among equals…. in order to improve, we must dare to be ahead…” Emmanuel Acuña (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
115
“We left Balmaceda together with our poles out and ready to make the ascent up through what the race director had coined “The Fortress”… Within 10 minutes, I caught a toe in the brush and fell onto my hands and broke one of my carbon fiber poles at the handle... . Ah man! Useless equipment I still have to carry! I had no choice but to fold it up and stash it in my pack and use one pole.” Jeff Browning (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“Emmanuel Acuña es un hombre fuerte! We ran together for almost 100K of the 108 mile race and pushed me to a good time on a very gnarly, hard course. He made me have to work very hard to get away from him going up to the glacier. He had me running scared and looking over my shoulder for most of the race.” Jeff Browning (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
117
“I didn’t imagine Ultra Fiord being such a beast: mud, river and lake crossings, peat bogs until the knees, snow…Let’s go, all the ingredients to make this my race; Tough and technical!” Pere Aurel (Spain)
70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“Ultra Fiord not only was the best race that I have ever done. It was the best scenery that I have ever seen, the best spectacle that I have ever attended, and the most beautiful fight I have ever lived through.” Genís Zapater (Spain) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
119
“If I have to be honest, I never imagined that the race would be so wild: rivers, lakes, muddy trails, snow, ice, rocks, roots, etc… the nature puts you in your place, and makes you be very humble and respectful…” José Ruiz Aguilera (Spain) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
121
“A race like no other: difficult to attempt and successfully run; wet from start to finish; mud for the first 70K, sometimes even sinking up to the knees; snow, which also sometimes sunk up to the knees; cold, rain, river crossings, peat bogs‌â€? Manuel Cortez (Chile) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“The first 45 miles were some of the toughest, laughable & wild I’ve ever endured…” Krissy Moehl (USA) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
123
“... I was the last runner to finish Ultra Fiord’s first edition, yes, the last. Proud of what I did, lived, saw, and proud of my family, who cared for and supported me in this madness ...” Gabriel Lanzillotta (Argentina) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
125
“A tremendous, wild, tough, and strong race, suitable for those who truly are mentally strong and have a powerful heart...� Enzo Ferrari (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“…This medal is not just a piece of metal…it is the essence of what empassions me,… it is the pure representation of my willpower, a reminder that I will have when I tell my kids about that time I endured the rain, mud, snow, hunger, cold, pain, and tiredness for more than 28 hours without giving up…” Rodrigo Lara (Chile) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
127
“…Mind and body are confronted with an extreme and wild fight, like the same environment as the race… navigating it to the finish of your dreams…” Jaime Hume (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
129
“I still remember when I was motivated ascending…and realizing the tremendous scenery around me” Óscar Olguín (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“To all the people that could dream of participating in this adventure: forget everything that you think of classic trails…. But, if you are like me, and dreamed of the images of Raid Gauloise, and prefer the G.I. Joe rather than the Barbie, hurry, this experience is for you!” Cécile Bertin (France) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
131
“Sometimes energy comes from the wild places we visit and this was one of those moments. I felt energized.� Candice Burt (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“It was my habitat, the familiar aromas, the sounds were not foreign to my ears, and the cold was familiar, and I enjoyed it… I never questioned if I would be able to accomplish it. My motivation was “running through the fjords’ magical landscapes,” and I prepared for that, to enjoy and not to suffer. Finally it was what I experienced “A magical tour through the Fjords” Ángel Valenzuela (Chile)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“A few minutes after we returned to the trek, and without realizing, I don’t know how, I appeared on a beach, resting, relaxed, apparently walking on yellow sand, with the sea to my left under a cloudless, blue sky. Before this, I heard Jamie’s shout: “Mati! Stay on the path!” I was so tired that I had fallen asleep, and lost the equilibrium while walking…
…I walk on a clear path in a green forest, and in the background, a girl in a dress. “Mati, stay on the path!” Clearly my conscience had reach the point of hallucination.” Matías Bull (Chile)
Trail Chile Founder and Director
133
“A magical place…where everything for me returned to nothing, and I left there revitalized, recharged with energy… for a long time after, I continued hallucinating with Ultrafiord…” Hery Bello (Chile)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“… after a long time, I left again to run what would be the most beautiful race of my life.” Katherine Cañete (Chile) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
135
“It was a spectacular race… it put you to the test. They can say whatever they want about it, but you have to be here, run it, live the experience…those who could not finish it…are equally winners, because they attempted it...” Leonel Jorquera Fuentes (Chile) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
137
“The 70K route was the race’s nucleus — by far the most difficult and technical section — with a mountain ascent (1.236 m, 3.130 m accumulated for the 70 km), and, as we found out once arrived there, many miles of deep mud before that. Oh, and on the top, a glacier crossing…
Whatever happens with the future of this ultramarathon, this inaugural edition will surely become a legend in the world of ultrarunning…” Jacqueline Windh (Canada) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
139
“In order to achieve a dream route, we had to cross the mythical Cordón Chacabuco, a true Fortress!… After weeks of explorations, we discovered a challenging mountain pass, but accessible; a pass that became the heart of Ultra Fiord. We call it Paso Byron…” Stjepan Pavicic
Race Director
CHACABUCO #1
Mountain aid Station 100M - 100K -70K
141
CHACABUCO #1
Mountain aid Station 100M - 100K -70K
CHACABUCO #1
Mountain aid Station 100M - 100K -70K
PATAGONIA CHILE
143
CORDÓN CHACABUCO
PASO BYRON (1236 mALS)
“The terrain I’d been moving through was more wild than anything I’d come across in the last 15 years of running ultramarathons. My 21st 100 miler and this course was throwing it at me. I had to keep pushing...” Jeff Browning (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“It has the potential to be a big, classic world race. It seems to me like what Hardrock was in the beginning, like before they thought ‘Oh, we should probably put a fixed rope on the snowfield coming off Virginius Pass’. I really think it has the original Hardrock spirit...” Jeff Browning (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
145
“…During those timeless hours, I traveled to the most incredible place I could be, with endless climbs, including majestic sceneries of the fjords and parts of the glaciers. Descending by rocks with stone blocks, as if they were ruins of an ancient fortress...” Matías Bull (Chile)
Trail Chile Founder and Director
“Seeing that Jeff was in front when arriving at the plateau, I continued focusing on my rhythm, passing Thevenard as the wind blew, and beginning to embrace the snow patches around noon…” Emmanuel Acuña (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“To the people who have read or seen “Into The Wild”, just think about the same uncivilized hugeness as Alaska, without the Stampede Trail, nor the Magic Bus. To the people who live in Jura, just dream of the area of Mont Tendre without any path, any road, any shed, nor any wall for miles around...” Xavier Thevenard (France) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
147
“The fog that had accompanied me throughout the climb arose, allowing me to enjoy a few moments of everything that was around me. I have no words to explain it, you have to live it! Of course, it made me feel insignificant, yet very large, at the same time.� Pere Aurel (Spain) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
149
“The 3,000m tomb stone granite pinnacles of the Torres del Paine were largely submerged in cloud on race day as the night begrudgingly gave way to day. Runner’s head torches were still reflecting off the first few race markers lining the course infront of the start line. Another three thousand of these stretched out over 70miles of forest, mountains, glaciers and barren tundra ...” Matt Maynard (UK) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“After this stretch, the Brazilian athlete, with his great stride of ascent, began to set the pace. I had left the trekking poles at km 30… My muscles burned, but the sight that I had was stronger than my breathing…” Fernado Nazario (Brazil) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
151
153
“It was hard to leave again when I was so happy…but the quicker I returned to running, the sooner I would arrive at the finish! Then, I found the motivation to return to the trail…In that moment, Laurent told me: “You did the easiest part, the most difficult is ahead, prepare yourself.” Whatttt? Is it possible to find something worse than what I just lived? Too late, I am already running… It is not a trail, it is not a foray, it is a true expedition!” Sylvaine Cussot (France)
70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“Tests such as this show us how big and imposing nature really is...� Marcelo Sinoca (Brazil) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“I’ve seen things that you would never believe ...” Juan Klamstein (Spain) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
155
157
“…I arrive at an elevation that gave me an incredible view of the mountains mixed with fog…I continued the ascent for what would be the most technical terrain from my point of view…to begin the most challenging part of the climb, the climb to the glacier…” Jeison Costa (Brazil) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
159
“…It was a long, steep, and cold descent. The sight was out out of this world. The mountains around me were giant rock walls, of a formation that I had never seen… The imposing glacier, of an intense, bright blue, completed the scenery. I kept admiring and appreciating the moment. It was really special and rewarding for me.” Manuela Vilaseca (Brazil) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“We ran 70 miles across a glacier and mountain pass, that five months previously, no human being had ever travelled� Matt Maynard (UK) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
161
163
CORDÓN CHACABUCO
PASO BYRON (1236masl)
“Making our dreams come true is best thing that can happen to us ...” Óscar Olguín (Chile)
100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“The first thing I did when crossing the finish line was kneel and thank God for helping me finish this tremendous ultra. The wildest and most extreme that I have run. The longest and hardest to finish.� Rafael Lim (Argentina)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
165
167
“…I still don’t know which part was the hardest. Not only were the legs needed in every moment, but also a lot from the head, and believing you have the confidence to continue and finish!”
“Here, the trekking poles were my new friends, and with them I climbed!… Here, we had the most hallucinatory experience, climbing up a glacier with the most incredible view that I have ever had!” Karina Palomino (Peru) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
169
“In the middle of February, I could not walk due to a hip injury... When you want to fulfil your dreams… nothing can stop you…” Óscar Quiroz (Chile) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“Ultra Fiord: immersed in the wildest of Patagonia, passing by unimaginable places, hidden forests, ancient glaciers, frozen lakes…” Cindy Ramírez (Chile) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
171
173
“Now that I have run by such beautiful places, which are worthy of appearing in Lord of the Rings, I am not able to, nor do I want to, erase them from my mind… Before Ultra Fiord…There were technical races, others fast, some beautiful, others that had a little of everything… Today, my concept of beauty in a race is pristine, wild, untamed, and demanding, which defined Ultra Fiord.” Katherine Cañete (Chile)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“I am so happy. An unreal and incredibly long, exhausting day and night on a course so burly and wild… Knee-deep mud (and mud pits) everywhere, grandiose glaciers, endless bogs, up and over mountain peaks. So fortunate to experience most of it with this gal Krissy Moehl...” Brittany Dick (USA) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“Our high alpine crossing opened up just enough to know we were surrounded by Patagonian beauty” Krissy Moehl (USA) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
175
“It was an experience marked with an original stamp; it was tough, but not due to its altimetry nor its distances. The toughness was imposed by those conditions native to the area, of which we were warned, but, in that moment of running, I realized I never really understood‌ Just remembering that experience transports me back to the place, and my desire to return is increased, despite it meaning imminent pain, and perhaps suffering. Yet, as I read once, that pain is inevitable, and the suffering is something optional, that lies in the freedom of the participant.â€? Julio Carvajal (Chile)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
177
179
“A few weeks have already passed, and my mind still remains in Ultra Fiord as if it were yesterday. Even today, I still don’t have the exact words to define what I lived, but what I do know, is that it has left a mark on my being…” José Ruiz Aguilera (Spain) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“Pavicic has a childlike zeal for exploration and a tangible obsession with the most rugged parts of Patagonia. You can look in his eyes and sense his desire to provide people with life-changing, on-the-edge experiences through his races. Needless to say, Ultra Fiord is a good example.� Willie McBride (USA) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
181
“Looking at everything while we climbed, including the scenery, and it was spectacular. We were there under the mist, and we made it through everything to ascended to all this…” Enzo Amato (Brazil) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“There are no words that can do justice to this magical place ...”
“In that cold and untamed nature, you understand that you are very small in this world, and that your existence could be transient, yet also, you recognize yourself as a conqueror… The most beautiful, technical, intense, wild, hard, and enriching experience that I have lived until today… It took me beyond what I imagined physically, mentally, and spiritually… Verónica Rojas (Ecuador) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
183
“I was wrong, the altimetry was not a determining factor, neither was it a race for everyone; the terrain was the principal factor… we were at the feet of those fjords.” Katherine Cañete (Chile)
100K Ultra Fiord 2015
view of FJord Erezcano from PASO BYRON
PATAGONIA CHILE
“From Paso Byron the view is awesome, there you can feel the immensity of Patagonia. To the south you can see the world of fjords and to the north the view of the Torres del Paine National Park is simply majestic ... imagine what it feels like to be there for the first time ... it seems like a dream, it’s unreal ... “ Stjepan Pavicic Race Director
view of TORRES DEL PAINE national park from PASO BYRON
PATAGONIA CHILE
185
PASO BYRON / CORDON CHACABUCO highest point (1250masl) 100M - 100K -70K
“Nature is rude, but it also teaches us, and puts us in our place ... I love trail running” Enzo Ferrari (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
PATAGONIA CHILE
187
“… After 9 hours, I don’t know how it is so easy to smile… A few hours ago, I was buried in mud up to the shins, and now, more than two hours in the snow…” Enzo Amato (Brazil) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
“It was immeasurably intense and also a really beautiful learning experience – in a unique and wonderful place… I’m proud that I appreciated every second of the race and relished the experience.” Kerrie Adair Bruxvoort (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
189
191
“On the top, the wind was very strong, but as soon as I crossed and started down, it stopped completely. That was the funniest moment of the race, where I had the feeling of being a child again. Everything was covered with snow, and I ran at a high speed through the mountain ...� Manuela Vilaseca (Brazil) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
193
“My view... at that moment was so wonderful that I could not find the words to describe it. I ran down a huge snow ramp, and down there was a giant lake, one that was beautiful, pristine, emerald in color, surrounded by huge mountains, which were reflected within it… I felt blessed to be living this...” Manuela Vilaseca (Brazil) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
197
“19 miles of technical descent remained, followed by winding forest trails and river crossings; then, 27 miles on a 4x4 route…” Matt Maynard (UK) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
199
“A really wild run!” Marcelo Sinoca (Brazil)
70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“I declare myself a sinner, as I sinned looking at the altimetry with disdain, seeing a flat race, and not respecting the climate. Running 100 miles in in the comfort of Chile’s central zone is not the same as doing it in one of the country’s ends. It will be attractive here… that is Ultra Fiord, wild and extreme, a race that is not for aspiring trail runners, but rather for trail runners with body experience. If not, return to the streets…”
CAMPAMENTO EL SALTO
PUNTO ASISTENCIA 100M - 100K -70K
Juan Carlos Pasten (Chile)
PATAGONIA CHILE
100M Ultra Fiord 2015
201
“This entire section floated below a forest worthy of being its own Lord of the Rings, which I was advancing through with goosebumps.” Genís Zapater (Spain) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“The race could hardly have a better name. Taking place in mythical Patagonia, the course brings runners to discover the land of fjords, long, narrow inlets created by the erosion of glaciers that have shaped a stunning landscape that leads you into thinking that you might bump into a Hobbit at the next turn.� Red Bull (This is the ultra-trail at the end of the world)
203
“Each photo bears a story, fleeting passages of an endless story… A story that doesn’t want to end… that race at the end of the world, that extreme and wild race in the land of Patagones...that race where Trail Running, together with the runner, could be brought to another dimension...” Jaime Hume (Chile) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“The next 15 miles down the drainage was some of the most gnarly, technical terrain I’ve been on. It was muddy, slick, rocky, rooty and just constantly steep up and downs.” Jeff Browning (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
205
“Those last 2km gave me time to reflect on the race. It is divided in three parts: the first with a lot mud and an area of lakes; the second, a high mountain section with the glacier; and the third, a rainforest with a lot of vegetation alongside a river.� Pere Aurel (Spain)
70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“Only after crossing the finish line did I ask myself why I had enjoyed it so much, despite the knee pain. It’s because I’ve never done anything so brutal. And now, after a few days have passed, and by writing these lines, it is clear: IT IS THE BEST RACE I HAVE EVER DONE!” Pere Aurel (Spain)
70K Ultra Fiord 2015
“I crossed the river for the last time, and on the other side, Gemma was waiting, laughing with camera in hand, waiting for the best picture… but I had that in my head.” Pere Aurel (Spain)
70K Ultra Fiord 2015
207
“This section that evenutally drops you at Estancia Perales (mile 81) seemed like it would never end. Finally I arrived at the banks of a wide river and plunged in to cross the knee-deep river. I got into Perales at 6:47pm and quickly adjusted gear and resupplied from my drop bag… I got my headlamps on again, ditched my poles, dumped mud out of my shoes and ate a half sandwich, cup of soup and drank a coke. I was eager to get out of there before Emmanuel showed up...” Jeff Browning (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
209
“Imagine your favorite place, the one that makes you dream, without any artificial noise, without any sign of the civilization for miles around.� Xavier Thevenard (France) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015
ESTANCIA PERALES / FIORDO ÚLTIMA ESPERANZA aid station 100M - 100K 70K finish
PATAGONIA CHILE
211
“I arrived at Perales, and there, I had the best assistance!… Juan gave me two plates of noodles, and waited on me like a queen… After being here for less than an hour, drinking coffee, talking, and getting an idea of 44 more kilometers, Kathy and I set off on the course to the finish…” Karina Palomino (Peru) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
213
215
ESTANCIA Puerto Consuelo AID STATION 100m - 100K
PATAGONIA CHILE
“I noticed Stjepan, the Race Director in the yard and told him this is a HARD course. He simply smiled and said “good job.” So, I took off up the dirt road hill out of the estancia and settled into the long dirt road marathon I had in front of me.” Jeff Browning (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
217
PUERTO NATALES 100M - 100K FINISH
PATAGONIA CHILE
219
“Pain and relief of what I just came through, maybe?” Jeff Browning (USA) 100M Ultra Fiord 2015
“The chills began to emerge again, the tears returning to fall, and I felt all the emotion‌ Many people ask about the pain and physical suffering, and I respond that it ends the moment you cross the finish line; the feeling of completing this challenge will last for months...â€? Fernando Nazario (Brazil) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
221
223
“Within minutes of finishing the longest day of my life; 29h 04´01” Rafael Lim (Argentina) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
225
“Nothing I have done until now compares to Ultra Fiord. I wanted it to demand more,… but it became by far the biggest sporting challenge I have ever faced…” Enzo Amato (Brazil) 100K Ultra Fiord 2015
227
229
HOTEL REMOTA / PUERTO NATALES ULTRA FIORD AWARDs CEREMONY
PATAGONIA CHILE
231
233
235
237
“A dream come true: Ultra Fiord is born!!.. Its strong and wild character was made clear in its first edition, even being able to break some of the best mountain runners in the world. Its nature is magical, but in order to penetrate it, it is necessary to have a mountain spirit and a great physical and mental strength‌â€? Stjepan Pavicic Race Director
239
Puerto natales
PATAGONIA CHILE
241
race profile
Fiordo Ăšltima Esperanza
PATAGONIA CHILE
ULTRA FIORD RESULTS 2015
243
ULTRA FIORD CREW
Puerto natales
PATAGONIA CHILE
SPONSORS
245
MEDIA PARTNERS
GLACIAR serrano fiordo última esperanza
PATAGONIA CHILE
247
PATAGONIA CHILE
“Who came to this harsh, cold land, where you live or don’t live, and where those who remain have an obligation of full incorporation to the earth, where the earth also holds its own, because here, the telluric force is enormous…of everything, the landscape, the wind, the air, even the space emits a very strong force, which motivates... Here you live creating, inventing, renewing. It is a constant struggle to an environment that is tough, but ultimtaely, one may come to dominate.” Mateo Martinic (National History Award) Seminary Imagen País / May 2009
“Ultra Fiord was not only the best race I’ve ever done. It was the best scenery that I’ve ever seen, the best spectacle that I’ve attended, and the most beautiful fight I’ve ever experienced.” Genís Zapater (Spain) 70K Ultra Fiord 2015