So… We’re having our last proper breakfast before we’re shipped into the Desert today.. We meet 1300hrs UK time today for all of the pre-race meetings and check-in etc.. Then we’re busses out to the back and beyond..
Anyway, after 1100hrs UK time, we’re taking no more entries into the prize pot, however you can continue to donate to Cancer Research UK…
Also follow our race blogs at www.4deserts.com/atacamacrossing look for Chris Laws or teamHSX to read the blog..
teamHSX on Atacama have spent the day exploring the town of San Pedro de Atacama today and getting to know where all the cafes are.. 🙂 The town which sits at 2400metres within the driest desert on Earth also gets looked over by the snow capped Andes (check out the picture below)… Which is just cool..
The team also saw the finish line today as the race which starts 0800 Sunday morning finishes in the town square..
Also this afternoon, Emily has left the boys to join the other volunteers for her volunteer training, which starts tomorrow…
All in all, we’re all having a splendid time…
Finally, after 26hours of travelling on three planes and a bus, the team arrive in the heart of the Atacama desert to start their acclimatisation for a couple of days.. All is great..
teamHSX on Atacama have now checked in and are relaxing air side.. Please remember there is still time to sponsor them and enter the prize draw.. No more entries are allowed after 0800 Chile time, this Sundy..
Hi All,
1st March sees the team flying to Chile to start their acclimatisation for the Atacama Crossing… Please feel free to wish them all luck…
Also….
We have loads of new prizes in the prize pot including ‘signed Mcalren hats, by Jenson & Lewis’, a ‘heart rate monitor’ and many many more…
So, please help us raise bucket loads for Cancer Research UK by clicking on the Atacama button on the top…
teamHSX on Atacama recieved emails today with details on the course…
It makes for interesting reading..
Distance of Each Stage
The approximate distances of each stage are detailed below. There are checkpoints approximately every 10 kilometers / 6 miles along the course where volunteers and a medical doctor are stationed to give you water and support. Each checkpoint also has a tent providing shade.
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Stage 1 – 35.2 km / 21.9 miles
Stage 2 – 41.8 km / 26.0 miles
Stage 3 – 40.0 km / 24.9 miles
Stage 4 – 42.8 km / 26.6 miles
Stage 5 – 73.6 km / 45.7 miles
Stage 6 – 16.0 km / 9.9 miles
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Terrain
The terrain is varied. You can expect salt flats, sand dunes, loose rock and dirt, grassy plains, canyons and hard-packed dirt tracks. There are also a few water crossings throughout the week.
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Altitude
The course starts at its highest altitude. Camp 1 is just over 3,000 meters / 10,000 feet. Each Stage takes competitors to a lower level, with the week finishing in San Pedro de Atacama at 2,443 meters / 7,780 feet.
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Climate
The climate of the Atacama Desert is hot and dry. Course temperatures can reach higher than 40°C / 104°F (with lows of 5°C / 41°F at night).
Good luck to us….. 🙂