Races

La Mision

ArgentinaFebruary

Argentina, February. 160 km on 75% trail. +19,583 ft of climbing. 72 hours cutoff.

99 mi72 hours991 ft to 1,572 fttech 5/106 stationsWSER qualifierFebruary
Distance99 mi
Altitude991 ft to 1,572 ft
Technicality5/10
Air40°F to 80°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start1,394 ft
  • High1,572 ft
  • Low994 ft
  • Finish1,037 ft
Aid stations6 stops verified
  1. Argentina at mile 0.0
  2. La Mision mile 20 at mile 20, cutoff 14.4 hours
  3. La Mision mile 40 at mile 40, cutoff 28.8 hours
  4. La Mision mile 59 at mile 59, cutoff 43.199999999999996 hours
  5. La Mision mile 79 at mile 79, cutoff 57.6 hours
  6. Finish Argentina at mile 99, cutoff 72 hours

Geometrycourse math

Steepest drop561 ft-5.4% over 2.0 mi
Night miles36 misunset near 19:00 local

The cruxPatagonia wind, river crossings, and long dirt road connectors (near mile 65)

Course DNA

The Course

La Mision runs 160 km through Argentina. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Patagonia wind, river crossings, and long dirt road connectors. High point near 1,572 ft. Low near 991 ft. February temps run 40°F to 80°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.

The Work

Train for the climbing across 160 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 72 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.

Kit

February in Argentina: plan for 40°F to 80°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 72 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Patagonia wind, river crossings, and long dirt road connectors near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

La Mision