Races

Vulcano Ultra Trail

ChileDecember

Chile, December. 100 km on 75% trail. +9,221 ft of climbing. 24 hours cutoff.

62 mi+9,221 ft-10,107 ft24 hours1,991 ft to 4,165 fttech 7/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierDecember
Distance62 mi
Gain+9,221 ft
Loss-10,107 ft
Altitude1,991 ft to 4,165 ft
Technicality7/10
Air40°F to 80°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start3,868 ft
  • High4,165 ft
  • Low1,991 ft
  • Finish2,982 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop991 ft-8.6% over 2.2 mi
Night miles16 misunset near 19:00 local

The cruxPatagonia wind, river crossings, and long dirt road connectors (near mile 40)

Course DNA

The Course

Vulcano Ultra Trail runs 100 km through Chile. +9,221 ft gain and -10,107 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Patagonia wind, river crossings, and long dirt road connectors. High point near 4,165 ft. Low near 1,991 ft. December temps run 40°F to 80°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 31.

The Work

Train for 9,221 feet of climbing across 100 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 24 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 7/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 40.

Kit

December in Chile: plan for 40°F to 80°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 24 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 31.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 31. Patagonia wind, river crossings, and long dirt road connectors near mile 40 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 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Vulcano Ultra Trail