Reaching new heights in marathon running.
6893m. 100kph winds. -30 wind chill. 28 hours of exertion. A new world record. This was the World’s Highest Marathon.
The Challenge
Imagine a marathon that takes two weeks of ascent just to get to the start line. It is not surprising that no marathon has ever reached above 6,000 metres.
In February 2026, a group of intrepid runners embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge: to run the highest marathon ever attempted. The challenge: to summit Ojos del Salado, the world’s tallest volcano at 6,893 metres, and then descend through some of the planet’s most unforgiving terrain. The thin air, freezing temperatures, and relentless winds would test every ounce of their strength and resolve, as they planned to complete 42.2km at a staggering altitude where oxygen levels are only 44% than those at sea level.
Supported by a dedicated team of twelve climbers and guides, who would accompany them and provide critical aid throughout the race, these runners would face a battle with not only the distance but the extreme altitude that has never before hosted a marathon of this magnitude.
Organised by BecomingX, the record-breaking expedition embodied the very essence of human potential. It was a testament to those who dare to go beyond the ordinary, redefining what is possible in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. From the roof of the world, these trailblazers planned to prove that with grit, determination, and a belief in the extraordinary, limits are there to be shattered.
A marathon like no other
The morning of the record attempt, the team had spent over 11 hours climbing on foot through the night just to reach the start line, battling winds of approximately 100 kph (with windchill dropping to about -30°C, or -22°F).
Standing on the summit of Ojos del Salado at 12:00 PM, looking out over the volcanic landscape, was a moment of pure clarity. But some weren’t able to see it.
Only half of the runners reached the start line. The remaining runners, and the support team, had to be evacuated. Awake for over 24 hours, battered with gale-force, freezing winds and their challenge had not yet even begun.
The descent was a blur of pain, grit, and determination. Running a marathon is hard. Running one on the highest volcano on Earth, where the ground is shifting under your feet and your brain is starved of oxygen, is a different level of suffering altogether. But the five runners who made it to the summit, all crossed the finish line. Making history.
Extreme adventures call for extreme support. We needed vehicles that can handle the harshest terrain, high heat and freezing temperatures, that will run on the thinnest of air and remain completely dependable at over 6000m altitude, up a volcano, in the middle of the Atacama desert. Because there’s no backup, no spares and no going back.
We were proud to have Ford as the headline sponsor of World’s Highest Marathon and to use their vehicles as the backbone of the expedition.
On the highest volcano on Earth, conditions are relentlessly unforgiving. Ferocious winds, searing sun, sub-zero temperatures and oxygen-thin air demand clothing that performs without compromise. Every layer must protect, regulate and endure when the margin for error disappears. When you’re running above 6000 metres on a remote Chilean volcano, there is no room for failure. That’s why we trusted Montane to equip us for the extreme as our Official Suppliers.
Ventures like this don’t happen without long-term vision and solid foundations. At extreme altitude, every decision matters and every resource must be managed with care and responsibility. Wheaton Precious Metals supports this expedition with the same commitment to resilience, precision and sustainable thinking that defines our approach to the world’s highest marathon. Their backing helps make the extraordinary possible in one of the world’s major mining regions, and their support will help us inspire young people to dream big, and seek out a better future.
The Participants
While only five were able to complete the marathon, it was a family of extraordinary individuals supporting each other who made this astonishing achievement possible. Elite climbers, an ultra-endurance cyclist, a former Commando and TV personality, and several world record holders, alongside amateur runners… each driven by a shared determination to complete a marathon in one of the world’s most extreme environments. Guided by renowned mountaineer and BecomingX interviewee Gavin Bate, the marathon was supported by twelve trekkers and guides, themselves pushing their limits and demonstrating the grit, resilience, and unyielding spirit of those willing to tackle a challenge few would dare to attempt.
Official Suppliers
Telling this story requires trust and experience. Chrome Productions are long-time collaborators, capturing the reality of extreme environments and human limits with honesty, sensitivity and world-class filmmaking.
On volcanic rock, loose scree and frozen ground, footwear is critical. La Sportiva are providing us with the grip, protection and confidence needed to move efficiently and safely at extreme altitude.
Recovery is survival at 6000m. In freezing desert nights and relentless wind, Vango sleeping bags provide vital warmth and rest, allowing the team to recover, adapt and perform each day.
Frequently asked questions
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We are currently planning several adventures! Fill out the contact form if you are interested in joining a BecomingX trip in the future.
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Yes! We have a number of corporate sponsorship opportunities available for upcoming events. Please contact whm@becomingx.com for a chat.
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Please get in touch with us at press@becomingx.com where we can provide you with press releases, imagery and can discuss potential interviews and quotes.