World's Highest Marathon 2026
Setting the bar high
In February 2026, a group of intrepid adventurers embarked on the first World's Highest Marathon, with a singular goal - to run the highest marathon ever attempted and set a new world record. 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 every ounce of their strength and resolve, as they attempted to complete 42.2km from a staggering altitude, where oxygen levels are only 44% than those at sea level.
Supported by a dedicated team of twelve climbers and guides, and five off-road Ford vehicles, who would accompany them and provide critical aid throughout the race, the 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, and with headline sponsors Ford, this record-breaking expedition embodied the very essence of human potential and high performance. From the roof of the world, the team set out to prove that with grit, determination, and a belief in the extraordinary, limits are there to be shattered. But not all went to plan...
The toughest marathon in history?
On the morning of the record attempt, the team faced some of the most brutal weather imaginable, battling headwinds of approximately 100 kph, with windchill dropping to around –30°C (–22°F).
Of the team of 23 - runners, support crew, guides and film team - conditions were so severe that only five runners were able to make it to the start line at the summit of Ojos del Salado.
After evacuating the rest of the team off the mountain, in all but one of our ever dependable Ford off-roaders, the remaining five began the marathon at 12.30pm. By this point, they had already climbed for more than 11 hours and had been awake for over 24 hours, enduring relentless freezing winds. The marathon would start here.
All five runners who reached the start line made it to the finish, completing 54km in total after a safety diversion was required. BecomingX CEO Paul Gurney, TV adventurer Aldo Kane, and record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont crossed first in 16 hours and 34 minutes. Seven Summitter Sibusiso Vilane and ultra-marathon runner Sara Storey finished 90 minutes later, having spent more than 28 hours on their feet.
The world record was set at 4,340.6 metres, based on the lowest point reached during the marathon, more than 1 kilometre higher than the lowest point on the Everest Marathon.
History was made, setting a new world record. But a record that can be broken.
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.
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