RACE DATE

1 – GENERAL INFORMATION 

Date: March 1, 2 and 3, 2024

Distances: 25K – 50K- 70K – 120K 

Areas involved: Cerro Catedral, Refugio Jakob (mountain hut), northern Lago Mascardi, the plains of Pampa Linda, the Argentine Chilean border, Vuriloche Pass, Valdivian rainforest, Estuario de Reloncaví lookout (Ralún, Chile) 

Start locations: 

25K: Ralún, Chile

50K and 120K: Base of Cerro Catedral (Bariloche-Argentina) 

70K: Pampa Linda (Bariloche-Argentina) 

Finish locations: 

25K: Ralún, Chile

50K: Pampa Linda (Bariloche-Argentina) 

70K and 120K: Estuario de Reloncaví lookout (Chile) 

2 – THE RACE 

El Paso Austral- Ultra Trail is a non-stop trail race featuring 100% of the course on dirt trails. This trail running event is held within  both the Nahuel Huapi National Park (Argentina) and the Pérez Rosales National Park (Chile), traversing across the Andes at the  mythical “Vuriloche Pass”. The course parallels the journey that the local indigenous people used for trade back in the 1200s.  Spanish explorers and Jesuit missionaries looking for the fabled “City of the Caesars” also used this trail in search of a pass near the  Nahuel Huapi region.  

El Paso Austral – Ultra Trail goes over a wide variety of geographic features that are rarely seen in a single course such as ancient  glaciers, the majestic Cerro Tronador (3,491m.a.s.l.), lakes, rivers, creeks, hot springs, mountain huts, rocky slopes, areas with long  established landowners, the international border pass, wild marshes, forests, the Valdivian rainforest, and an amazing view of the  Pacific Ocean upon reaching the finish line.  

3 – GENERAL NOTES 

• The Organizers will have a Race Director and a Sports Director, who will ensure these rules are adhered to. They will  monitor the race and decide on any issues that may arise. Given the unique characteristics of this competition and in order  to guarantee the successful outcome of the event, the Managing Team will receive counsel from professionals and  representatives of various public and private entities including park rangers, border patrols, mountain-specialized doctors,  rescue teams, civil protection authorities, municipalities, immigration and customs offices, etc.  
• The decisions made by the Managing Team regarding the participants, the courses, the times, the end of the race, etc. are  final and undisputable. 
• If there are any issues on technical aspects of the course, competition, race results, etc. please email the Managing Team  at info@elpasoaustral.com 
• The Organizers may suspend and/or reschedule the event due to security reasons, public ceremonies, vandalism, weather  conditions, unforeseeable circumstances, force majeure, etc.  
• Given the unique features of the race, the organizers might be forced to modify the course due to changing and/or  extreme weather and other unforeseen circumstances affecting safety. Such a modification will be agreed upon with the  pertaining public or private entities. Should that be the case, the new course will be promptly communicated to the  runners briefing (on Friday), on the event day (before the race starts), or even during the race. Any changes in the course  will be properly marked. Runners must attend the runner technical briefing and stay informed through the official  communication channels of the race. 
• El Paso Austral- Ultra Trail is organized in collaboration with the Municipality of San Carlos de Bariloche, the Government  of the Province of Río Negro, the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the Border Patrol (Gendarmería), the Perez Rosales National  Park, the Chilean Carabineros, The Lake District, and the Comuna de Ralún (Chile). 
• Race participation implies you are responsible for the information provided, you fully accept the race rules and the terms  and conditions of the event, and you are required to pay the registration fee.  
• Athletes who are suspended or have been proven guilty of using prohibited substances will not be able to participate in  this event. Neither will those who incurred a penalty by a Federation or Confederation and whose penalty is still in effect at  the time of this event.  
• The Organizers reserve the right of admission.

4 – RUNNER PARTICIPATION 

• Due to the great level of difficulty of the courses, 70K and 120K participants must provide evidence of previous  participation in Ultra Trail races in the application. 
• Directors will evaluate the applicants and their decision will not be subject to appeal. 

4.1 – Registration 

• The registration procedure, entry fees, and payment terms can be found at the official event webpage www.elpasoaustral.com/inscripción
• 70K and 120K Distances:  

Applicants must fill out the pre-registration form on the website. 

Depending on the distance, you must include history of previous participation in Trail or Ultra Trail races. 120K: Finisher in at least 1 (one) over 100K Ultra Trail race between 2018 and 2021; or 

a total of 12 ITRA points earned in a maximum of 3 Ultra Trail races between 2018 and 2021. 

70K: Finisher in 2 (two) Trail Run races equal to or greater than 42K between 2019 and 2021. 

Teams will have to submit the required race history information for each team member. 

• If your application is approved by the Organizers, you will receive an email with a link for payment of 50% of the current  entry fee within 7 (seven) working days. Upon expiration of the 7-day period, your registration will no longer be valid, and  you will have to pre-register again, subject to availability. 
• Any athlete 18 years or older on the race date (March 1st, 2024) may participate in the 70K and 120K distances. 
• 50K Distance: Participants must fill out the registration form on the official website and make a 50% deposit of the current  entry fee to confirm participation. 
• Any athlete 18 years or older by December 31,2023 may participate in the 50K distance. 
• Your registration will only be confirmed once payment of 50% of the total entry fee is made. The fee will be locked in at  the current value upon the time of payment.  
• On February 15th 2024, the registration will be closed and all athletes who have not completed the registration form and made  the corresponding payment will be withdrawn from the list of participants. 
• Those runners who, due to an injury or force majeure event, cannot take part in this edition of the race, will not lose their registration fee. The amount paid will be credited toward the following edition of the race. Please send an email to  info@elpasoaustral.com to inform the Organizers of the situation before the race. No exceptions of this kind will be  allowed after the event is over. Your payment is non-refundable and non-transferrable. 

4.2 – Categories (*Age on December 31, 2024) 

120K  Men 18– 29 years Women 18– 29 years Men 30– 39 years Women 30– 39 years Men 40– 49 years Women 40– 49 years Men 50+ years Women 50+ years  Mixed team  Women’s team  Men’s team

70K 

Men 18– 29 years Women 18– 29 years 

Men 30– 39 years Women 30– 39 years 

Men 40– 49 years Women 40– 49 years

Men 50+ years Women 50+ years 

Mixed team 

Women’s team 

Men’s team 

• Any athlete 18 years or older on the race day may participate in the 70K and 120K distances. 

50 K  Men 18– 29 years Women 18– 29 years Men 30– 39 years Women 30– 39 years Men 40– 49 years Women 40– 49 years Men 50- 59 years Women 50- 59 years Men 60+ years Women 60+ years

• Any athlete 18 years or older by December 31,2023 may participate in the 50K distance. 

4.3 – Runner check-in and race kit pick-up 

The check-in will be done in San Carlos de Bariloche on March 1 and 2, 2024. The Organizers will provide up-to-date information  of the exact venue through the official website and social networks.  

At the time of check-in, each participant must submit in person the following mandatory documents:  • Original ID or passport 

• Printed medical certificate provided in the official website, including the runner’s data, date, signature, and seal of the  issuing physician. 
• Medical insurance with international coverage (for 70K and 120K distances) 
• Race backpack (or similar gear) and mandatory equipment for 70k and 120K distances, to be checked by our staff. 

Once all mandatory documents have been submitted, the runner will receive the race pack containing the items specified in the  official webpage according to the selected distance. 

IMPORTANT: Your race bib must be worn to enter and finish the race, at the checkpoints, for medical assistance, to get back your  runner’s personal bag, and for any other race-related situation. You can only take it off upon finishing or withdrawing from the race,  after the latter decision is notified. If you lose your bib, you need to notify our nearest staff or checkpoint (PC) member of such loss.  

4.5 – Runner’s personal bag / Travel bag 

• Runner’s personal bag (Only 120K distance): The race kit for 120K runners will include a numbered personal bag that  runners may use for their belongings (replacement clothes or food). They may have access to this bag at the Pampa Linda  checkpoint (located at km 52 of the course). All runners must deliver this bag on check-in day to guarantee that it will be  transported to the Checkpoint (PC). When the race is over, runners may pick-up their bag at the office of the race  organizers with their race bib. In the event the runner withdraws from the race at the Pampa Linda checkpoint, he/she can  pick-up his/her personal bag at that location. 
• Travel bag: For the 70K and 120K, the Organizers will transport the runner’s travel bag to the finish location. Travel bag’s  maximum size is 55 x 40 x 20cm and total weight must not exceed 10kg. At check-in, the travel bag will be delivered to and  inspected by a Customs officer, who will place a seal on the bag that can only be removed by the runner at the finish  location. 

IMPORTANT: In case of withdrawal from the race, the runner should be aware the bags will be available when the race is over and  the Organizers return to Bariloche on Sunday (sometime during the day). 

4.6 – Mandatory equipment 

For their own safety and for the successful outcome of the race, all runners must have all the mandatory items listed on the official  website (https://elpasoaustral.com/equipo-obligatorio).

All runners must submit their mandatory equipment for verification both at the check-in as well as randomly at any checkpoints  along the course. Failure to comply with this requirement constitutes grounds for disqualification. 

Team members must submit their equipment individually. Only the first aid kit can be shared. 

4.7 – Insurance 

It is mandatory for 70K and 120K runners to have individual medical insurance with international coverage. Insurance information must be provided at check-in. The event Organizers will also carry their own insurance and will provide medical assistance and  rescue services along the entire course. 

Note: Helicopter evacuation will bear a cost. The evacuation choice will be at the sole discretion of the Organizers who will  evaluate the situation according to the Emergency Plan. The means of evacuation and the hospitalization location will be at the sole  discretion of the Medical Director. 

Any expenses arising from the admission of a runner to either a public or private health institution for medical tests, surgeries, and  medicines, as well as transportation and any recovery expenses, are to be borne by the runner and the runner’s medical insurance  provider.  

4.8 – Runner’s commitment 

In order to participate in this race, it is essential that runners: 

• are conscious of the distance and technical features of the course and are thoroughly prepared for such a challenge • are quite self-sufficient in a mountain environment so as to solve any problems that may arise in a race like this • know how to face, without any assistance, weather conditions that may be highly adverse due to the altitude and the  geographical features (night, wind, cold, fog, rain, or snow) 
• can manage, even in isolation, the physical and mental distress caused by extreme fatigue, digestive problems, muscle or  joint pain, and minor injuries.  
• are fully aware that in a mountain race like this, safety depends on the ability of the runner to adapt to the problems that  can either be or not be anticipated. 

5 – RACE FEATURES 

The following features of El Paso Austral- Ultra Trail race must be considered by the participants before registering for the race.  5.1 – Semi self-sufficiency 

Semi self-sufficiency is defined as the capacity to be self-sufficient between supply points, both as regards to nutrition as well as  clothing and safety gear, all while being able to adapt to conditions that may or may not be anticipated (adverse weather, physical  conditions, injuries, etc.). Runners should bear in mind that the race is carried out in a single stage to be run at each individual’s  pace within the timeframe established through cut-off times by the Organizers.  

This principle specifically implies the following rules: 

• Each runner must carry his/her mandatory equipment (see “Mandatory equipment”) at all times during the race You must  carry your belongings in a backpack (or similar gear) that will be marked at the check-in and cannot be changed along the  course. At any time during the race the controllers may verify the backpack (or similar gear) and its contents. The runner  must submit to these controls with good will under the penalty of disqualification. 
• Designated supply points will have food and beverages available to be consumed at that spot, thus avoiding litter on the  course. The Organizers will only supply mineral water or energy drinks to refill your bottle or hydration vest. When leaving  each of the supply points, the runner must evaluate the amount of food and drinks he or she will need to reach the next  supply point or the finish line. 
• Runners must not be escorted or accept to be escorted during the entire or any part of the course by a person who is not  officially registered with the race. 
• With the aim of ensuring the semi self-sufficiency spirit of this race, controllers may report such irregularities to the Sports  Director for penalization. 

5.2 – Aid stations (PAS) 

There will be several supply and aid stations along the course where not only food and beverages will be provided for the runners  but also medical assistance, if required. These stations can be seen in the datasheet and guide for each distance on the official  website. 

5.3 – Checkpoints (PC) 

The Organizers will arrange several Checkpoints throughout the course to monitor and guarantee that runners have passed specific  points and to check the mandatory equipment, if the Checkpoint Manager so decides. If any of the mandatory items of equipment  are found missing, the runner may be disqualified. At all times the Organizers will be strict and uncompromising regarding this issue  because the safety and the semi self-sufficiency of runners is of paramount importance.  

5.4 – Medical assistance station 

Several aid stations and medical assistance stations will be distributed throughout the course and identified in the runner’s guide.  Medical tents will be located in Pampa Linda and in the finish area. They will be available during the entire race. Runners experiencing a severe health condition may receive medical assistance. If necessary, the attending physician will evaluate whether  the runner needs to be referred to a medical facility.  

A runner who is experiencing difficulties shall be responsible for requesting assistance as follows:  

• Entering the nearest aid station by his/her own means  
• Asking another runner to get assistance. In that case, be specific with the information to be relayed: location and reason  why help is needed. 

It is important to remember that, given the characteristics of the race and the terrain on which it is held, it may take a long time for  help to arrive. Therefore, it is essential to utilize the first aid kit for self-assistance and any personal experience the runner may have in these types of circumstances. 

Official rescue personnel and doctors, as well as any other person authorized by the Directors may:  

• Stop a runner if they consider he or she is not in a satisfactory condition of health to continue the race. • Check the mandatory equipment. 
• Evacuate runners who they deem at risk using any means necessary. 
• Hospitalize any runner that so requires due to his or her health condition.  

5.5 – Course marking 

The course will be properly marked with tape from the race organizers, fixed signs, light signals, cairns, and signs with reflective  material to reflect the light of the headlamp. 

WARNING: If you don’t see the marks on the course, do not continue. Go back to the last mark you saw and continue on the correct  trail. 

We respect our environment and do not use paint for marking the trails. The existing paint marks are those done by the national  park.  

5.6 – Cut-off times  

Cut-off times will be posted on the official website, in the technical datasheet for each distance, and in the runner’s guides.

Runners who miss the cut off and are in good shape must self-evacuate and make their way by their own means to the nearest  vehicle access point or aid station.  

5.7 – Finish line 

• The finish line for the 50K course will be located within the property of the Hostería Pampa Linda.  • The finish line for the 70K and 120K distances will be in the area of the Estuario de Reloncaví, the fjord on the mouth of  Petrohue River (Chile) with a view of the Pacific Ocean. This location is 40km away from Ensenada and 79km away from  Puerto Varas. 

Upon crossing the finish line, runners will receive a finisher medal and will be given access to the recovery zone where the following  services will be provided: 

• A tent providing food and beverages  
• Medical assistance 
• Bathrooms 
• Bag storage (50K distance) 
• Transportation to Bariloche (50K distance) 
• Recovery zone: nutrition, travel bag pick-up, and dressing rooms (70K and 120K)  
• Transportation to Ensenada and Puerto Varas (70K and 120K distances) 

The recovery zone is not to be used as an overnight accommodation. Runners who have completed the race and wish to stay  longer must arrange their own accommodations. Transportation will be offered to nearby cities as well as return transport to  Bariloche. Check the information on the “Logistics” section of the official website. 

6 – CLASSIFICATION AND AWARDS 

• The top 3 overall individual finishers (women and men) of the 120K distance will be awarded trophies, sponsor gifts, and  prize money.  
• The top 3 overall individual finishers (women and men) of the 50K and 70K distances will be awarded trophies and sponsor  gifts. 
• The top 3 overall teams (women and men) of the 70K and 120K distances will be awarded trophies and sponsor gifts. • The top 3 finishers in the 50K, 70K and 120K categories will be awarded medals and sponsor gifts. 

Runners must be present at the award ceremony to receive their awards. Trophies and sponsor gifts will only be given at that time. 

Race results for all participants will be posted on the official website of the race. Finisher Certificates can also be downloaded from  the website. 

The Organizers will rely on the “App Movil” system for instant race timing.  

7 – WITHDRAWAL PROTOCOL 

El Paso Austral- Ultra Trail requires long distance trail-running experience in the mountains. In order to participate, being self sufficient is the most important part. The Organizers will be available to ensure the security of each runner and to assist as  necessary.  

In the case of withdrawing from the race due to fatigue, a minor injury, or cut-off time, assuming the runner is in good condition, he  or she should return to the closest aid station or the finish line in order to be transferred to the transport to Bariloche. In this case,  the Organizers must be notified. 

In the event a runner must withdraw from the race due to an accident or a major injury where the medical team makes the decision  to not continue the race, the participant will be evacuated and transferred by the Organizers. 

8 – PENALTY – DISQUALIFICATION 

The Race Director, Sports Director and the Checkpoint Manager are responsible for enforcing the regulations and may promptly  apply penalties or disqualify runners as necessary. 

Penalty reasons: 

• Missing race bib 
• Using promotional material during the race and/or the arrival (see Item 11) 
• Accompanied by someone during the course not officially registered in the race 

Disqualification reasons: 

• Missing mandatory equipment 
• Leaving trash on the course (accidently or on purpose) 
• Taking short cuts or not respecting the race course  

9 – CLAIMS 

All claims must be written upon arrival in front of a representative of the Organizers detailing the event and/or with a witness to the  situation before the awards ceremony.  

10 FORCE MAJEURE CONDITIONS 

In the case of force majeure such as very unfavorable weather conditions or other circumstances that may affect the safety of the  participants, the Organizers reserve the right to: 

• change the start time 
• cancel the race  
• postpone the race a few hours  
• stop the race while in progress 

In case of race cancellation due to public reasons 15 days before the event, a partial refund of the registration fee will be made.  The reimbursement amount will be based on the Organizers being able to meet irrevocable expenses on the date of cancellation. In  the case of cancellation within 15 days before the race, regardless of the reason, no refund will be made and the paid amount by  the participant will be credited to the next edition of the race. 

11 – IMAGE RIGHTS 

11.1 Individual Sponsors 

Runners who have private sponsors may only wear the logo of those sponsors on their clothing. Any other display or accessory such as a flag or banner shown during the course or at the finish is strictly prohibited under penalty at the discretion of the  Directors. 

The Organizers and their Sponsors reserve the right to use, reproduce, distribute and/or publish photographs, films, videos,  recordings and/or other media of the runners without financial compensation toward the race participant. Therefore, upon  receiving the application of the competitor, it is implied that he or she has consented to this. 

  

11.2 Protection of personal information 

The personal information of each participant is vitally important to the Organizers, therefore it is crucial to have the correct  information. This database will be used to identify each individual runner in order to communicate before, during, or after the  event any information related to his or her participation, as well as in the event of a possible emergency. All the information of the  runner will be used internally by the Organizers. Any request to modify the personal data should be sent to  info@elpasoaustral.com no more than 15 days before the check-in day established by the Organizers.

12 RUNNER’S GUIDE 

This guide will be available on the official website, providing information specific to each race and the technical level of the courses.  13 – RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT 

Every person who is part of this event, whether they are staff of the Organizers, Suppliers, or Participants take responsibility for  respecting the environment and the natural area where the race is held. 

Specifically: 

• It is strictly prohibited to leave trash (gel packs, paper, organic waste, packaging, etc.) on the trail or in any area where the  event is held. There are trash receptacles at each aid station (PAS) and they must be utilized. The “Environmental  Commissioners” will be patrolling along the course. 
• All participants should carry their trash and packaging until they can properly dispose of them in the trash containers at the  supply points or the end of the race. The Organizers advise the use of a bag provided in the runner’s kit to carry the trash. • It is required to follow the trail that has been marked, without making shortcuts. Leaving a trail causes erosion and damage  to the site.  

ACCEPTANCE OF THE RULES AND RACE ETHICS 

Participation in the race implies you accept without reservation the stated regulations, sports ethics, and all the instructions  established by the Organizers to the participant