In a world-first endurance challenge, a team of 10 elite adventurers will attempt to run the highest marathon ever recorded, launching from the summit of Ojos del Salado in Chile, South America, this Tuesday 10 February.

South African adventurer and climber Sibusiso Vilane is part of the team of 10 elite adventurers…

Ojos del Salado – the world’s highest volcano at 6 893 metres – presents challenges far beyond altitude alone. From the summit, the team will descend through some of the planet’s most unforgiving terrain, where thin air, freezing temperatures, and relentless winds will test every ounce of strength and resolve. 

At the start line, oxygen levels are just 44 percent of those at sea level, making the task of completing 42.2km at extreme altitude even more formidable. Reaching that point safely requires nearly two weeks of acclimatisation and close to nine hours of climbing before the marathon even begins.

South African adventurer and climber Sibusiso Vilane is part of the team of 10 elite adventurers, which includes globally recognised adventurer and TV personality Aldo Kane (UK), world-record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont (UK), elite climber Gavin Bate (UK), Chilean athlete Andrea Cornejo and BecomingX CEO Paul Gurney (UK). 

Alongside four other amateur participants, the team will be supported by a dedicated team of climbers and guides, who will trek to the summit and provide critical aid throughout the race.

Sibusiso, the first black person to summit Everest, had this to say ahead of Tuesday’s event: “It is a humbling experience to be here in Chile with such a wonderful group of people, all with the same spirit of camaraderie and adventure. We’re not here to conquer the mountain or the marathon, but to conquer our doubts and limitations. The World’s Highest Marathon is the ultimate proving ground.” 

This challenge has been set up by learning and development company BecomingX, and builds on their recent success of organising the World’s Deepest Marathon, where a team of 55 individuals ran a marathon in a Swedish mine 1 110 metres below sea level, setting two official world records in the process.

Ford is powering the mission and providing a fleet of capable off-road trucks and SUVs. The Ford Team is enabling the expedition by transporting the team, vital equipment, and medical support, while serving as mobile power sources throughout the acclimatisation process. Built for extreme conditions, the vehicles allow the team to focus on what matters most – achieving their goal and pushing human potential to new heights.

Ford is also supporting the development of a documentary to capture the adventure and inspire others across the globe.

Paul Gurney, CEO and Founder of BecomingX, and runner: “This is one of the toughest events imaginable and aims to challenge perceptions of what people think is possible. Despite some of the extraordinary characters and the vast experience we have on this expedition, nothing is certain. But we are giving ourselves the best chances of success. We hope that in the next week, we’ll be able to say we have run a marathon higher than anyone in history – encouraging people to aim high and follow their dreams for whatever it is they want to do.” 

Aldo Kane, TV adventurer and Ford ambassador: “What an incredible adventure! I’ve had the privilege of working and filming all over the world, and this is one of the most epic challenges I have ever done. We’ve got an incredible team and some phenomenal vehicles to really give us a shot at it. I’m excited and hopeful we might just be able to pull this off.”

Andrea Cornejo, Chilean marathon runner and world record breaker: “I’m so proud to welcome this wonderful team to Chile and to attempt this challenge on Ojos del Salado! Whilst I work and train at 4 400m, I’ve never been beyond 6 000m and have no idea if I can get up that high to even make the start line. Whatever happens, I’m proud to be part of such an elite international team that is trying to push the boundaries of what is possible.”

The adventure begins at sea level, and creates the opportunity to break an additional record for the greatest altitude change for a petrol-powered car as Paul Gurney and Aldo Kane will aim to take their Ford Ranger Raptor over 6 000m up Ojos del Salado. 

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