In the thin air and brutal conditions of Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcano, five runners pushed human limits on Friday 13 February, completing the World’s Highest Marathon and moving one step closer to a Guinness World Record, pending final verification. The finishing group included South African adventurer Sibusiso Vilane.

…the team descended 42.2km, pushing their physical and mental limits…

Only five of the original 16-strong running and support team made it to the start line, after winds gusting up to 100km per hour and a brutal wind chill of –30°C created extreme conditions on the mountain. From a staggering starting altitude of 6 893 metres on Ojos del Salado, the team descended 42.2km, pushing their physical and mental limits to complete the World’s Highest Marathon.

Given the severity of the conditions, the team crossed the finish line in two small groups. BecomingX CEO Paul Gurney, adventurer and TV personality Aldo Kane, and ultra-endurance athlete Mark Beaumont finished first at 5.01am, after 16 hours and 34 minutes of running. Combined with the overnight climb, they had been on the move for more than 28 hours, with no sleep for over 48 hours and minimal food.

South African adventurer Sibusiso Vilane and ultra-runner Sara Storey followed closely behind, crossing the line at 6.30am.

High above the clouds, with oxygen levels at less than half those at sea level, every breath was a battle. Nearly two weeks of acclimatisation proved critical before a final, gruelling 12-hour overnight climb to the start line, where exhaustion, altitude and cold converged.

The runners then descended through the night towards lower altitudes, carefully managing hydration, nutrition and frequent kit changes in rapidly shifting conditions. None of it would have been possible without the dedicated support team of climbers and guides, who trekked up the volcano alongside them and followed in a convoy of off-road Ford vehicles, providing vital medical care, equipment and logistical support throughout the race.

Ford supported the expedition by transporting runners, equipment and medical support up to 5 890 metres, using a fleet of capable off-road trucks and SUVs. In one of the most remote and unforgiving environments on Earth, the vehicles provided a vital lifeline – powering communications, delivering essential supplies and offering moments of refuge from the extreme conditions.

Ford is also supporting the development of a documentary chronicling the expedition. Through the project, BecomingX hopes to inspire people to challenge their own perceived limits and prove that, with commitment, belief and the right support, extraordinary achievements are possible.

This expedition is a reminder that even at the very edge of human endurance, belief, resilience and teamwork can carry us further than we ever imagined.

Paul Gurney (UK), CEO and Founder of BecomingX, and runner: “This event has to be one of the toughest on earth, pushing people to the absolute limits of human performance. This challenge was about showing what’s possible when people commit fully to a goal, even when it may seem challenging. Completing this marathon at such an extreme altitude required trust, teamwork, and resilience at every level. What we’ve achieved here will hopefully encourage others to challenge the limits they place on themselves.”

Aldo Kane (UK), TV adventurer and Ford ambassador: “That was one of the toughest things I have ever done in my life. We had such incredibly difficult conditions to climb Ojos del Salado before we’d even started the marathon. Even moving at that altitude is draining, and attempting a marathon there is unlike anything I’ve experienced. I can’t explain how much it took out of me and the team to pull that off, but I am so proud to have been part of this and get a world record in the process.”

Mark Beaumont (UK), multi-world record-holding ultra-endurance athlete: “That is the closest I’ll get to an expedition on Mars!  I wasn’t sure if a marathon from 6 893m was possible, and I am struggling for words to describe how incredibly hard both the climb and marathon have been. I’m just so proud of the team, the depths of endurance they went to and how we supported what is a truly unique piece of history-making.”

Sibusiso Vilane (South Africa), adventurer and the first black person to summit Everest: “The World’s Highest Marathon confirms what I have always believed – that we have no limitations other than those we place on ourselves, and that we can go so much further than we believe. This was the toughest physical and mental challenge I have ever done and reinforces my belief that our potential is limitless.”

Sara Storey (UK), ultra-runner: “This was an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful to my teammates for their support – climbing Ojos and then completing a marathon under extreme conditions, in one of the most inhospitable places in the world, was only possible as a team effort. This was the hardest thing I have ever done – it took every bit of determination and every ounce of effort I had to complete it.”

Gavin Bate (UK), elite climber and expedition logistics lead: “In the world of expeditions and challenges, there are few things more exciting than doing things for the very first time. This challenge was truly extraordinary, and it required the highest level of planning, preparation and teamwork in such an extreme environment. The potential for the unknown is very high, and it requires a certain attitude and faith to carry it through, and I’m so proud to have been part of the World’s Highest Marathon.”

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