- In a world-first endurance feat, ten runners will attempt to complete a full marathon starting from the summit of Ojos del Salado (6,893m / 22,614ft), making this the highest marathon ever attempted.
- Facing freezing temperatures, low levels of oxygen, and brutal winds, runners will endure nearly two weeks of acclimatisation and a nine-hour climb before the race even begins.
- The challenge is organised by BecomingX, and builds on their proven track record of delivering world-first events, following the success of the World’s Deepest Marathon, where two official world records were set 1,119 metres below sea level in a Swedish mine.
- Ford supports the mission with a fleet of off-road vehicles including Ranger Raptor, Everest, and Expedition Tremor, hauling people, gear, and medical support above 6,000 metres and serving as mobile power hubs in extreme conditions.
Ojos del Salado, Chile, 5th February: Ten intrepid runners are taking on the challenge of a lifetime – to run the highest marathon in history. From the summit of Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcano at 6,893 metres, they will descend through some of the planets most unforgiving terrain. The thin air, freezing temperatures, and relentless winds will test every ounce of their strength and resolve, as they push themselves to complete 42.2km at a staggering altitude with just 44% of the oxygen at the summit (when compared with sea level). It will take nearly two weeks to acclimatise to make it safely to the start line, and around nine hours of climbing before the marathon even begins on 10th February.
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. The team includes globally recognised adventurer and TV personality Aldo Kane (UK), world-record breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont (UK), elite climbers Sibusiso Vilane (South Africa) and 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.
Ford is powering the mission from the ground up. A fleet of capable off-road trucks and SUVs – including the Ranger Raptor, Everest, and Expedition Tremor – is supporting the expedition by transporting the team, vital equipment, and medical support above 6,000 meters, while serving as mobile power sources throughout the acclimatization process. Built for extreme conditions, the vehicles allow the team to focus on what matters most – pushing human potential to new heights.
Every vehicle features Ford EcoBoost engine technology, which uses turbochargers to compress thin air at high altitude. This minimises power and torque loss in the thin atmosphere, where naturally aspirated engines struggle. This forced induction allows the 3.0-liter and 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines to outperform traditional V8s at altitude.
Ford is also supporting the development of a documentary, made by award-winning producers Chrome Productions, 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 experience we have on this expedition, nothing is certain, but we are giving ourselves the best chances of success. Our hope is 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.”
Excitingly the adventure began at sea level, and also 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.
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 this 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.”
Sibusiso Vilane, South African adventurer and first black person to summit Everest:
“It is a humbling experience to be here in Chile with such a wonderful group of people, all with 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.”
Alongside Ford, the adventure also has support from Official event Partner Wheaton Precious Metals, who are supporting the social impact goals of the expedition in South America, as well as Official Kit Suppliers Montane who are providing vital climbing and running kit, La Sportiva who are providing boots and running shoes, and Vango who are providing sleeping bags for the team.
-ENDS-
Resources
- The World’s Highest Marathon website can be found here
- Media resources, including videos and imagery, can be downloaded from here
- Interviews and quotes are available on request
Illustrative photography (download links in media pack)
For more information, content and interviews, please contact:
darcy.phillips@becomingx.com (+44 7557349947, UK-based)
Notes for Editors
About BecomingX
BecomingX is a learning and development company set up to create a world where everyone can realise their potential. We work with some of the world’s leading companies to develop high performing employees, helping them to build the skills, knowledge, attitudes and relationships needed to succeed. BecomingX is ‘B Corporation’, certified to meet the highest social and environmental standards and is the highest scoring company in the UK. Find us at www.becomingx.com.
About Ford
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities, and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company offers freedom of choice through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles (“EVs”) along with embedded software that defines always-on digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, the Company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 170,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at fromtheroad.ford.com.