Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2012 Fundraiser

They've run 250 kilometres in seven days, across the world's largest cold winter desert, and across the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Now the Prendiville team are back to tackle the Atacama Crossing this March in support of the ground-breaking research being conducted at the Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre.

Total Funds Raised To Date: $11,800

The Challenge

The course of the Atacama Crossing takes competitors across a wide variety of terrains and includes approximately 3,500 meters of ascents and descents over the 7-day race.

Starting at above 3,000 meters in the Arcoiris Valley, the race gradually descends over the six stages to finish in the pretty town of San Pedro de Atacama at an elevation of 2,400 meters.

Competitors will tackle sand-dunes, river crossings, gravel, loose rocks, hard packed earth and even waist high grass during the event. This is in addition to the infamous salt flats that even the most dexterous of runners find nearly impossible to cross at full-speed.

Your Support

Few of us will ever experience an adventure like this, but one way in which you can play a part is by sponsoring the team through a donation to the SKMRC.

Please be aware that the team are covering all of their own expenses out of their own pockets - flights, race registration, food, equipment and accommodation. The full amount of all sponsorship funds raised will go directly to the SKMRC and the important work they are doing.

Melanoma has a devastating effect on young people and their families and is a greatly under-funded area that relies heavily on community support. Your sponsorship will support research into improved diagnosis and treatment of the deadly skin cancer.

You can sponsor the team using our secure online sponsorship form. Providing your contact details is entirely optional, but will allow us to keep you updated on the progress of the RacingThePlanet team, and the scientific breakthroughs your support will help make possible.