PRESS

MILES DE CORREDORES VIBRARON LA MAGIA DEL NORTE ARGENTINO​

On May 3, 4, and 5, a new edition of Raid Columbia took place. More than 2400 runners from 20 different countries were able to enjoy 3 days of the full northern mountain with its unique culture, geography, and identity.

THREE WEEKS OF PACKET PICKUP IN BUENOS AIRES AND SALTA

The registered runners in this eleventh edition of Raid Columbia had the possibility to check in in advance at the Club de Corredores offices from mid-April. Those who could not pick up their kits there, did so at the Alejandro I hotel on the two days prior to the competition. Once again, the facilities of this 5-star hotel welcomed athletes and companions of this adventure.

SHIRT, BASE AND ADDITIONAL FLEECE

The kit of each runner included a lightweight and stretchy fabric base, quick-drying, seamless in the sleeves and waist, designed to provide comfort during the three stages. In addition, everyone received a base layer whose design captured the essence of a race unlike any other. The additional fleece was chosen by many runners to keep warm, especially before the race. 

PRESENTATION AND SHOW AT THE PROVINCIAL THEATER OF SALTA

Every year, the day before the start of the first stage of Raid Columbia, the runners were able to enjoy a unique show that highlights the roots of northern culture. At the Provincial Theater of Salta with 1800 spectators. In addition to the technical talk specifying the details of each route, hydration stations, care, and important points for the runners, there were different music and dance groups. First up was Ey paisano, then came the dance, bootblack, and drums of La Guardia de Güemes and, to conclude, all present were moved to hear the national anthem performed by the Banda Militar "Coronel Bonifacio Ruíz de los Llanos", part of Regimiento de Caballería de Exploración de Montaña 5 General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes, known as Los Infernales. 

DAY 1: FROM CHORRILLOS STATION TO CAMPO QUIJANO FULL OF EMOTION

On Friday, May 3rd, the real Raid began. Starting at 8:55 am, Chorrillos Station was the starting point for the 2400 runners who retraced the path of the Train to the Clouds and after 27 kilometers with 1656 meters of accumulated elevation gain, they arrived at Campo Quijano. Both at the start, during the course, and at the finish, the comparsa of the Brujos and the Kimbas accompanied the athletes' progress. 

DAY 2: TUMBAYA WAS THE BEGINNING OF AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY

The plaza of Tumbaya was the starting point for Stage 2 of Raid Columbia. From 9:30 am, the runners departed in waves every 5 minutes, and during the 21 kilometers they traversed through the unforgettable trails of the Cerro de los Siete Colores, they could enjoy music, comparsas, and typical dancers of the region: the Anateros, the Devils, the Coyitas, the Samilantes, the Sikus, and the Copleros.  

DAY 3: THE SALINAS GRANDES, IDEAL HOSTS FOR THE CLOSING

The last day of Raid Columbia 2024 had an unrepeatable setting. Once again, the Salinas Grandes, the fourth largest salt flat in South America, located at 3,450 meters above sea level, gathered the runners of this eleventh edition to conclude a unique experience. With all the particularity of this imposing terrain and the presence of local communities who came to share their crafts and products from the area with the runners, the 2400 participants enjoyed a closing full of emotion and joy.

THE HYDRATION STATIONS, KEY TO ENJOYING THE RACE

At each finish line of the three stages of Raid Columbia and at the hydration stations on the first two days, runners could drink and fuel themselves with a wide variety of foods to replenish the wear and tear of each kilometer covered: from Eco de los Andes water and Gatorade isotonic drinks to fruits, Maní King snacks, Mogul gummies, Arcor nougats, Raptor bars, Molinos Ala snacks, Granix cereals, and Zafrán bars.

A GREAT TEAM OF PHOTOGRAPHERS DIDN'T LET A MOMENT GO UNCAPTURED

An essential part of each Raid is the photos in dreamy settings. And the runners make it evident edition after edition. That's why a large team of photographers was responsible for capturing each of the most important moments to ensure that the runners' experience was recorded forever

ARTISANAL MEDAL MADE BY COMMUNITIES OF JUJUY

As every year, artisans from Jujuy design and craft the finisher medals one by one so that each runner receives, once they complete the three stages, a unique memento that captures the essence of an unparalleled race. Thanks to the local communities!

A DIFFERENT AWARD CEREMONY

In addition to the finisher medals, Raid's awards also recreate the essence of the region. Indigenous motifs, borders, and ancestral paintings are the foundation upon which the artisans who make these awards work.
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