About This Race
The 108K at Torrencial Chile by UTMB represents the event's flagship distance, taking runners deep into the Valdivian temperate rainforest for an extended journey through one of the world's most biologically distinct ecosystems. As part of the UTMB World Series, this route demands more than physical endurance—it requires mental resilience to navigate hours of exposure to the region's notoriously variable weather patterns, where rain, wind, and shifting conditions are constants rather than possibilities. This distance suits experienced ultra runners comfortable with self-sufficiency over extended efforts. The rainforest environment, while stunning, offers little shelter from the elements, and the extended time on course means runners must manage energy, nutrition, and gear through what becomes less a race and more a sustained negotiation with the landscape. The 108K transforms the rainforest from scenic backdrop into intimate companion, revealing layers of the ecosystem that shorter distances only hint at.
The route explores the Valdivian temperate rainforest near Valdivia in the Los Ríos region, an area known for its dense canopy, endemic species, and reputation as one of the wettest environments in Chile. Runners traverse mixed terrain across this ultra distance, with the rainforest's natural features—fallen logs, root systems, and perpetually damp ground—shaping the technical demands throughout.
Location
Practical Info
Expect rain, wind, and cool temperatures year-round in June. The Valdivian rainforest receives substantial precipitation, and conditions can shift rapidly throughout the day.
Valdivia offers lodging options ranging from hotels to guesthouses. Early booking is recommended for UTMB World Series events, as the race draws international participants.
Best For
Notable Features
The Valdivian temperate rainforest is among the rarest ecosystems globally, found only in small pockets of southern Chile and Argentina. Runners move through ancient forest that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, encountering species like the alerce tree and dense understory vegetation unique to this microclimate. The UTMB World Series designation brings international standards to a distinctly Chilean environment, where the rainforest's constant moisture and dramatic weather shifts create conditions unlike those found in Alpine or other traditional ultra settings.
