Chaski Challenge is a 50km ultra marathon in Cusco, Peru. Distance: 50km. Elevation: 2,500m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 42/100). DNF rate: 10%. Time limit: 12h. Surface: trail. Established 2016.
Chaski Challenge
Cusco, Cusco, Peru
"50km on ancient Inca trails at 4,400m in the Sacred Valley."
A high-altitude 50K on ancient Inca trails in Peru's Sacred Valley.
The Course
A high-altitude multi-stage ultra through Peru's Sacred Valley, following ancient Inca trails between archaeological sites. The route crosses passes above 4,600m, descends into cloud forest, and traces the original Chaski messenger routes that once connected the Inca Empire. Technical single-track, river crossings, and altitude make every stage a serious test.
mountainous
loop
5
4,400m
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
12°C
2° – 20°
40%
10%
Andean dry season — sunny days, cold nights.
Stats & Records
2016
200
08:00:00
Entry
USD 80
November
months
Lore & Trivia
Named after the Chasqui — the relay messengers of the Inca Empire who ran high-altitude routes to deliver messages across 40,000km of mountain roads — this Peruvian ultra follows ancient pathways through the Sacred Valley. The course passes Inca ruins, colonial churches, and indigenous Q'uechua communities still living in traditional highland agriculture. At 3,400-4,600m, the altitude is the primary antagonist. The race honours the original Chasqui runners who could cover 240km per day in relay — a feat that still humbles modern ultrarunners.
- ▸ Named after the Chaski, Inca messenger runners.
- ▸ The course passes Inca ruins and agricultural terraces still in use today.
- ▸ At 4,400m, oxygen levels are about 60% of sea level.
- ▸ Established in 2016.
- ▸ Total elevation gain: 2500m.
The Inca messengers ran these paths 500 years ago, carrying messages across the empire. We carry water bottles and GPS watches. They were tougher.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Chaski Challenge? +
Chaski Challenge is a 50km (50km) ultra marathon with 2,500m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Chaski Challenge? +
Chaski Challenge is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 42/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 10%. Runners have 12 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Chaski Challenge? +
Average temperature is 12°C (range 2°C to 20°C) with 40% humidity and a 10% chance of rain. Andean dry season — sunny days, cold nights.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Chaski Challenge? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Chaski Challenge? +
The average finish time is 08:00:00. About 200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 10%.
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