Southern Patagonia's ultra trail races have built a serious international reputation over the past decade, drawing runners specifically for terrain and weather that test genuine endurance rather than pace. A major coastal city's marathon offers a far more conventional, urban alternative further north.
The destinations on this list range from remote ultra trail events through genuinely demanding mountain terrain to major city marathons built around accessible, well-supported courses. Both require very different kinds of preparation.
Training specifically for wind and weather exposure matters considerably for the southern trail races, where conditions can shift dramatically within a single event. Most courses involve significant elevation change. Training plans should account for significant elevation gain. Packing layers also matters considerably given the dramatic temperature swings common in this terrain.
