#Red Bull #Bolivia #Fernanda Maciel #Salar de Uyuni #Uyuni

Fernanda Maciel Sets a New Record on the Salar de Uyuni

On September 28 and 29, 2026, Brazilian athlete Fernanda Maciel made history by completing a remarkable crossing of the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, the world's largest salt flat. She finished the 172.8-kilometer route from Llica to Uyuni in an astonishing time of 19 hours, 50 minutes, and 8 seconds. This milestone not only represents a personal achievement for Maciel but also shattered the previous record by over 13 hours, originally set by Valmor Giuseppe Leonardo in 2023.

The Journey

Starting early at 5:00 AM under the Llica archway, Maciel embraced the challenges posed by high altitude and unpredictable weather. The route, reaching approximately 3,700 meters above sea level, can be unforgiving, with oxygen levels about 35% lower than at sea level. Coupled with a positive elevation gain of around 311 meters, this trek demanded an extraordinary level of endurance and adaptability.

Navigating through tough conditions, including a sudden hailstorm that turned parts of the flat into muddy terrain, Maciel demonstrated her resilience. Despite facing challenges like hidden water-filled holes and changing weather, she maintained her determination to break the record.

About 145 kilometers into her journey, she stopped to change shoes and socks after traversing through a series of pools. As she reached the 100-kilometer mark, she encountered difficulties digesting her food but adapted her pace to meet the demands of her body and the harsh environment. Maciel explained, "I had to adjust my legs to find a comfortable rhythm for running 170 kilometers at high altitude in the desert."

Breaking Barriers

After nearly 17 hours of running, Maciel finally made it to the main road, covering the last 27 kilometers at an impressive speed of about 10 kilometers per hour. She reached the Uyuni Cathedral at 12:50 AM on September 29, 2026, cementing her name in history books.

This record is yet another addition to Maciel's extensive list of achievements, which includes records in five of the Seven Summits—Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, and Carstensz Pyramid. She has also set records in speed on the Grand Paradis and La Vuelta al Hielo in Patagonia. Future goals for Maciel include tackling Denali and Everest in her pursuit of excellence.

A Legacy of Excellence

Beyond the physical demands, Maciel's journey through the Salar de Uyuni symbolizes a broader narrative of breaking barriers. As a former environmental lawyer, she embodies a unique blend of athleticism and advocacy, with a focus on environmental issues. Her records not only reflect physical prowess but also a commitment to sustainable practices in the world of sports.

The record has been officially confirmed by fastestknowntime.com, celebrating another remarkable achievement in the world of endurance sports. For those inspired by Maciel, her journey serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished with grit and determination, standing tall amidst the vast, shimmering salt flats of Bolivia.