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

Record-Breaking Journey Across Salar de Uyuni

On September 28, 2026, Brazilian athlete Fernanda Maciel, a member of Red Bull, made headlines as she completed a remarkable crossing of the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, in a stunning time of 19 hours, 50 minutes, and 8 seconds. This achievement set a new fastest known time (FKT), beating the previous record by an astonishing 13 hours and 14 minutes. The prior record of 33 hours and 4 minutes was held by Valmor Giuseppe Leonardo in 2023.

The route, stretching 172.8 kilometers from Llica to Uyuni, is known for its high elevation of approximately 3,700 meters above sea level, which presents significant challenges, including reduced oxygen levels that can complicate endurance activities. Fernanda began her run at 5 AM, navigating the treacherous terrain that had been made even more difficult by recent weather patterns, including hailstorms that turned parts of the salt flat into marshy waters.

During the journey, she encountered water-filled holes beneath the surface, forcing her to stop at various points to change her wet shoes and socks. Despite these obstacles, Maciel managed her energy and pacing, adjusting her speed to match her body's comfort level in the high-altitude conditions.

After the first 100 kilometers, Maciel faced challenges with her nutrition and struggled to maintain her desired pace, as she needed to adapt both physically and mentally to the intense demands of running such a distance in the unique atmosphere of the salt flat.

Reaching the halfway point after 16 hours and 45 minutes, she maintained a steady speed of around 10 kilometers per hour during the final stretch of approximately 27 kilometers. This persistence culminated in her arrival at the Uyuni Cathedral at 12:50 AM on September 29, 2026. This impressive achievement has added another title to Maciel’s already illustrious career, as she holds several women's records on various peaks of the Seven Summits and has completed numerous speed records in other regions, including Gran Paradiso and the Patagonian Ice Fields.

Maciel, who once worked as an environmental attorney in Chamonix, France, is not only a testament to physical endurance but also an advocate for environmental awareness through her sporting endeavors. As she continues her journey through the Seven Summits, aiming to complete the challenges at Denali and Mount Everest, her latest record serves as an inspiration to those who both appreciate and push the boundaries of athleticism and adventure.

For media contacts and more information on her journey, you can access resources from the Red Bull Content Pool at Red Bull Content Pool.

This record is an extraordinary reminder of human capabilities and resilience, showcasing what can be accomplished with determination, training, and a lot of heart.