Fernanda Maciel Achieves Record Time Across Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
On September 28, 2026, Brazilian athlete Fernanda Maciel made history by setting a new fastest known time (FKT) for crossing Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. Her impressive time of 19 hours, 50 minutes, and 8 seconds surpassed the previous record by an astonishing 13 hours and 14 minutes.
Maciel began her journey from Llica, located on the western edge of the salt flats, at 5:00 AM. The route she followed measured 172.8 kilometers and presented numerous challenges including high altitude, changing weather conditions, and abrasive terrain. At an elevation of around 3,700 meters, each breath taken translated to a reduction of approximately 35 percent in oxygen compared to sea level. This made the run not only physically demanding but also required a keen mental focus.
As she navigated her way through the course, Maciel faced unexpected conditions such as a hailstorm that flooded sections of the Salar, creating pools and muddy patches across the expanse. Despite these hurdles, her determination shone through. Around the 145-kilometer mark, she encountered several water-filled holes where she took a moment to change her shoes and socks, a vital decision that ensured her comfort and performance as she continued.
Throughout her run, Maciel's body faced intense challenges, particularly in managing her energy and pace. After hitting the 100-kilometer distance, she struggled with her stomach from the food she had consumed. "I had to adapt my legs to a pace where my body was comfortable running 170 kilometers at altitude in a desert,” she shared, illustrating the mental and physical prowess required for such extreme endurance sports.
After 16 hours and 45 minutes into her journey, she reached the final road section, a 27-kilometer stretch she completed at a steady pace of around 10 kilometers per hour. At approximately 12:50 AM on September 29, she crossed the finish line at Uyuni Cathedral, marking the end of a monumental personal and professional achievement.
This record-setting run is yet another feather in the cap for Maciel, who once practiced as an environmental lawyer in Chamonix, France. She has previously held records in five of the Seven Summits, including iconic peaks such as Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro. Her determination and skill elevate her status within the extreme sports community, showcasing not just her athletic capabilities, but also her resilience in overcoming diverse challenges.
With Denali and Mount Everest remaining on her quest for FKT milestones in the Seven Summits, her latest accomplishment across Salar de Uyuni serves as an inspiration not only to other athletes but also to anyone facing rigorous challenges in any field.
For more information about Maciel's journey and future plans, listeners and fans can stay tuned to her updates on social media and through the Red Bull Content Pool.
Maciel began her journey from Llica, located on the western edge of the salt flats, at 5:00 AM. The route she followed measured 172.8 kilometers and presented numerous challenges including high altitude, changing weather conditions, and abrasive terrain. At an elevation of around 3,700 meters, each breath taken translated to a reduction of approximately 35 percent in oxygen compared to sea level. This made the run not only physically demanding but also required a keen mental focus.
As she navigated her way through the course, Maciel faced unexpected conditions such as a hailstorm that flooded sections of the Salar, creating pools and muddy patches across the expanse. Despite these hurdles, her determination shone through. Around the 145-kilometer mark, she encountered several water-filled holes where she took a moment to change her shoes and socks, a vital decision that ensured her comfort and performance as she continued.
Throughout her run, Maciel's body faced intense challenges, particularly in managing her energy and pace. After hitting the 100-kilometer distance, she struggled with her stomach from the food she had consumed. "I had to adapt my legs to a pace where my body was comfortable running 170 kilometers at altitude in a desert,” she shared, illustrating the mental and physical prowess required for such extreme endurance sports.
After 16 hours and 45 minutes into her journey, she reached the final road section, a 27-kilometer stretch she completed at a steady pace of around 10 kilometers per hour. At approximately 12:50 AM on September 29, she crossed the finish line at Uyuni Cathedral, marking the end of a monumental personal and professional achievement.
This record-setting run is yet another feather in the cap for Maciel, who once practiced as an environmental lawyer in Chamonix, France. She has previously held records in five of the Seven Summits, including iconic peaks such as Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro. Her determination and skill elevate her status within the extreme sports community, showcasing not just her athletic capabilities, but also her resilience in overcoming diverse challenges.
With Denali and Mount Everest remaining on her quest for FKT milestones in the Seven Summits, her latest accomplishment across Salar de Uyuni serves as an inspiration not only to other athletes but also to anyone facing rigorous challenges in any field.
For more information about Maciel's journey and future plans, listeners and fans can stay tuned to her updates on social media and through the Red Bull Content Pool.
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