#None #Fernanda Maciel #Salar de Uyuni #Fastest Known Time

Brazilian Trailblazer: Fernanda Maciel's Record-Setting Run

In an extraordinary feat of human endurance, Brazilian athlete Fernanda Maciel has redefined the limits of long-distance running. On September 28-29, 2026, she completed the 172.8-kilometer route from Llica to Uyuni, traversing the stunning yet challenging Salar de Uyuni— the largest salt flat in the world. Her time? A staggering 19 hours, 50 minutes, and 8 seconds, smashing the previous record by more than 13 hours.

The Journey to the Record

Setting off at dawn on September 28, Maciel began her run at 5:00 AM, under the iconic arch marking the start of the route. Known for its breathtaking views and haunting beauty, the Salar de Uyuni can also be an unforgiving environment, particularly given its elevation of approximately 3,700 meters above sea level. At this altitude, oxygen levels are dramatically reduced, making every step more demanding.

Despite the challenges, including treacherous sections rendered muddy by hailstorms, Maciel was determined. She navigated using a phone, retracing the route taken by her fellow Brazilian, Valmor Giuseppe Leonardo, who previously held the record with a time of 33 hours, 4 minutes, and 10 seconds.

Her run was not without difficulty; around the 145-kilometer mark, she faced water-filled holes and needed to pause for a shoe and sock change. Despite struggling with stomach issues after the first 100 kilometers, Maciel adapted her pace to a sustainable rhythm, demonstrating her incredible resilience and adaptability.

Crossing the Finish Line

After 16 hours and 45 minutes of relentless effort, Maciel reached the road that would lead her the final stretch of roughly 27 kilometers. Maintaining a speed of approximately 10 kilometers per hour, she finally arrived at Uyuni Cathedral at 12:50 AM on September 29. Her achievement not only marks a significant personal triumph but adds yet another accolade to her growing list of records.

A Passion for Exploration

Fernanda Maciel, formerly an environmental lawyer based in Chamonix, France, has made a name for herself as one of the most accomplished athletes in ultrarunning. Beyond this incredible record, she holds women's FKT records on five of the Seven Summits, including Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Mount Vinson, and Carstensz Pyramid. Additionally, her speed records on Gran Paradiso and La Vuelta al Hielo in the Patagonian ice fields further illustrate her dedication and prowess within the sport.

While she prepares to take on Denali and Mount Everest, Maciel’s remarkable journey across the Salar de Uyuni serves as an inspiration for athletes and fans worldwide. Her ability to tackle such formidable challenges reflects not just her physical strength but her mental fortitude as well. This record will undoubtedly be a significant milestone in her career and a thrilling chapter in the narrative of ultrarunning.

As we celebrate her achievement, the running community eagerly anticipates what this exceptional athlete will accomplish next.