The Inca Marathon was an unforgettable experience in a spectacular setting. The scenery, the challenge, and the atmosphere among the runners were genuinely special, and the local team and guides were warm and welcoming. Airport transfers were also handled very flexibly, and the food was generally good. That said, future runners should have a balanced picture before booking. While the destination and concept were fantastic, some important parts of the race organisation and itinerary did not meet the standard I would expect from a paid marathon trip. The main issues were around race logistics. The course was not the same as the one advertised, the GPX file provided showed the original route rather than the race-day route, and the final distance came up around 1km short. There were also problems with route marking near the finish, where one runner missed the correct way and ended up running several extra kilometres. For a trip sold as a marathon, accurate distance planning and clear navigation support should be basics. Aid stations were another major concern. The runners’ guide said aid would be available roughly every 7km, but in reality the first aid station was around 13km, followed by another at 26km, the last at 31km, and then nothing until the finish. Some advertised items were not provided, and runners were advised to bring money to buy supplies from local vendors instead. For a marathon at altitude, runners need to be able to rely on accurate information about support. The tracking also needed improvement. There were not enough trackers for every runner, and the live tracking was messy: positions changed erratically, runners from different distances were shown together, and it was not clear who was doing which event. For people following from home, it gave a confusing and often misleading picture of the race. A few advertised or expected elements also fell short. The Day 1 acclimatisation session did not take place, medals were handed out a couple of hours after finishing, and runners had to wait at the finish area for several hours before returning to the hotel. The biggest disappointment outside the race was Rainbow Mountain. It had been a major part of the advertised itinerary, and we were told to be ready for a 4am departure so there would be enough time to complete the hike from the bus and return for those with flights. Everyone was ready, but the transport did not arrive until around 4:45. Because of that delay, most of the group did not have enough time to complete the hike to the viewpoint and had to turn back before actually seeing Rainbow Mountain. Overall, I am glad I went, and there were parts of the trip I will remember very fondly. But I would describe this more as an adventure travel experience with a marathon included than a well-organised marathon event. Future runners should be flexible, carry everything they know they will need for the race, and treat any additional aid or extras on course as a bonus rather than something guaranteed. I would consider a second trip with the company, but only if I felt confident that the race logistics, route accuracy, aid stations, and tracking had been properly addressed. With better course planning, clearer navigation, reliable aid stations, enough trackers, and better handling of key itinerary items, this could be an outstanding trip. As it was, it had some amazing highs, but also some important and avoidable shortcomings.

Fantastic experience. The marathon course is in a beautiful location, and the team arranged a great programme of activities around this. We had a great fun group of participants and I would definitely consider other Wildmarathon events in future.

They took care of me from start to finish. Every ride, meal, accommodation, activity and team member was fabulous. I’ve been on running tours with other companies before. Wild marathon was the best in terms of activities that were specific to the country and the people of Peru. I learned about and enjoyed my host country. We had a diverse group of runners for the event from all over the world. I enjoyed getting to know everyone as individuals and cannot wait to plan my next run with my new friends.

We had an amazing time becoming part of the Arctic Circle Running crew. Everything that was promised was delivered — and then some: fun, snow, new friends, proper cold, Northern Lights, a challenging run, Santa Claus (yes, twice), reindeers, great food, sauna…and freezing water (my wifey loved it, I absolutely didn’t). All in all, an unforgettable adventure. Thank you very much, Apolo. Hopefully, see you again soon! Thwe Thwe & Rosta

Had the best time. Great memories made with amazing people. Highly recommend. Would definitely do another one.