Switzerland
Las Chicatas and the Atacama Desert
Las Chicatas are more than just a team of runners: they’re a collective of women ready to push the boundaries of what’s possible. In 2025, they took part in the Chilean edition of The Speed Project, crossing one of the most extreme environments on the planet: the Atacama Desert. A 500 km relay race, with an average altitude of 3,700 meters and peaks at 4,400 meters, paired with dramatic temperature swings — a truly extraordinary challenge where every step is a fight against the elements.
More than just a performance, it was a human and sporting adventure, where endurance, resilience, and solidarity were tested to their limits. Throughout this journey, they championed women’s sports and supported the organization "À Chacun Son Everest," which helps women in remission from breast cancer.
PERFORMANCE & ENVIRONMENT
How did your body react to the altitude and extreme desert conditions? Did you have to adjust your effort management along the way?
Some of us experienced the effects of altitude: shortness of breath, digestive issues, and the added fatigue that comes with running at high elevations. Despite a few hiccups, our bodies actually handled it better than we expected. Our acclimatization days before the race definitely helped us adapt to the various conditions. Regarding temperature, we researched the variations to ensure we had the right gear, but the 29-degree swing from -1 to 28 degrees still caught us by surprise and added extra fatigue. We had an initial race plan that factored in these conditions, but we regularly checked in with each other during the run: shortening a leg if fatigue hit too hard, extending it when someone felt stronger, or stepping in for a teammate when needed.
What strategies did you use to maintain a competitive pace despite fatigue and sleep deprivation?
We opted for very short relay legs for each runner and split our team into two sub-groups to allow for longer rest periods (30-minute naps) between relay blocks.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your physical or mental preparation?
Honestly, we prepared for every scenario so thoroughly, and the race went so well, that we wouldn’t change a thing! :)
ADVENTURE & PUSHING LIMITS
This kind of challenge is as much mental as physical. When did you have to dig the deepest into your reserves?
Definitely during the night legs, especially the second night. Beyond the accumulated physical fatigue, running straight stretches of pitch-black roads with no landmarks, in freezing cold, was tough. But we supported each other relentlessly, lifted each other up when motivation dipped, and blasted a killer playlist in the car to hype ourselves up for the next leg.
Was there a moment when you truly realized the scale of your achievement?
About 60 km from the finish, we received a screenshot showing the locations of the teams, and we realized we were in second place overall — with the first spot held by a local mixed-gender Chilean team who knew the terrain inside out. That’s when it hit us: our strategy and organization had paid off, and above all, our unwavering team spirit and competitive drive were carrying us to the finish line.
SUPPORT & GEAR
What was your essential gear for facing such extreme conditions? Was there an item that surprised you with its usefulness?
Aside from the compression gear and socks we already knew well, two items really stood out:
- Essential headbands — perfect for both cold and hot weather.
- High-performance insulated jackets — ideal for running in cold conditions, keeping us warm without sweating excessively or getting chilled between legs.
How did Compressport’s support help you optimize your recovery and comfort during the race?
Compressport offers a very comprehensive range of gear and recovery items, which helped us manage every little detail during the adventure. The efficiency and comfort of the products were a game changer, especially in the desert, where even minor discomfort can become a major obstacle. The products are reliable, versatile, and seamlessly complement any outfit to provide the necessary support. Whether running or resting, there was always an accessory to meet our needs.
INSPIRATION & LEGACY
You carry a powerful message for women’s sports. What impact do you hope to have on the next generation of athletes?
We hope to inspire all women who hesitate to embark on endurance adventures — those who doubt themselves, feel illegitimate, or face external barriers, whether societal stereotypes or judgment from their peers. If our journey can give them the desire and confidence to go for it, then we’ve achieved our goal.
How do you think endurance sports can be a tool for women’s empowerment?
Endurance teaches you to push past your limits and builds self-confidence that transcends sports. A woman who realizes she can take on such an intense physical challenge will feel stronger in other areas of her life — whether it’s standing her ground at work, making personal choices, or facing life’s everyday obstacles.
What advice would you give to a women’s team considering an adventure of this scale?
Surround yourself with the right people — those who genuinely believe in you, share your energy, and celebrate your victories as if they were their own. We were lucky to have a tight-knit team and committed partners who encouraged us to chase our dreams, no matter how wild they seemed. There’s no such thing as a bad project, only a team that needs to be aligned with the same vision
WHAT’S NEXT
Do you already have a new challenge in mind that could match or surpass this Atacama crossing?
The idea is already brewing! The Atacama was a unique adventure, but we’re hooked on the thrill of long-distance relay racing as a team. This format pushes us to give our all while sharing incredibly intense moments. Maybe we’ll take on the French edition if it happens again!
Has this experience changed your view of sports and exploration?
We were already passionate about running, but this adventure showed us that we’re capable of far more than we imagined. It’s given us an even greater desire to explore, step out of our comfort zones, and keep challenging ourselves — together.
Get ready for your next adventure!
*Photos credits : Mathieu Lapeyre & Teddy Dewavrin
