MESSAGE FROM RacingThePlanet:

Dear Competitors, Volunteers and Staff,

As you should all be aware now, Chile was hit by a massive earthquake.  The earthquake was centered around Concepcion, the second largest city in Chile.  Santiago was affected, but not to the same degree as Concepcion. The Santiago Airport sustained some damage and is currently closed while authorities check and repair any damage.   Although news reports have said that the airport would reopen in 72 hours, our sources have indicated that the airport may open earlier.  The earthquake was not felt in San Pedro de Atacama which is about 1000 kilometers north of Santiago.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all our friends in Chile during this time.  Unanimously, our friends in Chile would like us to move forward with the event and dedicate the race to earthquake victims.  We will be raising money for earthquake victims, and will send out details about this later.  The Atacama Crossing  supports small businesses in San Pedro de Atacama and it is an important event for the local community.  

We have been working round the clock to determine if anything may affect the Atacama Crossing.   At this time, we believe that our contingency plans are in place to stage a successful race.

The RacingThePlanet Team is leaving this evening to try and reach Santiago as soon as possible.  As there will likely be flight changes and delays, we ask you to contact the airlines and to keep abreast of the situation.  As we cannot be 100% sure as to  when the airport will reopen,  please monitor this carefully and allow for plenty of time to reach San Pedro de Atacama. In the meantime we will keep you advised as and when we have more specific information.

Thank you for all the emails of concern and support you have sent.  We are proud to be returning to Chile and this Atacama Crossing will have even more meaning for everyone.

Warm regards,

Mary, Sam, Freeman and Anthony