19:05 | Ica (Ica region), Jul. 13.
The spectacular Ica desert, on the southern coast of Peru, will be the scene of Peru 8Mil Desert Challenge, a pedestrian race known as The Walking Dakar —set to run on July 20 and 21, 2018. Get to know the sporting event that puts the Andean nation in the spotlight.
For its 6th edition, competitors in the traditional 100K category will follow the route from Huacachina oasis to Paracas National Reserve's Interpretation Center.
This race is slated to start on Friday, July 20, and will finish the next day.
The 50K and 25K races will both take place Saturday, July 21. They include coastal desert routes within the Paracas Reserve.
Year after year, the competition gathers thousands of national and international athletes seeking to test their physical endurance by embracing the challenges of nature.
During the race, participants enjoy a unique experience in one of the most beautiful desert sceneries in the world.
Finishers of Peru 8Mil will earn qualifying points for the
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a race around Mont Blanc —the highest mountain in Europe, located in the French-Italian border region.
Paracas Reserve
Situated in Pisco province of southern Ica region, Paracas National Reserve is a very popular destination among tourists in Peru.
The place is known for its natural beauty, as well as diverse animal and plant life.
Participants are privileged as they will enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Reserve.
Established as a natural protected area by Peru's Government on September 25, 1975, the Paracas National Reserve has a total area of 335,000 ha.
It is important because it contains representative samples of Peru's marine-coastal ecosystems. Likewise, it is a major source of income for thousands of locals.
Situated 260 km south of Peru's capital city, the reserve is one of the natural areas protected by State-run Sernanp.
The ocean and desert create a unique landscape and its area is home to 216 species of birds, 36 of mammals, 10 of reptiles, and 168 of fish.
(END) LZD/MAO/RMB
Published: 7/13/2018