Conquering the Atacama Crossing (Chile)

Once more Jocelyn and Stephane risk unimaginable challenges and go to Chile to conquer the Atacama Crossing to raise funds for the Sunbeam Children’s Village!

Sixteen countries will be represented by Atacama Crossing 2007 competitors

The youngest competitor is 18 and the eldest is 67 years old

82% of the competitors are male; 18% are female

The largest contingent of competitors hails from the United Kingdom, followed by the United States

Six continents are represented: Asia, Africa, Australia/New Zealand, North America, South America and Europe

The Atacama Desert is 15 million years old and 50 times more arid than California’s Death Valley

Some of the oldest mummies found on earth come from the Atacama, dating as far back as 9000 years

The entire race will be held at least one mile (1600m) above sea level and cover the distance required to make a horizontal crossing of the country of Chile (250 kilometers)

The day time temperatures expected are 32 Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) while night time temperatures may be below freezing

The Atacama Desert has the most lunar-like landscape on Earth and is frequently used by NASA to test its Mars rover vehicles.

Nokia will be providing special phones from their N-series to enable competitors to keep in touch with the outside world

A first-ever webcam and a wireless hub will be established at each campsite