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For Immediate Release; Contact Media@Chaski.run for press inquiries

Ojos del Salado Volcano, Chile - Professional runner Tyler Andrews (HOKA ONE ONE/Chaski Endurance Collective) set the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the ascent and descent of the world’s highest volcano, 22,614 ft. (6893m) Ojos del Salado in the Atacama Region of Chile with a time of 9 hours, 29 minutes, 46 seconds, breaking Frenchman Etienne Loisel’s 2019 record by more than 12 hours. Andrews also broke the much faster, shorter record for ascent and descent from Atacama high camp en route in this single push.

The route to the summit of Ojos del Salado measures approximately 33.5 miles (54km) round trip, beginning at Refugio Claudio Lucero, just off Chilean Highway 31, at an altitude of 14,852 ft (4,527m), continuing to Atacama Camp at 17,224 ft. (5,250m) before reaching the summit at 22,614 ft. (6,893m) and returning the same way. Records are kept for both this complete round-trip as well as the round-trip from Atacama Camp to the Summit. The route features a mix of sandy jeep roads; steep, rocky trail climbs; and technical rock climbing in the final approach to the summit. Other challenges include high winds, frigid temperatures, and extreme altitude, which, at the summit, effectively contains only 41% of the oxygen at sea level.

Racing at an elite level for more than a decade, Andrews has excelled at the marathon and ultra marathon distances, competing at two U.S. Olympic Trials and thrice representing Team USA at World Championships, finishing second in the 50km distance in 2016.  Of this latest record, Andrews said, “This was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done! The combination of the distance, extreme altitude, and total isolation (I was the only person on the mountain that day) made for an unbelievably mentally and physically demanding trip. I’ve run races and climbed mountains, but never combined the two like this before.”

With many professional races being cancelled, Andrews has no doubt he’ll find ways to continue to push himself. “This year has forced us all to get creative and find projects that motivate us beyond just traditional racing. At the end of the day, I just want to keep searching for my own limits, push the sport forward, and inspire others.”

Follow Andrews’ journey on Instagram and other social platforms at @TylerCAndrews.

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