End of the World Marathon, Ushuaia

The Maratón del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Marathon) takes place annually in Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego province and the southernmost city in the world. The race runs in April, when the austral autumn turns the surrounding lenga beech forests copper and gold. It is one of the more visually distinctive marathon settings on any calendar, combining mountain terrain, Beagle Channel coastline, and Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Race format and distances

The event typically offers multiple categories to suit different runners: a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km road race, and trail running categories that pass through Tierra del Fuego National Park. The trail formats involve mixed terrain — gravel tracks, forest paths, wooden boardwalks, and sections beside the Beagle Channel — along with cumulative elevation gain that makes them considerably more demanding than a standard road race. The trail categories draw participants from across Argentina and internationally.

The road marathon and half marathon use a combination of Ushuaia’s urban streets and the Ruta Nacional 3, the famous highway that ends at the southernmost point of the paved road network in Argentina.

What makes this race unusual

Ushuaia sits at approximately 54 degrees south latitude. April temperatures average between 2°C and 9°C with winds off the Beagle Channel that can increase the effective chill significantly. Snow is possible on the surrounding peaks. Runners should prepare for conditions closer to a northern European late-autumn race than a typical spring marathon, and pack layers that work during warmup and post-race cooling down.

The setting compensates: running with the Martial Mountains behind you and the Beagle Channel ahead, through a forest in full autumn colour, is a specific experience that most marathon circuits cannot match.

Registration and planning

Registration typically opens several months in advance through the official race organisation website. Search “Maratón Fin del Mundo Ushuaia” to find current registration details — the organisers publish exact dates and pricing each year. Entry fees vary by category and tend to increase closer to the event date.

Accommodation in Ushuaia is limited relative to the city’s popularity with tourists. Race weekend fills the available hotel and hostel stock quickly. Book accommodation as soon as registration opens, ideally at the same time. The race typically falls in mid-to-late April; check confirmed dates for 2027 from the official organisers before booking travel.

Extending the trip

Most runners extend their visit to combine the race with Tierra del Fuego National Park. The park is 12km west of the city centre and covers glacial lakes, peat bogs, beech forest, and the Lapataia Bay coastline. Boat trips on the Beagle Channel depart from Ushuaia’s harbour and take in sea lion colonies, bird colonies, and views toward the Chilean islands.

Ushuaia is also the main departure point for Antarctic expedition cruises, which run from October to March. April is outside the cruise season but the harbour remains active with wildlife-watching trips.

For transport into and out of Ushuaia, see our Ushuaia airport transfers guide. For broader trip planning, see our Ushuaia city guide.