From Lilicura to Nueva Imperial – 40 Miles of Magic

I woke up in my tent feeling warm and well-rested. There’s something about the ritual of packing up my camp that I really enjoy—every item has its place in my buggy, and after so many times, it’s almost second nature. As I stepped outside, the crisp morning air hit me, and my hands were ice cold. But what a way to start the day! I was on top of a hill, so my first few steps were downhill, right into one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.

Green rolling hills stretched before me, a layer of fog blanketing the ground as the sun began to rise. Birds were singing, and I found myself almost completely alone in this dreamy setting. This was exactly how I had imagined Chile before coming here—a moment to remember forever.

For the first 13 miles, I ran along the coast, moving up and down the hills, taking in the fresh morning air. Then, I took a left turn inland, following the Imperial River. And wow—what a river! I love rivers, and this one was stunning. There was a kayaking event happening, and I ran alongside as people paddled through the water. The air was warmer here, the flora and fauna slightly different, and I soaked it all in with all my senses. These are the moments that make running the world so special.

Before reaching Carahue, I came across a small artisan coffee shop that looked too inviting to pass up. Tante Trini, the owner, was an incredible woman, and her place radiated creativity. I enjoyed a perfectly brewed coffee, which gave me the boost I needed for the next 20 miles. I love finding these little pockets of inspiration—they always make me think differently and leave me feeling energized. Thank you, Trini!

Carahue seemed to have a deep-rooted train history, which was interesting to see as I passed through. By the last 10 miles, fatigue had set in, but I still enjoyed every step. Even the long, gradual inclines didn’t bother me—I just pushed through, lost in the rhythm of running. Some days, running just feels effortless, like it’s exactly what I was meant to do. Today was one of those days. I felt grateful for every mile, for every view, for this entire journey.

Arriving in Nueva Imperial, I immediately started looking for a place to stay. The first two accommodations had no availability, and at the third, I was told there was a room, but no one could reach the owner. I wandered through town searching for other options, but with no luck. After running 40 miles, the last thing I wanted was to walk even more miles looking for a bed. Eventually, I returned to the third place, and after some waiting, the owner finally arrived. Success—I had a room! And it was worth the wait. The house was charming, the owner was kind, and I knew I was in a good place for the night.

Now, I can barely keep my eyes open. Time to rest and recover for another big day tomorrow. Buenos noches, and see you on the road again soon!