Having only been established in 2010, the Ukupacha in Ecuador is the one of the newest events on the list as well as being one of the most difficult. ‘Ukupacha’ translates as ‘Hell’ in Ecuador’s native language and we think most of the competitors would agree.
The race offers a variety of terrain in extremely testing conditions. The organisers are hoping to emulate the test posed by Hell’s Gate and in some areas they have surpassed the Italian race. The 100km Hard Enduro course takes in rivers, mountains and jungles in the middle of October where humidity can reach at least 90%, enough to get you sweating in your leathers.
The race has already built up a reputation for its difficulty. It has started attracting some of the biggest names in Motocross and in 2012, despite an impressive field, only two of the professionals completed the race.