The Running Channel Podcast 158: "I Couldn't Breathe" – Tom’s Attempt at the World’s Highest Marathon
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Feb 21, 2026 Tom Dunn, adventure runner and content creator, recounts his attempt at the World’s Highest Marathon on Ojos del Salado. He talks high-altitude logistics, extreme kit and survival routines. He describes acclimatisation, the summit attempt that forced a retreat, and the emotional aftermath of turning back. Short, vivid stories of desert camps, lost baggage and what's next.
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Use Passive Heat Training
- Try passive heat training before hot race-day conditions by doing a treadmill run in warmer temperatures.
- Andy says a 5K treadmill session in 20°C can help adapt to hotter races.
Attempting The World's Highest Marathon
- Tom attempted the World's Highest Marathon with a 6,893m summit start and extreme conditions.
- He reached ~6,200m but began passing out and had to descend, so he DNF'd the summit start.
Gear Shift From Summit To Road
- The race required extensive mountaineering gear to reach the start, including crampons and down jackets.
- Runners then stripped layers for the desert and road descent, changing to faster trail or running shoes.