Inca Trail Marathon: Matt Pepler and Winter Vinecki Win Inca Trail Marathon -- the Most Difficult Marathon in the World

Machu Picchu, Peru - June 5, 2013 - Inca Trail Marathon - A strong field of international runners, including 14 year-old Winter Vinecki, completed the Andes Adventures Inca Trail Marathon in record time today.

Described as the “most difficult fully supported marathon in the world," the extremely challenging course climbs over two high mountain passes (13,000' & 13,800') and surmounts several thousand Inca stone steps. On route to the finish line in Machu Picchu, runners ascend a grueling total of about 10,400 vertical feet and descend about 11,000 vertical feet.

Participants included runners from the USA, New Zealand, UK, Malaysia, Philippines, Poland and Brazil. The overall winner was Matt Pepler, 37 from New Zealand, who flew through the course in a record time of 7:13:40. Also setting a course record was the winner of the Women's division, 14 year-old Winter Vinecki, who finished fourth overall in a time of 9:18:44. All runners competing in the event completed the course in under 12.5 hours, a remarkable accomplishment.

This year Winter Vinecki hopes to become the youngest runner to finish seven marathons on seven continents. In addition to the Andes Adventures Inca Trail Marathon she has completed marathons in Oregon, Kenya, and Antarctica. Her next marathon is in Mongolia (August), followed by races in New Zealand (October) and Greece (November). Vinecki is “Running with a greater purpose.” When she lost her father Michael to prostate cancer in 2009, she founded Team Winter, a non-profit organization to raise money for cancer research. She is also the youngest member of the Fly Elite aerials team and a 2018 Olympic hopeful.

The Andes Adventures Inca Trail Marathon is run twice a year in June and August. Over the past 18 years Andes Adventures has organized 31 running events on the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail Marathon is an 8 day or 9 day all inclusive package. Regulations limit the number of people on the Inca Trail. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are non-transferable. We recommend you reserve 6 months in advance. Please see the AndesAdventures.com web site for more information.