Running on the Edge: CA Alums Coach Athletes in the Atacama Desert
For endurance athletes, venturing into the depths of the Atacama Desert in Chile isn’t just about exploring the rugged terrain; it’s about embracing the power of nature. For ultramarathoner Tyler Andrews ’08, the journey started while running the trails in the Atacama and evolved into a quest to share the marvels of the landscape he describes as “transformative” with fellow athletes.
In 2020, Andrews founded Chaski Endurance Collective, driven by a vision to foster a global community of ultra-endurance athletes and coaches. Recently, he orchestrated a trail running camp in the Atacama alongside Chaski coach and photographer Zandy Mangold ’92, whose camera lens skillfully captured the action.
Concord Academy alums from different eras, Mangold and Andrews met by chance when Mangold applied for a coaching position at Chaski. Both Andrews and Mangold ran cross-country at CA and it was there that Mangold first developed his passion for photography through art classes.
Coaching in the Atacama presented unique challenges. Unlike typical coaching setups, there were no hotels, electricity, or running water— just tents amidst the harsh desert elements of wind, sand, and dust. Adapting to the environment meant helping athletes build perseverance. “In terms of helping others with mental resilience, the biggest trick in my toolbox is compartmentalization and staying present,” Andrews says.
For him, coaching transcends improving physical fitness and cutting race times; it’s also about building relationships. The intense conditions of training in the Atacama help create close bonds. “A big part of my coaching is just getting to know people, what motivates them, what they like, what they don’t like, both from a training perspective and on a human level,” he says. “The best possible outcome from a coaching relationship is having an athlete who finds success while also developing a deep friendship.”
He collaborates with coaches who share this philosophy. “I always maintain that running is a unique way to see the world and connect with other people,“ Mangold shares. “The breathtaking scenery and utter remoteness of the Atacama Desert meant every moment was rewarding. Capturing the campers and coaching on the trail under the dark sky combined athletic performance and natural beauty.”
The landscape provided ample inspiration. The minimal atmospheric disturbance in the Atacama offers an extraordinary view of the stars against a brilliant canopy. Mangold’s biggest challenges were physical, from catching his breath after a high-altitude dash to keeping his fingers warm during long exposures. His perseverance produced breathtaking photographs of the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This blend of personal and professional dedication is the impetus for everything that Chaski Endurance Collective does. Coaches mentor athletes virtually and host periodic in-person trips worldwide. Their roster features athletes from South Africa, Japan, Ecuador, and beyond. This hybrid approach enables owner Andrews to seamlessly combine his coaching with his own athletic pursuits, as he continues to compete in races around the globe.
Concord Academy track and field and cross-country coach Jon Waldron has been a driving force behind Andrews’ business. “John is one of the most influential people in my entire life,” Andrews says. “He instilled in me the idea that improvement relative to yourself is the most fulfilling thing you can pursue.”
At its core, Chaski’s goal is to help people realize their fullest potential. “Chaski is all about fostering community and empowering individuals to be their ultimate selves,” Mangold says. “It’s about more than just running, though running is an incredibly powerful catalyst for communication and growth, and it’s the common thread that brings people together under the Chaski umbrella.”
Andrews’ and Mangold’s coaching exemplifies the power of embracing challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and finding purpose in diverse experiences. Their commitment is inspiring others to embark on their own adventures both on and off the trails.
Photo credit: Zandy Mangold ’92
