World's Highest Marathon

Set in Chile's Atacama Desert, The World's Highest Marathon follows an extraordinary expedition attempting to complete a marathon from extreme altitude. The team must navigate hostile terrain, thin air, freezing temperatures, relentless wind and rapidly changing conditions, while supporting a record attempt that pushes both people and vehicles to their limits.

The result is a character-led documentary about ambition, doubt, teamwork and the physical cost of attempting something that has never been done before.

The sound challenge

The wind, altitude and terrain could not simply sit in the background. They had to create pressure, while the runners' breathing, footsteps, clothing, radio communications and voices kept the audience close to the human experience.

At the same time, the mix had to preserve the authenticity of the expedition: physical and cinematic, without becoming detached from what was actually captured on location.

The approach

Using authentic recordings from the expedition, we built a sound world around:

• Wind as a constant and increasingly hostile presence
• The physical detail of rock, boots, clothing and movement
• The Ford vehicles working through difficult terrain
• Radio communications and expedition logistics
• Breathing and vocal strain during the ascent and marathon
• Mountain and environmental textures that build tension
• Clear, emotionally present dialogue beneath music and effects

As the team climbs and conditions deteriorate, the environment becomes more intense and claustrophobic. During the marathon, the mix opens up to give the runners' emotional journey and the music room to carry the payoff.

The aim was not to make the film sound artificial. It was to make the real experience feel more immediate.