Giving back - Supporting Cusco's Athletes
Cusco is home to some extraordinary running talent. At high altitude, surrounded by the Andes, local athletes train in challenging conditions to compete at the highest levels of distance running. Yet behind the impressive performances and national records, many face a daily struggle that has little to do with running: finding the financial support needed to pursue their potential.
For many Peruvian distance runners, talent and hard work alone aren’t enough. Financial backing and sponsorship opportunities are limited, while the costs of training, nutrition, travel, competition and recovery quickly add up. With limited and often inconsistent institutional support, even athletes competing at an international level can find themselves struggling to make ends meet.
We believe these athletes deserve the opportunity to focus on what they do best.
At The Recovery Zone by ReEnergize Cusco, we’re proud to support local runners by providing access to recovery services and helping them continue pursuing their ambitions. It’s our way of giving back to the community we call home and recognising the dedication of athletes who represent Cusco and Peru on the international stage.
We’re a small business, and we know we can’t solve every challenge these athletes face. But we can make a difference, one athlete at a time.
Meet The Athletes
Rene Champi
Office Manager
René Champi is one of South America’s leading distance runners and Peru’s national half marathon record holder, with an outstanding time of 1:02:06. A multiple South American Cross Country Champion, he has represented Peru on the international stage on numerous occasions.
Despite his achievements, René remains humble and deeply connected to his roots. Alongside his competitive career, he works as a coach and running guide, sharing his knowledge and passion with visiting runners who come to experience the trails and mountains around Cusco.
We’re proud to support René on his journey, helping him access recovery services as he continues to compete at the highest level. His dedication, consistency and determination are an inspiration to the local running community.
Julio Chacon
Product Manager
Julio Chacón is one of Peru’s fastest road and cross-country runners, with a 10 km personal best of 28:58 and a half marathon best of 1:02:36.
A representative of Peru at the World Cross Country Championships, Julio finished as the top South American competitor, demonstrating the level of talent emerging from the country’s distance-running community. With an impressive combination of speed, determination and potential, he is an athlete to watch in the years ahead.
Away from competition, Julio is known for his friendly, approachable nature and genuine enthusiasm for running. He’s always happy to share his passion with others, whether on the track or out on the trails.
We’re delighted to support Julio as he continues to develop his career and pursue his ambitions in athletics.
Dina Velasquez
Product Manager
Dina Velásquez is one of Peru’s leading long-distance runners, with recent victories at half marathon distances in both Chile and Colombia. Her performances reflect the dedication and determination required to compete at the highest level of distance running.
Like many elite athletes, Dina needs the right support to continue developing and pursuing her ambitions. Through access to recovery therapies at The Recovery Zone, we hope to help her manage the demands of training, recover between sessions and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Dina has an ambitious goal: to break Peru’s national marathon record. We’re proud to support her on that journey and hope to play a small part in helping her achieve something special for Peruvian athletics.
Creating Opportunities Through Running
Supporting local athletes isn’t just about recovery. It’s also about helping them find opportunities to earn a living while continuing to pursue their sporting ambitions.
Through Run the Andes, we aim to create opportunities for talented local runners to guide trail runs and share their knowledge of Cusco’s incredible trails, mountains and running culture with visiting athletes and adventurers. For runners facing the challenge of balancing elite competition with the need to support themselves financially, these opportunities can make a real difference. They allow athletes to earn an income doing something they’re passionate about, share their experience with others and remain connected to the sport they love.
We believe that Cusco’s runners have so much to offer the world. By connecting their talent and experience with visitors who want to explore the Andes on foot, we hope to create opportunities that benefit both the athletes and the wider running community.
Want to explore the Andes with local runners?
Discover bespoke trail running and fastpacking adventures with Run the Andes.