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Maratón Medellin
Maratón Medellín (or Medellín Marathon in English, previously the Medellín Flowers Marathon, or initially called the Medellín International Half Marathon) is an annual marathon held in Medellín, Colombia. It is the oldest marathon event in Colombia, celebrated every September, attracting both local and international participants. The race includes a variety of distances to accommodate runners of different skill levels, with a full marathon, a half-marathon, a 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) race, and a 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) race. Maratón Medellín has become one of Latin America's well-known road races. It is the only 42 km street race in Colombia recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The most recent edition of the race was held on September 1, 2024,[1] with sponsorship from Telemedellín.[2] HistoryMaratón Medellín was first held in 1995, initially as a smaller event for local runners. Over the years, the marathon has grown significantly in scale, evolving into a large-scale international competition that draws thousands of participants from various countries.[3] Race plays a significant role in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles within Medellín and the broader region, while also highlighting the city's progress and transformation over recent decades.[4] In February 1996, Herder Vásquez set a record with a time of 1:03:26, becoming the first runner in Colombia to complete a marathon in under 2 hours and 6 minutes.[5] Race CourseThe marathon course offers runners a tour through Medellín's urban landscape, showcasing a blend of the city's modern infrastructure, green spaces, and neighborhoods. The route generally includes several of Medellín's iconic sites, such as the Medellín River, El Poblado neighborhood, and La Alpujarra Administrative Center. The course also features a flat and slightly hilly terrain, providing a challenging yet scenic experience. Medellín's altitude and climate, with temperatures generally between 18-24°C (64-75°F), add to the race's uniqueness.[6] Past marathons1999  Peruvian long-distance runner José Castillo won the 21 km category 1999 marathon with a time of 1:02:55, marking the fastest marathon debut by a Peruvian at that time and setting a new course record. Castillo successfully defended his 1998 title. In the women's division, Russian long-distance runner Lidia Grigorieva claimed victory with a time of 1:11:39, also setting a course record.[7] 2000 The 2000 Medellin Marathon was held in September. Silvio Guerra of Ecuador won the race to finish in a time of 1:03:13 setting an all-time new record. Ramilya Burangulova won the women's title with a time of 1 hour, 14 minutes, 20 seconds.[7] 2019 The twenty-fifth edition of the Medellín Marathon took place on Saturday, September 8, 2019. In the men's 42 km race, Timothy Kipngetich Kemboi from Kenya claimed first place with a time of 2:24:51, followed by Ethiopia's Daniel Ashenik Derese at 2:26:31 in second place, and Colombia's Víctor Hugo Ocampo Ramírez in third with a time of 2:28:54. In the women's division, Ayelu Abebe Hordofa from Ethiopia won with a time of 2:48:41. Colombian runners Leidy Yohanna Tobón Salazar and Yolanda Fernández Piza placed second and third, with times of 2:50:41 and 2:58:29, respectively.[8] 2022 The 2022 Medellín Marathon was run on Sunday, September 3, 2022. Winners were Vidal Basco Mamani in 1:04:23 and Angie Rocio Orjuela Soche in 1:15:47. While the 42 kilometers winners were Jeisson Alexander Suárez Bocanegra at 2:15:58 and Hellen Nzembi Musyoka in 2:41:51.[9] 2023 The 2023 Medellín Marathon was held on September 3, 2023, and featured four race distances: 42 kilometers, 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers, and 5 kilometers.[3] In the half-marathon, Joseph Kiprono Kiptum emerged as the men's champion at 1:05:06, while Jhoselyn Yessica Camargo Aliaga claimed the women's title, finishing in 1:14:14.[10][11] In the full marathon, which spans 42 kilometers, Jeisson Suárez won the men's division with a time of 2:17:24. Caroline Chepkurui Tuigong won the women's division, finishing in 2:39:25.[12] 2024 The 2024 Medellín Marathon was held on Sunday, September 1, as part of the celebration marking its 30th anniversary. More than 24,000 athletes from 42 countries across five continents participated in the event.[13] In the men's 42K race, Peruvian runner Walter Nina claimed first place, while Kenya's Naomi Jepkogei won the women's division.[14] In the 21K race, Colombian Mauricio González at 1:04:10 emerged victorious in the men's category, with Ecuadorian Mary Granja at a time of 1:14:00 winning the women's race.[5] International participation and recognitionThe marathon is part of the international running circuit and is recognized by AIMS, the global organization for distance running events. This recognition has helped attract elite runners from around the world, particularly from neighboring countries in South America and Africa, where distance running has a strong tradition.[15] The event has gained considerable media attention for showcasing Medellín's growth and cultural vibrancy, which aligns with the city's efforts to promote tourism and its image as a safe and attractive destination.[7] COVID-19 and Virtual ParticipationDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Maratón Medellín adapted by organizing virtual races to allow participants to complete the event individually while following safety protocols. This innovation enabled runners from all over the world to participate remotely, further increasing the event's global reach. In 2022, Maratón Medellín resumed in-person races, implementing enhanced safety measures to protect participants and spectators. IncidentsOn September 16, 2018, Kenyan long-distance runner Joseph Kiprono Kiptum was struck by a car while leading the Medellín Half Marathon in Colombia.[16] Kiptum, who was on pace to win the race, was hit as he ran along a section of the course that had reportedly been improperly secured.[17] The incident occurred when a car unexpectedly entered the marathon route, leading to a collision that left him injured. Following the accident, Kiptum received medical attention and was transported to a nearby hospital. Although he sustained injuries, they were not life-threatening, and he was treated for cuts and bruises.[18][19] On September 3, 2022, a 35-year-old man collapsed while participating in the marathon near Calle San Juan and Avenida del Ferrocarril. He was promptly transported to the General Hospital of Medellín, where he was later pronounced dead.[20] Categories and eventsThe Maratón Medellín comprises several race categories, catering to diverse age groups and abilities:[21]
Marathon, General CategoryWinners and times recorded in 42 km in the different editions of the event. Referencias: Best mark of the race
Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic
Marathon, General CategoryWinners and times recorded in 21 km in the different editions of the event. Referencias: Best mark of the race
Virtual edition due to COVID 19 pandemic
Multiple wins
Organization, sponsors, institutional support and endorsementsOrganizationSince 1995, the race has been organized by MCM Operador de Eventos, an entity created from the initiative of Camacol Antioquia and the Antioquia Athletics League.[7] SponsorsIn 2019, the main sponsors, support entities and guarantees were: Great Sponsor Institutional Support
Other sponsors
Endorsements
References
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