Running in Colombia: Run and Explore the Country of Beauty

Colombia is an ideal destination for sports tourism. Here you will find everything from iconic events in cities like Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, and Cartagena, to routes that cross unique natural landscapes, where running becomes an authentic way to explore the country's diversity step by step. In addition, you will also find a wide range of hotels in each city where these sporting events take place. Therefore, below we present some running races in Colombia so you can explore the country of beauty while practicing sports. 

You might be interested in: Enjoy sports through Colombian tourism
 

Bogotá Half Marathon

Colombian Eastern Andes

Courtesy: Bogota.gov
 

Date: July 

Distances: 21K | 10K 

The Bogotá Half Marathon is one of the most iconic athletic races in Colombia and a perfect excuse to discover the capital at a different pace. The route crosses streets full of history, modern areas, and green spaces such as Simón Bolívar Park, from where runners start and finish. Whether you participate in the 21 kilometers or the 10 kilometers, this race lets you experience the city, feeling its altitude, people, and urban energy every step of the way. 

Tips for running the Bogotá Half Marathon: Participating in this race is a physical challenge, but also an unforgettable tourist experience. Bogotá’s altitude (over 2,600 meters) requires careful preparation, ideally with training on elevated terrain or hills. To fully enjoy and do running in Bogotá, wear comfortable clothes, tested running shoes, maintain a steady pace during training, and use local parks to adapt to the environment. Bogotá is not only run: it is also breathed, felt, and celebrated.

Where to stay in Bogotá? JW Marriott 

Discover our wide range of hotels in Bogotá and enjoy an unparalleled luxury experience at the JW Marriott Bogotá, a hotel located in an exclusive and strategic area of the city, just steps from Zona T and Zona G. Its privileged location allows you to enjoy restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and points of interest in the capital. 

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Cali Half Marathon

Colombian Pacific 

Courtesy: zonadeimpacto.co

Date: June 

Distances: 42 K | 15 K | 4.2 K 

The Cali Marathon runs through some of the most iconic places of the “Sucursal del Cielo.” This running in Cali event offers three distances: 42 kilometers for those taking on the full challenge, 15 kilometers as an intermediate challenge, and 4.2 kilometers ideal for beginners or family enjoyment. The route, recognized with the Elite Label by World Athletics, passes key points like Estadio Pascual Guerrero and Bulevar del Río. It is also experienced as a true sporting celebration, with music, animation, and Caleño joy along every stretch. Participating in this marathon is a unique way to see the city from another perspective. 

Tips for running the Cali Marathon: It is essential to train progressively and adapt in advance to Cali's warm climate. Stay hydrated throughout the course, wear light clothing and comfortable, tested shoes for a safer and more enjoyable experience. After finishing, celebrate like a local: stroll through the San Antonio neighborhood, dance to salsa rhythms, and enjoy Cali's gastronomy. 

Where to stay in Cali? Hotel Torre de Cali 
Discover our wide range of hotels in the “Salsa Capital of the World” and visit the Hotel Torre de Cali, which offers easy access to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport, Valle del Pacífico Event Center, and Granada neighborhood. Located in the tallest building of the city, this hotel offers unmatched views of Cali, combining comfort and convenience.  

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Medellín Half Marathon

Colombian Western Andes

Courtesy: zonadeimpacto.co

Date: September 

Distances: 42 K | 21 K | 10 K 

The Medellín Half Marathon takes you to discover the “City of Eternal Spring” from its mountains and avenues. The first kilometers of this running race cross neighborhoods such as El Poblado and Laureles, then follow main avenues where you can breathe in Medellín’s urban and green landscape while running. The race offers categories for all levels and the full 42K marathon, with varying routes each year, has international certifications like World Athletics and AIMS, making it globally recognized. 

Tips for running the Medellín Half Marathon: Train beforehand with progressive running sessions: long runs, hills, strength, and technique. On race day, maintain a controlled pace, hydrate well before, during, and after, pay attention to water stations, use tested shoes, and finish with stretching and recovery.  

Where to stay in Medellín? Hashtag 98 

Discover our wide hotel offer in Medellín and visit Hashtag 98 located in El Poblado, just five minutes on foot from San José Parish. This hotel offers rooms with unmatched city views. It is ideal for those seeking a unique experience in the heart of Medellín, amid urban life, gastronomy, and culture. 

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Sea Half Marathon, Cartagena

Colombian Caribbean

Courtesy: zonadeimpacto.co

Date: February 

Distances: 21 K | 10 K 

The Sea Half Marathon is one of the most important races in the Colombian Caribbean. Its route starts at the port of Cartagena and crosses iconic places like the walled city. With distances of 21K and 10K in Colombia, the route offers a unique mix of seascapes, active docks, and the warmth of a city that lives and breathes its history on every street. Each year, thousands of national and international runners gather to enjoy this sports celebration that combines wellness, culture, and tourism in one of the jewels of the Colombian Caribbean. 

Tips for running the Sea Half Marathon: Prepare with warm-weather training to acclimate to the Caribbean humidity. Stay hydrated throughout the route. Wear light clothing and tested shoes. After crossing the finish line, celebrate your achievement by strolling through the Historic Center, letting yourself be enveloped by Cartagena’s energy. 

Where to stay in Cartagena? Sofitel Santa Clara 

Discover our wide range of hotels in Cartagena, such as Sofitel Legend Santa Clara: a luxury option. Located in the heart of the Historic Center of Cartagena, this place combines colonial charm with comfort, offering an unforgettable experience among walls, history, and sea. Ideal for families and travelers seeking exclusivity and a prime location. 

You might be interested in: Colonial Cartagena 

Run through the country of beauty! 

Courtesy: noticiasrcn.com

In addition to the numerous running events held in Colombia, the country of beauty offers natural settings ideal for running enthusiasts in all forms. From the mountains of the Macizo, where you can do trail running in Colombia, to the jungles of the Amazon-Orinoquía, each region invites you to connect with unique landscapes while traversing trails, rural roads, and natural parks. Running in our country is an experience that combines sports, adventure, and a deep connection with biodiversity and culture. Explore, run, and enjoy the country of beauty!