10 Colombian Races You Must Experience Before You Die
Colombia is a land of extremes. You can run at 2,600 meters above sea level in the morning and be on a tropical beach by the afternoon. This geographical diversity makes for one of the most exciting running calendars in the world.
But be warned: Colombian runners are tough. Living at altitude gives them lungs of steel. Whether you are racing through the colonial streets of Cartagena or the modern avenues of Medellín, you are in for a challenge.
The High-Altitude Majors
1. Media Maratón de Bogotá (MMB) (Bogotá | July/August)
The Lung Buster. One of the most prestigious half-marathons in the world (World Athletics Gold Label).
The Vibe: Massive. 40,000 runners take over the capital. The crowd support is deafening, with bands and salsa groups lining the streets.
Insider Tip: Respect the altitude. Bogotá is at 2,640m (8,660ft). If you live at sea level, arrive days early to acclimate, or run 30-45 seconds per km slower than your normal pace. You will feel the lack of oxygen.
2. Maratón Medellín (Medellín | September)
The City of Eternal Spring.
The Vibe: Perfect weather. Medellín is famous for its year-round spring climate. The course is vibrant, modern, and showcases the city's incredible transformation.
Insider Tip: While the weather is nice, the course has rolling hills. The final 10km of the full marathon can get warm as the sun rises over the valley.
3. RunTour Avianca (Bogotá | March)
The High-Flying 10K.
The Vibe: Elite speed. Organized by the national airline, this race attracts international elites. It's a looped course that is surprisingly fast despite the altitude.
Insider Tip: The swag is usually excellent (flight miles or discounts). It's a very competitive race, so don't expect a casual jog if you start in the first corral.
The Coastal & Hot
4. Cartagena de Indias Sea 10k/Half (Cartagena | February)
The Historic Run.
The Vibe: Magic realism. You run past the ancient city walls, the clock tower, and the Caribbean Sea. Running through the UNESCO heritage site at sunrise is unforgettable.
Insider Tip: Humidity is 90%+. It feels like running in a sauna. Hydrate aggressively the day before. The race starts very early to beat the sun—don't be late.
5. Barranquilla Marathon (Barranquilla | March)
The Golden Gate.
The Vibe: Carnival spirit. Barranquilla is famous for its massive carnival, and the race carries that joy. It is a flat course, but the heat is the main adversary.
Insider Tip: Start slow. The combination of heat and coastal wind can drain you quickly. Enjoy the "raspao" (shaved ice) vendors at the finish.
6. Del Mar a la Cima (Santa Marta | December)
Sea to Summit.
The Vibe: Ecological wonder. You start at the beach and run up into the Sierra Nevada mountains. You pass through jungle, indigenous paths, and river crossings.
Insider Tip: This is a serious trail race. The elevation gain is massive. Bring a hydration vest and salt pills. The view of the snowy peaks from the tropical jungle is surreal.
The Scenic & Unique
7. Chicamocha Canyon Race (Santander | May/June)
The Grand Canyon of South America.
The Vibe: Vertigo. You run along the edges of the second-largest canyon in the world. The terrain is dry, rocky, and technically difficult.
Insider Tip: The temperature swings are wild—hot at the bottom of the canyon, cool at the top. The descent is technical; save your quads.
8. Cali City Marathon (Cali | May)
The Salsa Capital.
The Vibe: Rhythm. Cali is the sports capital of Colombia. The city is flat, the people are beautiful, and the music never stops.
Insider Tip: Cali is warm. Wear light, breathable clothing. The race ends in the Pan-American stadium, which is a cool Olympic-style finish.
9. Media Maratón de Bucaramanga (Bucaramanga | October)
The City of Parks.
The Vibe: Green and clean. Bucaramanga is known for its many parks. The race is scenic but deceptively hilly.
Insider Tip: The finish usually involves a festival with local food. Try the hormigas culonas (roasted ants) if you dare—they are a regional source of protein!
Common Reddit Questions & Answers
Q: Is altitude sickness real in Bogotá?
A: Yes. Reddit Advice: "Drink coca tea (mate de coca) if you can find it—it helps. Drink way more water than usual. If you feel dizzy, walk. Don't push through it."
Q: Is it safe for tourists?
A: Generally, yes, especially on race weekends. Reddit Advice: "Stick to the tourist areas (Zona T in Bogotá, El Poblado in Medellín). Don't flash expensive Garmin watches around when walking alone at night."
Q: Can I run alone in the countryside?
A: Stick to organized events or popular trails (like Patios in Bogotá). Some rural areas are still best avoided for solo foreigners.
Final Thoughts
Colombia will take your breath away—literally (thanks, altitude) and figuratively. The landscapes are lush, the history is deep, and the running community is incredibly welcoming.
¡Con toda! (Give it your all!)
