Maratón Medellin

The Medellín Marathon
Image of the start of the 2019 Medellín Marathon
Date	September
Location	Medellín, Colombia
Event type	Road
Distance	Marathon (also 10 km, 42 km, 5 km, 21 km)
Primary sponsor	Lazza Capital Telemedellín GARMIN Mayor of Medellín
Established	1995 (29 years ago) (1995)
Organizer	MCM Event Operator
Official site	Medellin Marathon

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]

History

Maratón 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 Course

The 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 marathons

1999

Lidia Grigorieva claimed victory with a time of 1:11:39 at the 1999 event

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 recognition

The 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 Participation

During 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.

Incidents

On 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 events

The Maratón Medellín comprises several race categories, catering to diverse age groups and abilities:^[21]

• 42.195 kilometres (26.219 mi) (Marathon): The main event, open to professional and amateur runners, and recognized by the Asociación Internacional de Maratones y Carreras de Distancia (AIMS).
• 21.0975 kilometres (13.1094 mi) (Half Marathon): A popular choice for competitive and recreational runners.
• 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) Race: Designed for both runners and walkers, this category allows broader community participation.
• 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) Recreational Run: A non-competitive race that encourages participation from families, beginners, and those looking to enjoy the event without focusing on competitive timing.

Marathon, General Category

Winners 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

Edition	Date	Male winner	Time (h:m:s)	Female winner	Time (h:m:s)
29ª	September 3, 2023	Jeisson Alexander Suárez Bocanegra	2:17:24	Caroline Chepkurui Tuigong	2:39:25
28ª	September 4, 2022	Jeisson Alexander Suárez Bocanegra	2:15:58	Hellen Nzembi Musyoka	2:41:51
27ª	2021	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic
26ª	2020	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic
25ª	September 8, 2019	Timothy Kipngetich Kemboi	2:24:51	Ayelu Abebe Hordorfa	2:48:41
24ª	2018	Habtamu Arega Wegi	2:18:18	Tigist Teshome Ayunu	2:39:04
23ª	2017	Mike Kiptum	2:21:34	Carolyne Chemutai	2:49:43
22ª	2016	Amos Kiprotich	2:17:52	Carolyne Chemutai	2:37:32
21ª	2015	Cosmas Mutuku Kjera	2:18:11	Mercy Jelimo Too	2:42:40
20ª	2014	Juan Carlos Cardona	2:20:25	Karina Villazana	2:45:19
19ª	2013	Juan Carlos Cardona	2:21:15	Leidy Tobón	2:51:27
18ª	2012	José David Cardona	2:24:18	Leidy Tobón	2:57:31

Marathon, General Category

Winners 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

Edition	Date	Male winner	Time (h:m:s)	Female winner	Time (h:m:s)
30ª	September 1, 2023	Mauricio González	1:04:10	Mary Zeneida Granja	1:14:00
29ª	September 3, 2023	Joseph Kiprono Kiptum	1:05:06	Jhoselyn Yessica Camargo Aliaga	1:14:14
28ª	September 4, 2022	Vidal Basco Mamani	1:04:23	Angie Rocio Orjuela Soche	1:15:47
27ª	2021	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic
26ª	2020	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic	Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemic
25ª	September 8, 2019	Joseph Kiprono Kiptum	1:04:50	Tigist Teshome Ayunu	1:15:05
24ª	2018	Daniel Muindi Muteti	1:03:45	Yeshi Chekole	1:11:23
23ª	2017	Titus Kipjumba Mbishei	1:04:33	Diana Landi	1:13:59
22ª	2016	David Kiprotich Langat	1:06:04	Ogla Jerono	1:14:19
21ª	2015	Joseph Kiprono Kiptum	1:05:52	Malika Asahssah	1:14:40
20ª	2014	Benjamin Kiplimo Mutai	1:04:28	Santa Inés Melchor	1:13:21
19ª	2013	Edwin Kipsang Rotich	1:04:21	Santa Inés Melchor	1:13:25
18ª	2012	Diego Colorado	1:04:04	Carolina Tabares	1:17:08
17ª	2011	Julius Kipyego Keter	1:03:21	Erika Abril	1:14:41
16ª	2010	Reta Alene Amare	1:03:34	Genoveva Jelagat Kigen	1:12:55
15ª	2009	Julius Kipyego Keter	1:03:20	Ogla Jerono Kimaiyo	1:13:29
14ª	2008	Julius Kipyego Keter	1:02:34	Ogla Jerono Kimaiyo	1:13:56
13ª	2007	Kimutai Kiplimo	1:05:52	Ogla Jerono Kimaiyo	1:15:39
12ª	2006	Ernest Meli Kimeli	1:04:32	Genoveva Jelagat Kigen	1:14:35
11ª	2005	Rómulo Wagner Da Silva	1:04:18	Bertha Sánchez	1:17:08
10ª	2004	Marilson Gomes Dos Santos	1:03:58	Iglandini González	1:17:16
9ª	2003	Sisay Bezabeth	1:04:42	Lyudmila Korchagina	1:15:07
8ª	2002	Benedic Kimondiu	1:03:22	Teresa Wanjiku	1:11:42
7ª	2001	Joao Ntyamba	1:04:34	María Portilla	1:15:02
6ª	2000	Silvio Guerra	1:03:13	Ramilya Burangulova	1:14:15
5ª	1999	José Castillo	1:02:55	Lidia Grigorieva	1:11:39
4ª	1998	José Castillo	1:03:39	Delillah Adiago	1:12:51
3º	1997	Juan Carlos Gutiérrez	1:02:53	Salina Chirchir	1:14:54
2º	1996	Herder Vásquez	1:03:26	Stella Castro	1:14:26
1º	1995	1/3 marathon	-	1/3 marathon	-

Multiple wins

Men's Athlete Wins Years  Julius Kipyego Keter (KEN) 3 2008, 2009, 2011  Joseph Kiptum (KEN) 3 2015, 2019, 2023

Women's Athlete Wins Years  Ogla Jerono Kimaiyo (KEN) 4 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016  Genoveva Jelagat Kigen (KEN) 2 2006, 2010  Inés Melchor (CAN) 2 2013, 2014

Organization, sponsors, institutional support and endorsements

Organization

Since 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]

Sponsors

In 2019, the main sponsors, support entities and guarantees were:

Great Sponsor

• Empresas Públicas de Medellín

Institutional Support

• Medellín Mayor's Office
• Inder Medellin

Other sponsors

• Nike
• Gatorade
• Tigo
• Agua Cristal
• El Colombiano

Endorsements

• World Athletics
• Association of International Marathons and Distance Races
• Antioquia Athletics League
• ALCAR, Latin American Road Racing Association

References

1. Fonnegra, Juan José Feijoó (30 August 2024). "Conoce los cierres viales de este fin de semana en Medellín por la maratón". Teleantioquia (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-08.
2. "Con final agónico y emocionante culminó la Maratón Medellín". Telemedellín (in Spanish). 2024-09-01. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
3. Polar, Santiago (August 30, 2023). "Maratón de Medellín 2023: ¿Cuándo es y cuál es el recorrido?". olympics.com.
4. "Maratón de Medellín". ESPN.com.ar (in Spanish). 2019-09-11. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
5. Norma, Julio y (2024-09-02). "Mauricio González le puso orden a los 21 km del Maratón Medellín". Running Colombia (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-08.
6. "Maratón de las Flores recibirá reconocimiento por su acción social - ELMUNDO.COM". www.elmundo.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-05.
7. endondecorrer (2018-08-21). "Maratón de Medellín 24 años, disfruta Colombia y de uno de los mejores maratones". En Donde Correr (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-09.
8. "Kenia y Etiopía reinaron en la Maratón de Medellín en sus 25 años". Publimetro Colombia (in Spanish). 2019-09-09. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
9. Domínguez, Ana Milena García (2022-09-04). "El colombiano Jeisson Suárez ganó los 42k e impuso nueva marca en la Maratón Medellín -" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-09.
10. "Bolivia recibe otra alegría en el atletismo: Camargo gana la Media Maratón de Medellín". Los Tiempos (in Spanish). 2023-09-03. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
11. Bolivia, Opinión (2023-09-03). "Boliviana Jhoselyn Camargo logra el primer lugar en la Media Maratón de Medellín". Opinión Bolivia (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-09.
12. "Resultados del maratón de Medellín - Colombia - Maratón 2023". Allmarathon (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-07.
13. "Un peruano y una keniana ganaron la Maratón Medellín 2024". El Colombiano (in European Spanish). 2024-09-01. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
14. Cooper, Adriana (2024-09-01). "La fiesta de los 30 años de la Maratón Medellín ya está aquí". Vivir en El Poblado (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-08.
15. "Maratón Medellín – AIMS race information". aims-worldrunning.org. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
16. "Kenyan athlete Joseph Kiprono Kiptum was hit by a car during Medellin half marathon". Runner's World. 2018-09-18. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
17. "Kenyan runner hit by car during marathon". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
18. "Joseph Kiprono Kiptum: Kenyan athlete hit by car during Medellin half marathon". BBC Sport. 2018-09-17. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
19. Clarín, Redacción (2018-09-17). "Locura en el medio maratón de Medellín: un auto atropelló al líder y murió un atleta aficionado". Clarín (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-09.
20. Vanegas, Karen (2022-09-04). "Muere un corredor en la Media Maratón de Medellín". Diario AS (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-09.
21. Domínguez, Ana Milena García (2022-03-18). "Cuatro recorridos y seis categorías tiene la Maratón Medellín -" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-06.