The 10th edition of the Barranquilla Marathon will include a scenic route through the Mallorquín Ecopark for the first time. The event celebrates a decade of growth, positioning itself as one of Colombia’s most important athletic and tourism attractions.
Event Schedule and Routes
The marathon program begins March 13 and 14 with a free wellness and health expo at the Jumbo Hall of Country Club, showcasing over 80 brands. On March 15, runners will compete in 42K, 21K, 10K, and 5K categories. The start and finish lines will be located on the Gran Malecón del Río. To register to participate, please visit maratonbarranquilla.com.
Races start early: the marathon at 4:15 a.m., the half-marathon at 5:15 a.m., followed by the 10K and 5K runs. Participants will enjoy views of Barranquilla’s most iconic landmarks, including the Window of Champions, Barrio Abajo, the historic center, and Puerto Mocho.
A Tourist and Cultural Experience
According to event director Edgardo Pantoja, the marathon attracts around 10,000 participants and creates a 65% tourism impact, generating major economic benefits for the city. Athletes from 28 regions of Colombia and 15 countries are expected to attend.
“The Barranquilla Marathon is more than a race; it’s a sightseeing route through the best parts of the city,” said Pantoja.
The full marathon’s new highlight will be the 2.3-kilometer stretch through Ecoparque Mallorquín, giving runners a unique experience among mangroves and wetlands. “It’s the first time in South America that a marathon runs inside an eco-park,” Pantoja noted.
Technical Details and International Recognition
With altitudes between 20 and 30 meters above sea level, both the full and half-marathon routes are known for their speed. This flat terrain and high humidity make Barranquilla’s marathon an attractive event for elite athletes looking to improve their personal records.
The race is officially certified by World Athletics and now appears in the global marathon calendar. Organizers plan to strengthen ties with the Colombian Athletics Federation to host national and international championships in the coming years.
Social Impact and Growing Prestige
Roughly 98% of participants are recreational runners, not professionals. Pantoja emphasized that marathon training inspires healthier lifestyles, requiring three to six months of preparation and promoting discipline and well-being across the community.
The Barranquilla Marathon will also see a significant prize increase. The elite marathon winner will receive 12 million pesos, up from 7 million last year. In total, prizes across all categories will reach 140 million pesos.
This year’s edition also welcomes a new official sponsor — Japanese athletic brand ASICS. “International brands now see Barranquilla as an emerging destination for sports and investment,” said Pantoja.
