Guest blogger Luis gives us a rundown of the running races taking place in Medellin this year.
One of the benefits of Medellin’s never-too-hot and never-too-cold weather is that there are races in the city year round. You rarely, if ever, have to worry about a dangerous heat wave or frigid temperatures in the city of Eternal Spring. A pollution advisory? That’s a different story.
Medellin’s races for the most part are standard runs (in other words, there aren’t a whole lot of quirky themed runs) and accommodate all levels of runners. If you’re a running enthusiast, there’s a marathon and a few half marathons. And if you’re just barely hanging on to that New Year’s resolution, no worries. There are plenty of 5Ks to choose from.
To help you plan ahead and maybe even motivate you, I’ve put together a list of some of the more popular races in Medellin in 2019. ¡Anímate! (Pic above courtesy of MCM).
FIT THE HIIT (Feb. 16)
***CANCELED***
Unlike the other races on this list, newcomer FIT THE HIIT — which kicks off at Parque de los Pies Descalzos — takes place at night rather than early in the morning. Runners can choose between the 10K, 5K or a nontraditional third option that involves a 5K with high intensity interval training (HIIT) stations. It’s nice to see race promoters MCM trying something slightly out of the norm.
Website: mcmeventos.com
Cost: 10K is 65,000-80,000 COP ($20-27), 5K is 55,000-70,000 COP ($17-22) and 5K HIIT is 65,000-80,000 COP ($20-27).
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MEDELLIN (March 10)
Medellin is one of the newest cities to host the world-famous Rock ‘N’ Roll race series, which has been combining running and music for over 20 years. Runners start the Half-Marathon, 10K or 5K at Parque de los Pies Descalzos and can expect live bands and cheerleaders along the course. The post-race fiesta will be headlined by Colombian rock groups Ekhymosis and Tres de Corazon. Yeah, I’m not familiar with them either. But that doesn’t mean we won’t enjoy the show.
Website: rocknroll.com
Cost: Half-marathon is 215,000 COP ($68), 10K is 195,000 COP ($62) and 5K is 145,000 COP ($46).
CORRE POR AMOR (April 7)
Prepare to feel inspired during this eighth annual race as you take on the 10K or 3K course alongside people with special needs. Corre Por Amor — which begins and ends in front of the Metro Estadio station — highlights the importance of including people with special needs in events around the city. The race benefits the spina bifida-focused Fundacion Monica Uribe Por Amor.
Website: fundacionporamor.org
Cost: 10K and 3K are 50,000-70,000 COP ($16 -22).
CORRE MI TIERRA (April 28)
You could say this race is a little like Rock ‘N’ Roll Medellin, only on a smaller and much less expensive scale. Launched in 2011, Corre Mi Tierra is a half-marathon race with 10K and 5K options and features bands playing along the course for support. If you’re running the 5K, feel free to bring your dogs or children with you. Kids under 15 run the 5K for free.
Website: corremitierra.com
Cost: Half-marathon and 10K are 75,000-105,000 ($24-33) and 5K is 55,000-80,000 ($17-25).
CARRERA VERDE (May 5)
For every runner who participates in the 10K or 3K, the environment-focused Carrera Verde plants three trees. That’s a decent amount of trees when you consider 3,000 people ran the Medellin version last year. The race kicks off around Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB).
Website: carreraverdecolombia.com
Cost: To be determined
EXPEDICION BODYTECH (July 14)
South American gym chain Bodytech invites both gym members and nonmembers to run its 10K races in various Colombian cities throughout the year. The Medellin version is scheduled to start at Aeroparque Juan Pablo II.
Website: bodytech.com
Cost: 45,000-55,000 COP ($14-17)
CORRER ES VIVIR (August 18)
The 10th annual 10K and 5K promotes a healthy and active lifestyle, particularly among people 35 and over. And because it takes place three weeks before the Maratón Medellin, Correr es Vivir could serve as a nice appetizer for the main course.
Website: mcmeventos.com
Cost: To be determined
CARRERA DE LAS ROSAS (Sept. 1)
There was a sea of pink shirts outside the Museum of Modern Art during last year’s Carrera de las Rosas — which seeks to raise awareness for breast cancer early detection — and you can probably expect more of the same when the race returns for year four. Participants run a 10K, 5K, 2K or, if they want to support but can’t run or walk, AK, all in the name of the special women in their lives.
Website: carreradelasrosas.com
Cost: To be determined
MARATON MEDELLIN (Sept. 8)
Billed as the oldest race in Colombia, Maratón Medellin — formerly known as Maratón de las Flores — turns 25 years old in 2019. The race is backed by MCM and the Mayor’s Office and reportedly drew 15,000 runners in 2018. There’s something for just about everyone, with four options to choose from: Marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K. There’s also a fifth option: You could make signs and cheer on the runners. The support is always appreciated.
Website: http://maratonmedellin.com
Cost: Marathon, Half-marathon and 10K are 90,000-125,000 COP ($29-40), 5K is 72,000-90,000 COP ($23-29). All races are $50 for foreigners.
PIENSA ROSA AVON (October 6)
Here’s another race dedicated to breast cancer early detection, because you can never have too many. This 10K and 5K run takes place in October, which, as you’re probably aware, is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Website: piensarosa.com
Cost: To be determined
Have you run in any of these races in previous years? Or have you participated in a race that wasn’t included in our list? Tell us about your experience in the Comments section below.
About Luis
Luis covered soccer and then celebrities for the Chicago Tribune for 10 years before leaving the newspaper to backpack around the world. You can read about his adventures on his blog Extra Underwear and follow him on Instagram at @ByLuisGomez
These races really make Medellin attractive for physical fitness enthusiasts. What’s more, there is a race almost every month of the year. In my country there are only a handful of these races each year. You are indeed ahead of us in this regard.
this is a great update – i’m hoping to run the race in July. thanks!