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 race, and a 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 30th edition was held on September 1 2024, with sponsorship from Telemedellín.
History The Medellín Marathon is an annual race held in Medellín, Colombia. As the first marathon-distance road race in Colombia and one of the most established in Latin America, The Marathon was established in 1995 with 2,000 runners from five nations completing a 14-kilometre course. The following year, the event became the Medellín International Half Marathon, attracting approximately 4,000 athletes. Subsequently, participation steadily increased, and the race achieved international recognition through certification by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and status as a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.
During the late 1990s and 2000s, the event grew in size and organization, establishing itself as one of the principal road races in Colombia.
The Marathon marked a milestone in 2012 with the introduction of the full marathon distance (42.195 km), transforming it into a significant international event. Participation exceeded 13,000 annually, reaching over 15,000 athletes from more than 40 nations in 2018.
The 2023 edition included revised routes through central Medellín.
Race Course The marathon course offers a tour through the Medellin Flower Marathon, an annual marathon event in Medellin, Colombia, and part of the International Association of Marathons and Distance Running (AIMS).
One course of this marathon event is the incorporation of social causes within its yearly agenda. In 2017, AIMS conferred the Social Award to this race as part of the Best Marathon Runner event in Athens, Greece. This award goes to events that contribute towards the achievement of the goals set by the United Nations. In 2017, some of the social programs supported by the marathon include United for Colombia (UFC), which promotes rehabilitation for those affected by landmines; a breast cancer awareness campaign in conjunction with Avon and Fundayama; and Pasos de Felicidad, which aims to provide funds to underprivileged people through a youth movement.
Past marathons
2018 The 24th edition of the Medellín Marathon was held on 16 September, drawing approximately 15,000 athletes from nearly 40 countries across four distances: 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km. The course followed the route adopted in 2016, certified by the IAAF and authorized by the mobility authorities of Medellín, Envigado, and Sabaneta. In the men's marathon, Ethiopian athlete Habtamu Arega took first place with a time of 2:18:18, followed by Kenya's Ronald Korir in 2:18:44 and Elias Kemboi in 2:19:24. In the women's race, Ethiopia's Tigist Teshome won in 2:39:04, with Kenya's Carolyne Kiptoo finishing second in 2:39:59 and Colombia's Sandra Rosas third in 2:41:32.
2019 The 25th edition of the Medellín Marathon was held on 8 September 2019, Across four distances: 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km. In the men's 21 km, Joseph Kiprono Kiptum claimed victory in 1:04:50, with Titus Kipjumba Mbishei finishing second in 1:06:07, and René Champi third in 1:07:36.
2022 The 28th edition was held on 3 September 2022, marking the event's return to in-person competition following the COVID-19 pandemic. In the men's 42 km, Colombian athlete Jeisson Suárez finished first with a time of 2:15:53, setting a new course record and becoming the first Colombian winner in the distance since 2014. Franklin Téllez, also of Colombia, placed second in 2:19:42, followed by Kenya's Samuel Yeko in 2:20:47. In the women's race, Kenya's Hellen Nzembi Musyoka won in 2:41:51, with Colombian runners Ana Milena Orjuela and Ruby Riátiva finishing second and third respectively.
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. 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. 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.
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. In the men's 42K race, Peruvian runner Walter Nina claimed first place, while Kenya's Naomi Jepkogei won the women's division. 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.
2025 The 31st edition was held on 7 September 2025, with more than 27,000 runners from 45 countries in attendance. In the men's 42 km, Colombian David Gómez González won in 2:16:21, edging Kenya's Titus Kipjumba Mbishei by seconds, with Sergio López Rodríguez third in 2:19:18. Dina Velásquez Rojas took the women's title in 2:36:21. In the 21 km, Joseph Kiprono Kiptum won in 1:04:11, with Ecuador's Carmen Toaquiza Isa claiming the women's honours in 1:15:01.
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. 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. 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.
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 transported to the General Hospital of Medellín, where he was later pronounced dead.
Categories and events The Maratón Medellín comprises several race categories, catering to diverse age groups and abilities:
(Marathon): The main event, open to professional and amateur runners, and recognized by the Asociación Internacional de Maratones y Carreras de Distancia (AIMS). (Half Marathon): A popular choice for competitive and recreational runners. Race: Designed for both runners and walkers, this category allows broader community participation. 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:
EditionDateMale winnerTime (h:m:s)Female winnerTime (h:m:s)September 3, 2023 Jeisson Alexander Suárez Bocanegra2:17:24 Caroline Chepkurui Tuigong2:39:25September 4, 2022 Jeisson Alexander Suárez Bocanegra2:15:58 Hellen Nzembi Musyoka2:41:512021Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemic2020Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemicSeptember 8, 2019 Timothy Kipngetich Kemboi2:24:51 Ayelu Abebe Hordorfa2:48:412018 Habtamu Arega Wegi2:18:18 Tigist Teshome Ayunu2:39:042017 Mike Kiptum2:21:34 Carolyne Chemutai2:49:432016 Amos Kiprotich2:17:52 Carolyne Chemutai2:37:322015 Cosmas Mutuku Kjera2:18:11 Mercy Jelimo Too2:42:402014 Juan Carlos Cardona2:20:25 Karina Villazana2:45:192013 Juan Carlos Cardona2:21:15 Leidy Tobón2:51:272012 José David Cardona2:24:18 Leidy Tobón2:57:31
Marathon, General Category Winners and times recorded in 21 km in the different editions of the event.
Referencias:
EditionDateMale winnerTime (h:m:s)Female winnerTime (h:m:s)September 1, 2023 Mauricio González1:04:10 Mary Zeneida Granja1:14:00September 3, 2023 Joseph Kiprono Kiptum1:05:06 Jhoselyn Yessica Camargo Aliaga1:14:14September 4, 2022 Vidal Basco Mamani1:04:23 Angie Rocio Orjuela Soche1:15:472021Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemic2020Virtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemicVirtual due to COVID 19 pandemicSeptember 8, 2019 Joseph Kiprono Kiptum1:04:50 Tigist Teshome Ayunu1:15:052018 Daniel Muindi Muteti1:03:45 Yeshi Chekole1:11:232017 Titus Kipjumba Mbishei1:04:33 Diana Landi1:13:592016 David Kiprotich Langat1:06:04 Ogla Jerono1:14:192015 Joseph Kiprono Kiptum1:05:52 Malika Asahssah1:14:402014 Benjamin Kiplimo Mutai1:04:28 Santa Inés Melchor1:13:212013 Edwin Kipsang Rotich1:04:21 Santa Inés Melchor1:13:252012 Diego Colorado1:04:04 Carolina Tabares1:17:082011 Julius Kipyego Keter1:03:21 Erika Abril1:14:412010 Reta Alene Amare1:03:34 Genoveva Jelagat Kigen1:12:552009 Julius Kipyego Keter1:03:20 Ogla Jerono Kimaiyo1:13:292008 Julius Kipyego Keter1:02:34 Ogla Jerono Kimaiyo1:13:562007 Kimutai Kiplimo1:05:52 Ogla Jerono Kimaiyo1:15:392006 Ernest Meli Kimeli1:04:32 Genoveva Jelagat Kigen1:14:352005 Rómulo Wagner Da Silva1:04:18 Bertha Sánchez1:17:082004 Marilson Gomes Dos Santos1:03:58 Iglandini González1:17:162003 Sisay Bezabeth1:04:42 Lyudmila Korchagina1:15:072002 Benedic Kimondiu1:03:22 Teresa Wanjiku1:11:422001 Joao Ntyamba1:04:34 María Portilla1:15:022000 Silvio Guerra1:03:13 Ramilya Burangulova1:14:151999 José Castillo1:02:55 Lidia Grigorieva1:11:391998 José Castillo1:03:39 Delillah Adiago1:12:511997 Juan Carlos Gutiérrez1:02:53 Salina Chirchir1:14:541996 Herder Vásquez1:03:26 Stella Castro1:14:2619951/3 marathon -1/3 marathon -
Multiple wins
+Men'sAthleteWinsYears 3 2008, 2009, 2011 3 2015, 2019, 2023
+Women'sAthleteWinsYears 4 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016 2 2006, 2010 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.
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