# Maratón Medellin

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, with sponsorship from Telemedellín.

## 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. 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.
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.

### 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.

## Past marathons

1999
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

## 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.
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.

### 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. 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 promptly 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:
* 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:
| 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:
| 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
## 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