Lima 42K
The Lowdown
The Lima 42K has quickly become one of Peru’s premier road races since its founding in the early 2010s, drawing competitive local elites and international runners seeking a fast coastal marathon in South America. Held each year along Lima’s scenic Pacific shoreline, the event celebrates Peruvian running culture with a festive expo, live music, and community support from neighborhoods along the route. Over the years it has grown in prestige and field size, positioning itself as an important fixture on the South American road-racing calendar. The course runs largely along Lima’s Costa Verde and the Miraflores and Barranco districts, offering expansive ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and iconic cityscapes. Runners experience mostly flat, fast pavement with long straight stretches ideal for strong finishing times and personal best attempts; key highlights include stretches along the malecón, passes by Miraflores parks and cliffs, and vibrant spectator zones near the finish. The race atmosphere is energetic and welcoming, mixing competitive racing with a festival-like vibe for recreational runners — local bands, folkloric performers, and volunteer aid stations create a lively support throughout the course. The Lima 42K course is officially measured and certified for accuracy and is recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifying course; it follows international measurement standards and works with regional athletics bodies to ensure compliance. For many participants it serves as both a destination race and a serious qualifier or time trial opportunity, combining Peruvian coastal scenery with a well-organized race experience.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Malecón de Miraflores
Scenic cliffside boardwalk along the Pacific Ocean, offering ocean views and coastal wind exposure
Parque Kennedy
Central park in Miraflores known for its bustling atmosphere, shops, and the race's festive spectator zones
Huaca Pucllana
Pre‑Incan adobe pyramid and archaeological site in Miraflores that the course passes nearby
Larcomar
Cliffside shopping and entertainment center overlooking the sea, a visible landmark along the coastal section
Circuito de Playas (Costa Verde)
The coastal highway and beachfront stretch where runners cover long flat kilometers with ocean vistas
Parque El Olivar
Historic olive‑tree park in San Isidro, offering a leafy, quieter section of the route
Plaza San Martín
Major central Lima plaza with monumental statues and colonial architecture, marking the race's approach into downtown
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Lima, Peru
PE
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day
- Present a valid photo ID at bib pickup
- Provide a medical certificate signed by a licensed physician (dated within 6 months prior to race) or complete organizer's medical form
- Register and pay entry fee before registration deadline; bibs are non-transferable and non-refundable
- Wear official race bib and timing chip visibly for the entire race
- Respect course cut-off time of 6 hours; participants not meeting intermediate cut-offs may be removed from course
- No unauthorized pacing, no wheeled devices (skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles), and no animals on the course
- Follow traffic marshals and race officials' instructions; disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct or taking shortcuts
- Use of personal music devices/headphones allowed at runner's own risk; comply with local safety instructions
- By registering, participants accept the event waiver and assume responsibility for their health and safety
Required Documents
- Photo ID (Peruvian DNI or passport for international athletes)
- Medical certificate signed by a licensed physician (issued within 30 days prior to race)
- Signed liability waiver / race disclaimer
- Proof of age (ID or birth certificate if applicable for category verification)
- Emergency contact information (name and phone)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- In-Person Registration (Race Expo)
- Charity Entry
- Elite/Invitation
- Tour Operator Packages
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Full refund minus a 10% administrative fee until 60 days before the race (until 2026-03-26)
50% refund until 30 days before the race (until 2026-04-25)
Bib transfer to another runner allowed until 30 days before the race with a S/20 administrative fee
Deferred entry to the 2027 edition allowed until 14 days before the race (must request in writing)
No refunds, transfers, or deferrals within 14 days of the race
If the organizer cancels the event for reasons beyond participants' control, entrants will be offered a full refund or guaranteed transfer to the next edition
The Lima 42K follows a largely flat, fast coastal route along the Costa Verde with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and passes through popular districts such as Miraflores and Barranco.
Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical race shirt, and there is a race expo in the days before the event where runners can pick up bibs and purchase local gear.
The event typically includes a community-focused race weekend with a kids' run and shorter distance options, as well as awards for overall winners and standard five-year age-group categories.
Organizers provide aid stations approximately every 3–4 kilometers with water and sports drink, and runners are advised to arrive early for bib pickup and expect limited street parking near the start—public transit or event shuttles are recommended.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.