Maratón de Guayaquil
The Lowdown
The Maratón de Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest and most iconic road race, first held in the 1980s and grown into a premier annual event on the national calendar. Traditionally staged in October, the marathon attracts elite domestic and international runners as well as thousands of recreational participants, showcasing Guayaquil as a sporting and cultural hub. Over decades the race has become a point of pride for the city and a qualifier for international marathons, drawing athletes aiming for Boston and other major marathon standards. The course is a scenic, largely flat route that highlights Guayaquil’s riverfront and urban landmarks. Runners pass along the Malecón 2000 overlooking the Guayas River, thread through historic neighborhoods and modern commercial districts, and experience local color from neighborhoods lined with cheering crowds. The race typically finishes in the expansive Parque Samanes, offering a festival-like atmosphere with music, food and community activities. Early morning starts (04:00) allow cool coastal air and calm streets, making the course fast and conducive to strong performances. The Maratón de Guayaquil is AIMS-certified and has been used as a Boston Qualifier, providing both a competitive platform for elites and a welcoming, celebratory experience for recreational runners.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Men's course best remains Geoffrey Kiptoo 2:20:30 (2021)
Oct 4, 2021Geoffrey Kiptoo holds the fastest recorded marathon time at Maratón de Guayaquil with a 2:20:30 winning performance in 2021; this remains the men’s course best in official records.
Women's fastest time: Raquel (Palmenia/Raquel) Agudelo 2:45:45 (2021)
Oct 4, 2021The fastest recorded women’s finish at Maratón de Guayaquil is 2:45:45, set by Raquel Agudelo (listed in some sources as Palmenia/Raquel) in the 2021 edition; that mark is still cited as the women’s course best.
Record participation and route update reported for 2025 edition
Oct 5, 2025Municipal reports for the 2025 event state the race drew roughly 2,341–2,500 participants across all distances (5K, 12K, 21K, 42K), one of the largest fields in the event’s history, and describe a revised route with start/finish at the Municipio (exteriores del Policentro / República de Guayaquil y Pichincha) and a 04:00 start; the event is certified by World Athletics and continues as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Malecón 2000
The iconic waterfront promenade along the Guayas River, a central scenic stretch often used in the race route
Parque Seminario (Iguana Park)
Historic park in the city center known for its tame iguanas and colonial surroundings
Cerro Santa Ana / Las Peñas
The colorful hillside neighborhood with the lighthouse and stairway offering panoramic city views
Catedral Metropolitana de Guayaquil
The neoclassical cathedral near the historic core, a recognizable landmark close to the course
Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha
One of Ecuador's largest stadiums in Guayaquil, a major city sports landmark seen from parts of the route
Parque Samanes
Large urban park and green space often incorporated into longer race loops for flat, tree-lined sections
Malecón del Salado
A quieter riverside boulevard and park area that complements the main Malecon 2000 waterfront sections
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Guayaquil, Ecuador
EC
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years of age or older on race day (2026-10-04)
- Provide a medical certificate or clearance signed by a licensed physician (issued within 12 months prior to the race)
- Complete official registration and payment by the published deadline
- Present a valid government-issued ID or passport at bib pick-up
- Bib number is non-transferable and must be worn visibly during the race
- Agree to and comply with the official race rules and instructions from race officials
- Subject to anti-doping controls and must comply with WADA/IADB regulations
- Finish within the official marathon time limit (6 hours) to receive an official finishing time and medal
Required Documents
- Photo ID (national ID or passport)
- Medical certificate signed by a physician (issued within the last 6 months)
- Proof of payment / registration confirmation
- Emergency contact information
- Signed liability waiver / acceptance of race rules
- Proof of age if required for category (birth certificate or ID)
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances
Registration transfers to another runner allowed until 14 days before race subject to an administrative fee
Deferral to the 2027 edition permitted until 30 days before the race with a 30% processing fee
If the race is postponed or cancelled by the organizer, registrants will be offered deferral to the next edition or a partial credit toward future events; no automatic cash refunds
The race follows a mostly flat, fast out-and-back/loop course that showcases Guayaquil landmarks including the Malecón 2000 waterfront and Parque Centenario, making it a scenic option for PB attempts.
Finishers receive a technical race shirt and a custom finisher medal, with post-race refreshments and a small athlete recovery area including fruit, water and sports drinks.
Race weekend typically includes a runners' expo the day before and an optional pasta dinner; official chip timing is used and pace teams are available for common goal times.
Expect warm, humid conditions after sunrise—the 04:00 start helps avoid the worst heat, and aid stations with water and electrolyte drinks are positioned roughly every 3 kilometers, so plan hydration accordingly.
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.