Maraton Cali
The Lowdown
The Maratón de Cali has grown into one of Colombia’s most vibrant road races, combining competitive racing with the festive spirit of the country’s salsa capital. Originally launched in the early 2000s to showcase Cali’s athletic talent and scenic urban landscape, the event attracts a strong mix of national elite runners and international participants seeking a fast, well-organized course. The 2026 edition continues that tradition with an early morning start that takes advantage of cooler conditions on May 3, giving runners a chance to chase personal bests while soaking up the city’s culture. The course threads through Cali’s most recognizable areas — past the verdant banks of the Río Cali, through lively neighborhoods and wide downtown avenues, and with views toward the hills surrounding the city, before finishing in the vicinity of the Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero. Runners experience energetic local support, frequent live salsa bands and DJs at aid stations, and festive crowds that create a friendly, carnival-like atmosphere. The route is officially measured and certified for record and qualifying purposes, making the race suitable for athletes pursuing Boston Marathon qualifying times and recognized performance marks.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Evans Nyakamba Mayaka wins Maratón de Cali 2025 in 2:11:04
May 4, 2025Kenyan athlete Evans Nyakamba Mayaka won the Maratón de Cali 2025 with an official time of 2:11:04. The victory was celebrated at the Canchas Panamericanas finish and highlighted the race's competitive elite field.
Maratón de Cali 2025 draws more than 10,000 runners from 37 countries
Apr 6, 2025Organisers announced the inaugural international marathon field exceeded 10,000 participants representing 37 countries, making the 2025 event the largest long-distance race held in Cali in recent history. The race was also promoted as a Boston Marathon qualifier with bonuses for sub-2:10 (men) and sub-2:28 (women).
Course redesigned for 2025 edition to cover all four cardinal areas of Cali
Apr 1, 2025The 2025 route was a major update: the marathon started and finished at the Canchas Panamericanas and for the first time traversed south, north, west and east sectors of the city, passing landmarks such as the Túnel Mundialista, Chipichape and Avenida Sexta. Organisers also announced 13 cultural event points along the course to enhance runner and spectator experience.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Cristo Rey
The large hilltop statue and viewpoint overlooking Cali, a prominent landmark seen from many points on the course
Iglesia La Ermita
The iconic neo-Gothic church in downtown Cali, known for its distinctive spires and stained glass
Plaza de Cayzedo
The central public square and historic heart of Cali, surrounded by government buildings and parks
Bulevar del Río
The renovated riverside promenade along the Cali River used for scenic running and crowd viewing
Parque de los Gatos
The 'Park of the Cats' with famous cat sculptures near the riverfront and pedestrian areas
Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero
Cali's main sports stadium, often a landmark for major city races and events
Museo La Tertulia
Modern art museum on the riverbank, a cultural waypoint near the race route
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Cali, Colombia
CO
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day
- Valid online registration and race bib required
- Present official photo ID (cedula for Colombians or passport for foreigners) at bib pickup
- Medical certificate or clearance recommended; organizers may require a medical certificate dated within 6 months for the marathon
- Agree to and sign the event liability waiver and race rules
- Meet any specified COVID-19 or health protocols in effect at the time of the event
- Transfers of race entries are not permitted unless authorized by the organizers
Required Documents
- Photo ID (Cédula de Ciudadanía or Passport)
- Medical certificate signed by a physician (dated within 3–6 months)
- Proof of payment / registration confirmation
- Emergency contact information
- Parental consent form for minors (if under 18)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- In-person Registration (Race Expo)
- Club/Federation Entry
- Charity Entry
- Elite/Invitation
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds after registration; full refund available until 60 days before race (until 2026-03-04)
Partial refund (50%) available until 30 days before race (until 2026-04-03)
Bib transfer to another runner allowed until 14 days before race (until 2026-04-19) with an administrative fee
Deferral to the 2027 edition allowed until 7 days before race (until 2026-04-26) subject to an administrative fee
Medical refund (full or partial) available with a valid medical certificate submitted no later than race day; 10% administrative fee applies
Changes of distance (e.g., marathon to half marathon) permitted at bib pickup subject to availability and a fee
The race traditionally finishes at Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero, offering a stadium finish atmosphere for runners and spectators.
Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical race shirt, and there is typically a small post-race food area with water, snacks and recovery drinks.
Aid stations are frequent (approximately every 2.5–3.5 km) offering water and sports drink, and the official event provides electronic chip timing with published results on the race website.
Race weekend usually includes a small expo for packet pickup and local vendors the day before the race and a kids' run on race morning; many runners opt to attend the pre-race briefing and pasta dinner if organized by local running clubs.
Runners should plan to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before the 06:40 start due to road closures and limited parking; public transportation or drop-off near the start is recommended for spectators and participants.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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