Media Maratón Ciudad de Arequipa
The Lowdown
The Media Maratón Ciudad de Arequipa is an annual road race held each August in Arequipa, Peru's second-largest city, timed to the city's founding-anniversary month. Now in its fourth edition, the event is organized by Event Sports Perú with support from the Municipalidad Distrital de Yanahuara and offers three distances - 5K, 10K, and a 21K half marathon as the marquee event - starting and finishing at the Plaza de Yanahuara, with views of the snow-capped El Misti volcano. Held at roughly 2,335 meters (7,660 feet) above sea level, the course is a genuine altitude challenge for visiting runners even as it winds past colonial-era landmarks in the historic Yanahuara district along the Rio Chili. The race has grown quickly since its debut in 2023, drawing thousands of entrants from across southern Peru, with age-group prizes awarded to the top three finishers in each of eighteen men's and women's categories, plus recognition for the top three running clubs by participation.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Plaza de Yanahuara (start/finish)
Mirador de Yanahuara
Rio Chili
Views of El Misti volcano
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru
PE
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minors require signed parental/guardian authorization
- Medical clearance recommended given the ~2,335m (7,660 ft) altitude
Required Documents
- Photocopy of national ID (DNI) or passport
- Signed liability waiver
- Emergency contact information
Entry Methods
- Online registration via Event Sports Perú (eventsportsperu.com)
- Payment by Yape or BCP bank transfer
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Review the organizer's official terms before registering; entries are generally non-refundable and non-transferable.
First held in 2023 as a tribute to Arequipa's founding-anniversary month; the 2025 edition (3rd) ran August 3 and expected roughly 2,000 entrants.
Organized by Event Sports Perú with support from the Municipalidad Distrital de Yanahuara.
Electronic timing chips and certified judges officiate the race; medical exam recommended given the city's high altitude.
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