Panamá Maratón
The Lowdown
The Panamá Maratón, held in Panama City, is the country’s premier long-distance road race and has quickly become a highlight of Central America’s running calendar. Founded to showcase Panama’s rich cultural mix and Pacific coastline, the event draws both elite international competitors chasing fast times and recreational runners looking for a scenic tropical marathon experience. The race’s early-morning start helps runners beat the equatorial heat and humidity, and the organizers emphasize safety, international standards, and a festive, community-driven atmosphere. The course is predominantly flat and fast, taking runners along Panama City’s most striking waterfront and urban landmarks. Expect long, open stretches on the Cinta Costera with sweeping views of the city skyline, transitions toward the Amador Causeway and its panoramic bay vistas, and loops through vibrant neighborhoods that offer enthusiastic local support and music stations. Aid stations are frequent and well-staffed to handle the tropical climate, and on-course scenery alternates between modern skyscrapers, coastal breezes, and pockets of green parkland. Runners describe the atmosphere as energetic and welcoming, with live bands, local dancers, and crowds that provide encouragement throughout the route. The event is organized to international measurement standards: the course is AIMS-measured and certified, recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifying course, and complies with World Athletics measurement protocols, making it attractive to time-focused runners seeking qualifying marks or personal bests.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Home favorite Jorge Castelblanco and Raquel Palmenia Agudelo win Panamá Maratón 2025
Nov 23, 2025Jorge Castelblanco won the 49th Maratón Internacional de Panamá in 2:27:40, and Colombia’s Raquel Palmenia Agudelo won the women’s race in 2:52:16; both received the advertised $3,000 winners' prize. Castelblanco’s victory was his fourth at the event, underscoring his dominance on the local course.
Organizers report record registrations for 2025 edition (3,500 entries sold)
Nov 23, 2025Organizers said the 2025 edition sold about 3,500 entries—marking a new participation high and leading them to plan for a 5,000-runner target in 2026. The event drew international delegations (Colombia largest) and prompted earlier than usual sellouts in some race categories.
Course overhaul and new kit sponsor announced ahead of 2024–25 editions
Mar 21, 2024For the 48th edition organizers introduced a revised AIMS/World Athletics-certified route that altered the Calzada de Amador section and removed the Vía Cincuentenario–Panamá Viejo segment to improve safety and flow. At the same launch Seiko renewed sponsorship and Adidas was added as the new official apparel sponsor (new race shirt and mola-themed medal design).
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Cinta Costera
Scenic coastal boulevard along the Bay of Panama where runners enjoy ocean views and skyline panoramas
Casco Viejo
The historic old quarter with colonial architecture and plazas that runners pass through late in the course
Avenida Balboa
Major waterfront avenue lined with skyscrapers and parks, a prominent flat stretch of the course
Puente de las Américas
Iconic bridge at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal visible from nearby sections of the route
Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
Picturesque causeway connecting small islands with views of the Bridge of the Americas and city skyline
Biomuseo
Frank Gehry-designed biodiversity museum on the Amador Causeway, a notable architectural landmark on the route
Miraflores Locks (Panama Canal)
Visitor center and lock complex offering views of canal operations close to parts of the marathon course
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Panama City, Panama
PA
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day
- Foreign and local runners welcome; open to all nationalities
- Online registration completed and paid before the stated registration deadline
- Presentation of valid photo ID required at bib collection
- Signed liability waiver and health declaration required at registration/bib pickup
- Medical certificate or physician clearance recommended (dated within 12 months); may be required for participants with known health conditions
- Participants must comply with event rules, directions of race officials and anti-doping regulations
- No transfers of bibs allowed; bib must be worn visibly during the race
Required Documents
- Photo ID (passport or national ID)
- Medical certificate signed by a physician (recent, as required)
- Proof of age (passport, birth certificate or ID)
- Copy of passport for international participants
- Signed liability/consent waiver
- Proof of registration/payment receipt
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Elite Invitation
- Group/Corporate Registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds for any reason (including injury or inability to attend)
Deferrals to the 2027 edition allowed until 30 days before the race; deferred entry equals 50% credit of the original registration fee toward the next year
Bib transfers permitted until 30 days before the race with a $10 administrative fee and organizer approval
If the organizer cancels the event due to force majeure or public health orders, registrants may choose a full refund or a free deferral to the 2027 edition
Changes to race distance or registration category allowed until 14 days before the race subject to availability and payment of any fee difference
The race starts very early (04:00) to beat the tropical heat and is known for a mostly flat, fast course that runs along Avenida Balboa and the Cinta Costera with panoramic views of Panama Bay and the city skyline.
Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical race shirt, and the post-race finisher area provides refreshments including water, electrolyte drinks, fresh fruit and light snacks.
There is an official race expo the day before with packet pickup and a kids fun run on race weekend, and the event offers awards for top overall finishers and standard five-year age-group prizes.
Aid stations are staffed roughly every 2–3 kilometers offering water and sports drink, and medical tents and cooling stations are positioned near the finish due to typically high humidity and temperatures in September.
Runners are strongly advised to arrive early and use public transit or team buses because road closures reduce parking near the start/finish areas, and to plan race-day hydration and pacing for hot, humid conditions.
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.