Discover Costa Rica running

Although it is small and it covers only 0.03 percent of the Earth’s surface Costa Rica proudly harbours 5% of the world’s existing biodiversity. This can be experienced in soaring treetops and jungle canopy, walking through cloud forests and swimming from beaches where protected ecosystems showcase some of the best biodiversity in the world.

San José, Costa Rica’s capital and the largest city in the country, is a sprawling metropolis and among the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. If offers good hotels and many wonderful museums, bars, restaurants, shopping centres, colourful markets and a fast-paced night life.

A bustling city located within a tropical paradise; San José is in the centre of the country. It lies in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful cloud forests and coffee plantations. Serving as a centre of operations for the rest of the country, San José is the perfect point of departure for visiting all of Costa Rica.

The Marathon has been held in the city of San José for 23 years and has been declared of national public interest by the Government of the Republic. Runners have a choice between the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 4km and 42km relay.

More than 5000 people set out at sunrise in early December to run from the west to the east of the city under a blue sky and in temperatures ranging from 17⁰C to 22⁰C. On the outward journey you can see the Irazu volcano and coming back the Poas Volcano. The course passes by the city’s most emblematic buildings including the SJO Cathedral, the National Theatre, ancient hospitals, the Museum of Gold and pre-Columbian Jade and the National Museum where in 1949 the historic decision was taken to abolish the army. Culture Square, Democracy Square and the National Congress building are all close by.

Elite athletes and amateurs from 32 countries share the course with children and people with disabilities, all running, jogging, or walking on a traffic-free circuit within the city and “La Sabana” Park and a start and finish in the imposing national stadium.

The “PURA VIDA” spirit is reflected everywhere. Make your next race into a “boutique” Marathon on a fast circuit with a 2:17.26 clocking, and enjoy discovering the country’s attractions: Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, beautiful tropical beaches, active volcanoes, cloud forests and the greatest ecological biodiversity in the world – all contained within just over 50000 square kilometres.