Run the oldest half: Media Maraton de Lima

Running has become very popular in many parts of the world, and Lima is no exception. I grew up and lived in Lima for most of my life, and even though running wasn’t my main sport growing up, I did run as part of my training for other sports. I also had friends and family who would go out for runs frequently and lured me into this sport. While growing up, I joined the only running club I knew in those days in Lima—Perú Runners—for a few long runs on the weekends.

Now, times have changed. When I was in Lima last year, many of my friends were part of different running clubs. I remember going out for a run the weekend before the Lima Half Marathon, and the streets of Miraflores were packed with groups wearing shirts from so many running clubs that it would have been impossible to count them all.

That said, I really enjoy running in my home city. The weather is perfect—not too hot in summer and not too cold in winter. There are many nice places where you’ll enjoy magnificent views, and I must say that running along the beach on the Malecón of Miraflores is my favorite place to go for a run. So, if you’re visiting Lima, don’t miss the chance to discover the city through a run. A few places I would recommend for running in Lima are:

 - El Golf, San Isidro
 - El Pentagonito, San Borja
 - Malecón de Miraflores
 - Malecón de Barranco
 - El Golf, La Molina

As running has grown on me over the last two years, I’ve been trying to squeeze in a race during my vacations. I ran the Miami Half Marathon this February—the date was perfect because it was the same week as my birthday. If you're like me and have plans to visit Peru, I’ve listed some races for you here:

Lima Half Marathon (21K & 10K)

I had the privilege of running this race in 2024. This iconic event is listed as the oldest 21K in many international race directories. It gives you the chance to go through many neighborhoods such as Cercado de Lima (the historic center), Jesús María, Lince, San Isidro, and Miraflores. The course is mostly flat, with some slight inclines that might be the perfect setup to push for a PB. This was my first half marathon and I took it calmly—finished it in 2:06—and at the end, I felt like there was a lot more in me to push. The race is already sold out for 2025, but keep an eye on it for 2026—it's a very popular race.

Date: August 24th, 2025
Start: Plaza de Armas de Lima
Finish: Circuito Mágico del Agua del Parque de la Reserva
Website: https://mediamaratondelima.com.pe

Lima Marathon (42K, 21K, and 10K)

This is the most important running event in Peru and one of the biggest in South America. I haven’t run the full marathon yet, but I did the 10K in 2023 and the atmosphere was electric—thousands of runners, cheering crowds, and water stations well organized throughout the course. The 42K takes you through key districts in Lima such as San Isidro, Miraflores, Lince, and Cercado de Lima. The course is officially certified by World Athletics and is mostly flat, which makes it a great option for a Boston qualifier or simply enjoying a scenic urban route. The marathon starts early in the morning when the weather is cooler, and you’ll share the streets with thousands of local and international runners. It’s a bucket-list race if you’re planning to run in Latin America.

Date: May 25th, 2025
Start: Av. Canaval y Moreyra, San Isidro
Finish: Parque de la Reserva (Circuito Mágico del Agua)
Website: https://lima42k.com.pe

 
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and found some useful information to help you run during your next visit to Lima.

– Augusto B.