San José Comes Alive with an International Marathon Showcasing Outstanding Athletic Performances

Athletes from Three Countries Took Center Stage in the 2026 Edition

The streets of San José became a major sporting stage during the 2026 San José Marathon, an event that brought together thousands of national and international runners in one of the most important athletics competitions in the country. The race featured remarkable performances from athletes representing Kenya, Mexico, and Costa Rica, who claimed victories in the event’s main categories.

The marathon once again transformed the capital into a meeting point for regional and international athletics, attracting competitors and spectators from across the globe.

A Competition That Brought Together Thousands of Runners

The 2026 edition welcomed approximately 5,000 participants across several race distances: 42 kilometers, 21 kilometers, 10.5 kilometers, and 5 kilometers. The event included open, masters, and adaptive categories, promoting inclusion and encouraging participation among runners of different ages and abilities.

In addition to elite athletes, the marathon attracted recreational runners, families, and fitness enthusiasts, creating a festive atmosphere centered around health, sports, and community engagement.

Kenya and Mexico Dominated the Marathon Distance

In the men’s 42-kilometer race, Kenyan runner Rodgers Ondati Gesabwa secured victory with an impressive finishing time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 45 seconds. His performance reinforced Kenya’s long-standing reputation as a powerhouse in long-distance running.

In the women’s marathon, Mexican athlete Argentina Valdepeñas claimed first place with a time of approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, outperforming a strong international field.

These results highlighted the increasingly international profile of the San José Marathon, which continues to attract high-level competitors from around the world.

Costa Rican Athletes Also Celebrated Major Successes

Costa Rica enjoyed significant achievements throughout the competition. In the men’s half marathon (21K), national runner Juan Carlos Badilla captured first place, demonstrating the continued growth of long-distance running within the country.

Costa Rican athletes also secured victories in several other categories, including the women’s 21K, the 10.5K races, and the 5K events, showcasing the depth of local athletic talent and the success of sports development programs across the nation.

Several national runners also finished among the top positions in the overall marathon standings, earning recognition as the highest-ranked Costa Rican competitors.

More Than a Race: A Celebration of Urban Sports

The San José Marathon has become one of the most important sporting events on Costa Rica’s annual calendar. Every year, it attracts both elite runners and first-time participants eager to challenge themselves and experience the excitement of a large-scale race.

The course passes through some of the capital’s most iconic avenues, parks, and landmarks, offering participants a unique opportunity to discover the city while competing in a professionally organized event.

The marathon’s success is supported by local institutions, sports organizations, and hundreds of volunteers who help ensure the smooth operation and safety of the competition.

A Commitment to Sustainability

One of the highlights of the 2026 edition was its environmental recognition. Following the event, the San José Marathon received the Ecological Blue Flag Award, a distinction that acknowledges efforts in waste management, environmental education, and sustainable event practices.

The recognition demonstrates how major sporting events can successfully combine athletic excellence with environmental responsibility.

An Event That Continues to Grow Every Year

The 2026 edition confirmed the continued growth of the San José Marathon as a platform for promoting sports, health, inclusion, and sports tourism.

The participation of elite international athletes, combined with strong performances by Costa Rican runners, reinforces the event’s importance within the Central American athletics calendar and strengthens San José’s reputation as a host city capable of organizing world-class sporting events.