Cali Marathon 2026

"Cali pachanguero, Cali light of a new sky, Cali pachanguero, Cali light of a new sky" 💃

You might already know the rhythmic anthem of the city 🎶, performed by the local group "Grupo Niche". This group, originally from Bogota, was charmed by Cali, its salsa ambiance, its sense of festivity, and decided to settle there 🏠. Since then, they have continued writing and composing to praise the city internationally known as the "branch of heaven" 🌠. A city that will likely charm you with its various facets 🌓. And what better than a marathon in the city center to explore the deserted alleys, lively squares, and lovely corners of this festive capital ☀️? In May, to the sound of trumpets 🎺, güiros, maracas 🪇, claves, and bongos, come sway and exert yourself between palm trees and colorful murals 🎨.

Regarding the physical aspect, you will be able to perform surrounded by the best athletes on the planet 🌍. The Cali Marathon, renowned for its elevation and difficulty 😓, attracts more than 5,000 participants from all over the world every year. Whether you are looking for a race under the tropical heat 🌴 or simply seeking an event as festive 🥳 as it is sportive, you are in the right place! For the legendary distance of 42.195 km 🫵, the start will be at the large sports complex Jaime Aparicio, where you can observe the city's most imposing sports infrastructures, from the athletics track to the large swimming pool 🏊. So, in case you have some energy left 🧃 at the end of the race, you already know where you can head 😝. After a few kilometers, you can be captivated by the beauty of Iglesia La Merced and Iglesia La Ermita ⛪️, before crossing Río Cali, which peacefully flows through the city of the same name. Once at the end of the straight line, turn back south 🧭. Stay alert and on the road, you might spot the Cristo Rey, a gigantic 26m statue 🗽 that overlooks Cali from the mountains. If you have already been to Rio, you might find a resemblance with another very famous statue 👀. To top it all off, and to ensure that the start is as celebratory as the finish 🏁, the event's village is set at the intersection of the two main points of the course. Starting or finishing, everyone meets, encourages, and celebrates at the same place 🫶. The 15 km and 4.2 km courses will also allow you to discover the center more leisurely 🩴, preparing for your next marathon 😈.

Cali, the sun and salsa capital 🕺. The third largest city in Colombia and nicknamed the "world capital of salsa", or Capital Mundial de la Salsa for those more Colombian among us, the lovely Colombian city will show you all its colors 🌈. Depending on the seasons, you might find the Feria de Cali or the World Salsa Championships 🏆. If running is not your only passion and you also like to move your feet to the rhythm of the music 🎵, you won't be disappointed. From a historical point of view 🏛️, Cali is also considered the sports capital of Colombia 🏋️‍♀️. Here's a little cultural tip 📚: it's the only Colombian city to have hosted the Pan American Games (those of 1971, to be specific 🧐). If you plan to extend your journey in the area, you won’t lack cultural and historical activities! 👨‍🏫 Several places have been designed to discover local specialties and legends: numerous salsa museums 🏺 are accessible, the Calima Gold Museum, the Cali Zoo 🦁, or the Caliwood Museum. In terms of food, masetas, pan de bono, pan de yuca, or empanadas 🌮 will satisfy your endless appetite. Feel free to explore the surroundings, where you'll find trails winding through jungle, waterfalls, and mountains. Nearby, the Los Farallones National Park 🌳 is particularly known for its high concentration of rivers and water points. It's ideal for extending the physical effort with hiking 🚶‍♂️ or cycling 🚲. However, be watchful for pumas, panthers, and ocelots lurking around, looking for dinner 🍽️.

Ultimately, the Cali Marathon is an opportunity to combine travel, music, and physical exertion into one experience 🤟. If "enjoying" is your motto and you are not at odds with tropical temperatures 🏝️, all that's left to do is pack your bags and take off towards the start line ✈️.