Bogotá's Top Running Events: Half Marathon, Ciclovía, Carrera Atlética Compensar

Bogotá’s calendar of running and fitness events offers something for every athlete and first-timer, with several major races approaching in the coming weeks. The most prominent, the Bogotá Half Marathon (Media Maratón de Bogotá), is set for Sunday, July 26, 2026, featuring 10K and 21K distances that start at Simón Bolívar Park. The event annually draws more than 40,000 participants and is a World Athletics-certified race, attracting runners from over 60 countries, in part because of the challenge and training benefits of Bogotá’s altitude at 2,640 meters above sea level.

The city’s reputation as a running destination has grown significantly over the past decade. Bogotá now hosts numerous races year-round, and the global interest in high-altitude training has turned the capital into a hub for competitive and recreational runners alike. With its cool climate and extensive network of parks and closed roads, Bogotá offers conditions that are hard to replicate elsewhere. The half marathon typically takes place in late July, but the city’s fitness calendar is packed year-round.

Key races and how to sign up

For those looking to start, the Carrera Atlética Compensar on Sunday, July 5, 2026, is a strong entry point. The event, which attracts around 8,000 runners, has added a new 15K distance alongside its existing 3K, 5K, and 10K options. Registration details are available through the organisers’ websites, and the race is based at Simón Bolívar Park, the same starting point as the half marathon. Another recurring option is the silent Run Bogotá, a nocturnal event with music that took place on June 20 this year but continues as a staple of the city’s fitness scene.

Registration for the Bogotá Half Marathon can be completed online via the event’s official site, where runners can also find details on the ExpoMedia, the pre-race expo. The race draws participants from more than 60 countries, and the high altitude means runners often need to adjust their pacing. Many competitors arrive days early to acclimatise. The course is flat and fast by Bogotá standards, winding through the city’s main parks and avenues, but the thin air makes every kilometre feel longer.

Weekly training: Ciclovía and beyond

Beyond organised races, Bogotá offers the world’s largest urban running and cycling event: Ciclovía. Every Sunday from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 120 kilometres of city streets are closed to traffic, creating a safe, car-free corridor for runners, cyclists, and walkers. The route passes through many of the city’s main neighbourhoods and parks, including the Simón Bolívar Park area. Ciclovía is free, requires no registration, and is open to all ages and abilities, making it the ideal weekly supplement for anyone training for the half marathon or other races. Runners can use the dedicated lanes to simulate the conditions of race day or simply build endurance at their own pace. The event has become a Sunday ritual for thousands of residents, and it serves as the backbone of Bogotá’s amateur running community.