Perú Runners celebrates 115 years of the Lima Half Marathon with inclusion and solidarity.

This Sunday, August 25, Peru Runners is preparing to carry out the iconic Kia Media Maratón de Lima & 10K Powered by Puma, an event that marks the 115th edition of one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the world. Alejandra Rodríguez, general manager and director of the race, expressed her enthusiasm and pride in leading this historic competition, highlighting the importance of demonstrating that Peruvians are capable of organizing high-quality sporting events. "We are very happy that in the year celebrating the 40th anniversary of Peru Runners, the half marathon is celebrating its 115th year. It is truly an honor for us to be able to organize this race and raise the standard year after year," Rodríguez commented in a recent interview with El Comercio. The race is not just a sporting event but a symbol of Peru Runners' commitment to the growth of running in the country and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. One of the new features this year is a photography exhibition belonging to the Historical Archive of El Comercio, which highlights the legacy and significance of the Media Maratón de Lima. Since its inception, when Lima was still a city on horseback and only four editions of the Olympic Games had been held, this race has been a pioneer in the sporting arena, establishing itself as a benchmark in the history of national athletics. In addition to its rich history, the half marathon has also committed to social causes. Rodríguez highlighted that over 100 charity champions are collecting funds for various non-governmental organizations, such as the Peruvian Cancer Foundation, Flama Peruvian Foundation for Women and Sport, CARE Peru, and WUF Peru. So far, more than 50,000 soles have been raised, with the goal of increasing this amount in the weeks leading up to the race. "The Media Maratón de Lima is not just a race, but a vehicle for inclusion, unity, and solidarity," Rodríguez noted. This statement underscores the organization's intention to use the event as a platform to promote social awareness and support for different charitable causes, turning the act of running into an act of responsibility and commitment to the community. This year, more than 17,000 runners are expected to participate, a number that reflects the growing interest in running in Peru. The half marathon competition attracts the majority of participants, surpassing those in the 10K race. A notable statistic is that female participation has reached 46.10%, demonstrating the increasing interest and commitment of women in this sport. Another innovation in this edition is the inclusion of categories for blind athletes, as well as medals that will feature text in braille, showcasing Peru Runners' effort to make the event an accessible and inclusive experience for all runners, regardless of their abilities. The event will take place with scheduled starts at 6:00 a.m. for the 10K race and at 7:00 a.m. for the half marathon, beginning at the Plaza de Armas in Lima, with the finish line at the Parque de La Reserva, better known as the Magic Water Circuit. This location not only adds a special touch to the race but also allows participants to enjoy one of the most iconic spaces in the city. "It is a race full of history, full of tradition, and for us, it is a luxury to continue this tradition," concluded Rodríguez. Her words reflect Peru Runners' commitment not only to organizing top-tier events but also to the legacy left with each edition of the Media Maratón de Lima. Since its inception, this event has been a driving force for development and social cohesion, and it will undoubtedly continue to be a highly anticipated event on the Peruvian sports calendar for many more years to come.