Montevideo Marathon

Ready for a challenge? Many people from all around the world visit Montevideo each year to run the local Marathon. For those who take their time, there is plenty to see along the route.

From experience I can tall Montevideo marathon is a difficult one: the course is never flat, has some steep climbs and the cold sea wind can really make you suffer towards the end of the route.

The beatiful thing about the marathon of Montevideo is the fact that it takes you to +18 different areas of the city, including several parks and landmark monuments. The marathon is relatively well organized, there is (for example) no traffic on the course.

The highlights of Montevideo marathon

What are the highlights of the Montevideo Marathon?

• Palacio Legislativo (2,5 KM) – a run around the landmark parliamentary building is your reward after the first climb of the day!
• Parque Prado (7,5 KM) – A bit of running along the riverbank. The course passes the famous Hotel del Prado here and the statue of Obdulio Varela.
• Antel Arena (16 KM) – The modern concert hall is an arquitectonal highlight along the route.
• Parque Battle (20 KM) – Run downhill past the legendary Centenario stadium, but be careful: you have to run the same hill up 1 KM later!
• Rambla (24 KM) – At this point your city run turns into a seaside run. The turning point is at KM 28.
• Pocitos (33 M) – Those who still feel fine at this point can enjoy Rambla de Pocitos. Don’t forget to check the facade of Castillo Pittamiglio!
• Ciudadela (41 KM) – Don’t celebrate too soon, because you still have to go up Ciudadela street – a steep climb, with a rewarding entry to Plaza Independencia.
• Finish line (42,2 KM) – Medals, water and the interesting town hall building await yout at the finish line on Plaza Intendencia.

Is Montevideo marathon worth it?

At the moment of writing I ran 23 marathons. Montevideo marathon definitly has a certain charm, because the course is so much different than in big city marathons. At the same time it has to be said there are not as many fans and spectactors as in American and European marathons.

I would not recommend Montevideo Marathon as a first marathon or for people who want to smash their personal best. However, Montevideo Marathon is a fantastic experience for those who want a marathon that is a bit different and more dificult than the usual one.

With a cost of only $2000 pesos (43 euros, 50 dollars) the Marathon of Montevideo definitly offers a good value for your money. If you got excited, you can find more info here.

Other marathons in Uruguay

Looking for any other marathons in Uruguay? Unfortunately, actual marathons are spare here (although there are some very good ultra distance trail runs!)

I would recommend the beatiful and very well organized marathon of Punta del Este: the route is easier than the one in Montevideo. With a lot of luck you can even spot whiles while on your run.

New is the Paysandu Marathon, which I will run in november. I am very curious about the running culture in Uruguays most resilient city! (I should write about this time at some point)

There are several websites where you can find more information about running in Uruguay. Inscriptions can often be done through RedTickets, races can be found on sites like ProDeporte and the Insta page of Recorrer Uruguay.