
Lima Marathon
Lima, Lima Province, Peru
Overview
The Lima Marathon draws approximately 9,000 finishers on an urban road in Lima, Peru. The course starts and finishes at the Plaza de Armas in the historic centre. Mostly flat along the clifftop roads with ocean views.
Lima Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Lima Marathon 2027 race day
The next Lima Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 16 May 2027 with a 6:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 58 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Lima Marathon course route
The Lima Marathon is a city-and-coast loop that starts and finishes at the Plaza de Armas and links the historic centre with Miraflores, Barranco, and the Costa Verde cliffs. The clifftop straights and smoother seafront roads are easiest, the exposed links between districts with wind and subtle rollers are tougher, and spectator support is strongest in the Plaza de Armas, through Miraflores and Barranco, and along the ocean-view sections.
Lima Marathon elevation profile
The Lima Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 58 metres of climbing and 58 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Lima42K Marathon accepts open registration through lima42k.com.pe with no ballot or qualifying standard. Sign-up for the August race typically opens mid-year. As Peru's flagship city marathon, it draws strong local participation and international runners apply through the same online portal.
Lima Marathon course videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Marathon Lima 42K 2026: 3D Video Course Map | 42.2 km - Lima
Highlights Lima 2019 Men 300m final
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Lima Marathon elevation profile?
- The Lima Marathon has 58 metres of total climbing and 58 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Lima Marathon?
- The Lima Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Plaza de Armas in the historic centre.
- What time does the Lima Marathon start?
- The 2027 Lima Marathon starts at 6:00 am local time on Sunday, 16 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.lima42k.com.pe/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Lima Marathon run along the Pacific coast?
- Yes. The course traverses the Miraflores and Barranco clifftop districts, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean throughout much of the race. The seafront Malecón promenades — with cliffs dropping to the beach below — give the Lima Marathon one of the most dramatic oceanside settings in South American running.
- How does Lima's coastal humidity affect the marathon?
- Lima has a peculiar climate — cloudy, humid (85–95% relative humidity), and grey for much of the year, yet rarely cold or hot. May temperatures average 17–20 °C, which are comfortable for running, but the persistent coastal fog (garúa) can make conditions feel cooler and wetter than they appear.
- When is the Lima Marathon held?
- The Maratón de Lima (Lima 42K) is typically held on the third Sunday of May, when the coastal climate is at its most temperate before winter fog fully sets in. Check lima42k.com.pe for the official date.
- Is the Lima Marathon course flat?
- Largely flat, with around 58 metres of total elevation gain. The course traces the coastal clifftop boulevards and Miraflores park roads, which are predominantly level despite being perched above the Pacific shoreline.
- What makes running through Miraflores special at the Lima Marathon?
- Miraflores is Lima's upscale seaside neighbourhood, full of paragliders launching from the clifftops, gardens, and parks. Running through it with open-ocean views to the west and the modern Lima skyline to the east creates a unique South American marathon experience.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Lima.



Maraton de Cali
The Maraton de Cali draws approximately 3,000 finishers each May on an urban road in Cali, Colombia. It gives Colombia a major new full marathon outside Medellin. The course passes wide valley-city roads, river sections, and salsa-capital neighborhoods backed by the Andes foothills. Wide valley-city roads, river sections, and salsa-capital neighborhoods backed by Andes foothills give Colombia a major May full marathon outside Medellin.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027


Maraton de Vina del Mar
The Maraton de Vina del Mar draws approximately 3,000 finishers each October on a scenic coastal road in Vina del Mar, Chile. Its oceanfront route is the main attraction and keeps the race visually open from early on. The course passes the Pacific promenade, casino district, and coastal avenues linked with neighboring Valparaiso scenery. The Pacific promenade, casino district, and coastal avenues linked with Valparaiso scenery keep October's Chilean race visually open from the first kilometer.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
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