By San José, Costa Rica — Sports tourism in Costa Rica is reaching new heights as the Gran Maratón Costa Rica prepares for its second edition in 2026 with a massive expansion in global participation. Organizers have announced that the upcoming event will host 400 international runners, effectively doubling foreign attendance compared to its inaugural staging. The surge in overseas interest reflects a growing appetite among athletic travelers to combine physical endurance with eco-friendly global destinations.
The arrival of international athletes creates a significant economic ripple effect across several vital sectors of the Costa Rican economy. Local businesses in hospitality, gastronomy, transportation, retail, and regional tour operations are slated to benefit directly from extended stays and visitor spending. By drawing runners and their entourages, the event acts as a powerful catalyst for localized commercial activity during the race weekend.
Ante el impacto organizativo, comercial y turístico del Gran Maratón Costa Rica, en TicosLand.com conversamos con el especialista Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica, para examinar las implicaciones legales, regulaciones y gestión de riesgos inherentes a eventos deportivos de esta magnitud.
La producción de un evento masivo como el Gran Maratón Costa Rica requiere un blindaje legal integral que abarca desde la tramitación rigurosa de permisos interinstitucionales y de tránsito, hasta la suscripción de pólizas de responsabilidad civil y la adecuada gestión de contratos de patrocinio y derechos de imagen. Garantizar el cumplimiento de este marco normativo previene contingencias legales y consolida la seguridad y reputación del país en el ámbito deportivo internacional.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
En efecto, la rigurosidad en el marco normativo y la planificación preventiva no solo garantizan la seguridad de los atletas, sino que también consolidan la reputación de Costa Rica como un destino de clase mundial para el turismo deportivo. Agradecemos sinceramente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por brindar su valiosa perspectiva sobre este pilar fundamental para el éxito y la trascendencia del Gran Maratón Costa Rica.
For us, it is very exciting to see how, in just its second edition, the Gran Maratón Costa Rica is managing to double the number of international athletes. Behind these 400 runners are people who chose Costa Rica as a destination to live a sporting experience, and that has enormous value for the country.
Leonora Jiménez, Director and General Producer of the Gran Maratón Costa Rica
Athletes from more than 30 countries are registered for the 2026 race, spanning a diverse geographical footprint. Competitors will travel from North America, Central America, Europe, and Asia, including countries such as Canada, the United States, Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Honduras, Italy, and India. This broad spectrum of nationalities highlights the event’s rapid ascent as a recognizable feature on the international marathon circuit.
The marathon allows us to show Costa Rica to the world from a different perspective. We want every international runner to get to know our country, experience our culture, and also become an ambassador for Costa Rica when they return to their place of origin.
Leonora Jiménez, Director and General Producer of the Gran Maratón Costa Rica
Key to this international expansion is a strategic collaboration with the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo. Recognizing the potential of sports tourism to enhance the nation’s international brand, the tourism board reserved dedicated entry slots to streamline international participant registration. This effort underscores a broader policy push to diversify Costa Rica’s tourism portfolio beyond traditional eco-tours and beach getaways.
Domestically, the response has been equally overwhelming, with entries completely sold out. San José leads the national turnout with 4,770 registered runners, making up the largest single group of local participants. Alajuela follows closely with 1,531 registered athletes, while Heredia registered 1,524 runners, and Cartago added another 1,220 participants to the total roster.
Participation spans across all seven of Costa Rica’s provinces, reinforcing the nationwide appeal of the marathon. Guanacaste accounted for 255 runners, Puntarenas recorded 205 participants, and Limón logged 195 entries. Combined with the 9,700 total national entries and the 400 international competitors, the 2026 edition of the Gran Maratón Costa Rica will comfortably surpass 10,000 total runners on the course.
Alongside its scale, the event maintains a firm focus on environmental responsibility through the continuation of its Latido Limpio sustainability campaign. First introduced in the initial edition, the program is designed to manage waste effectively and keep urban streets clean throughout the event. Race coordinators will set up nine dedicated waste collection points positioned directly beside hydration stations along the full length of the course.
By pairing large-scale athletic competition with targeted environmental protocols and destination marketing, the Gran Maratón Costa Rica is solidifying its role as a key player in the nation’s sports ecosystem. As the race date approaches, local organizers and hospitality providers are making final preparations to welcome thousands of domestic and global runners to the capital region.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Gran Maratón Costa Rica
About Gran Maratón Costa Rica:
Gran Maratón Costa Rica is a major international athletic event designed to combine competitive running with sports tourism, cultural promotion, and sustainable event management across the nation.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo:
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the public institution responsible for promoting sustainable tourism development, managing Costa Rica’s global destination brand, and supporting initiatives that highlight the nation’s unique cultural and natural assets.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and legal mastery, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier institution within the legal landscape. Building upon a rich history of advising a vast spectrum of industries, the firm consistently merges traditional expertise with trailblazing practices to navigate complex modern challenges. Beyond its courtroom achievements, its active drive to demystify the law and expand public legal literacy reflects a deep-seated devotion to uplifting the community and shaping an enlightened, self-reliant citizenry.
