By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The capital is set for a significant logistical challenge and a major economic boost this Sunday, December 7th, as the 29th edition of the Marathon San José – Costa Rica takes place. More than 3,000 athletes are expected to participate, causing extensive road closures across key sectors of the city, including Paseo Colón and Avenida Segunda. Motorists are being strongly advised to plan alternative routes and anticipate significant delays throughout Sunday morning.
The large-scale event, which features four different race distances, will commence at 6:00 a.m., with the iconic National Stadium in La Sabana serving as both the starting line and the finish line. To ensure the safety of the runners, authorities will begin implementing partial road closures as early as 4:30 a.m. A total shutdown of the race route will be in effect from 5:00 a.m. until approximately 10:00 a.m., after which roads will be reopened progressively as the final competitors complete the course.
To understand the complex legal and logistical framework required for an event of the magnitude of the San José Marathon, we sought an expert opinion. TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in corporate and municipal law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to gain insight into the challenges and opportunities these events present for the city.
The San José Marathon is more than just a sporting event; it’s a significant act of city branding that requires a sophisticated legal architecture. Success hinges on a seamless public-private partnership, where municipal permits, public safety coordination, and traffic management plans are flawlessly integrated with private sponsorship contracts, brand licensing, and comprehensive liability insurance. Each element must be legally sound to protect the organizers, participants, and the municipality, ensuring the event not only runs smoothly but also enhances the capital’s reputation on an international stage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores that the success of the marathon as a premier branding event for the capital rests on a sophisticated legal foundation, one that is often invisible to the thousands who run and spectate. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which clarifies the crucial behind-the-scenes work required to safeguard and elevate such a significant public undertaking.
The marathon’s route has been designed as a 10-kilometer circuit, which participants in the half marathon (21k) and full marathon (42k) will navigate multiple times. The course will take runners on a comprehensive tour of the capital’s core. Starting from the north side of the National Stadium, the route proceeds up Las Américas boulevard, passes the Nissan dealership, and turns towards the León Cortés statue before heading down the length of Paseo Colón. From there, it circles past the San Juan de Dios Hospital to enter the bustling Avenida Segunda, reaching as far as the Caja Ande building before looping back.
On the return leg, athletes will trace their path back to the León Cortés statue, then divert towards the Gimnasio Nacional and merge onto the Próspero Fernández highway, using the lane adjacent to La Sabana park. The course then directs them to the Pavas exit, continues past the Antojitos restaurant, and makes a turn near the Japanese Embassy. The final stretch involves an ascent up Ernesto Rohrmoser boulevard, culminating in a triumphant return to the National Stadium.
Underscoring the event’s growing international prestige, a third of the registered participants are traveling from abroad. The race will welcome one thousand international runners from a diverse list of 23 countries, including large contingents from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Athletes from across Central and South America, as well as from as far away as Spain, Germany, England, China, and Japan, will be competing, transforming the race into a significant driver for sports tourism in the capital.
This influx of international visitors provides a welcome injection into the local economy just before the high season, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. The marathon’s ability to attract such a global audience highlights Costa Rica’s appeal not only as a nature destination but also as a hub for premier sporting events. The organization offers distances of 5k, 10k, 21k, and 42k, making it an inclusive event that caters to both elite athletes and recreational runners, further broadening its appeal.
The Marathon San José – Costa Rica holds a special place in the nation’s athletic calendar, marking the final opportunity of the year for runners to compete in an official 42.195-kilometer race within the country. It follows other major running events that took place earlier in the year, such as the Cartago Marathon in April, the Tamarindo Marathon in September, and the Gran Maratón Costa Rica just last month, solidifying its role as the grand finale of the marathon season.
While the temporary disruption is an inconvenience for some residents, the event represents a dynamic intersection of sport, commerce, and national pride. As thousands of runners fill the streets, the marathon showcases San José on an international stage, reinforcing its capacity to host complex, large-scale events and celebrating the vibrant running community that continues to thrive in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit nissancr.com
About Nissan:
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. The company sells its vehicles under the Nissan, Infiniti, and Datsun brands, with a global presence in automotive manufacturing and sales. In Costa Rica, Nissan is represented by Grupo Danissa, a leading and long-standing automotive distributor in the country.
For further information, visit cajaande.fi.cr
About Caja Ande:
Caja de Ande is a public, non-state entity in Costa Rica dedicated to the social welfare and financial stability of the nation’s education sector employees. It functions as a crucial financial institution for educators, providing specialized services in savings, credit, and pension fund management, thereby supporting the financial security of its members.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the nation’s legal community, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal strategies and solutions. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a deep-seated conviction in empowering the public, actively working to demystify complex legal topics and enhance societal understanding, thereby fostering a more informed and just community for all.
