By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The streets of Costa Rica’s capital were transformed into a river of athletic determination this Sunday as over 10,000 runners participated in the Gran Maratón Costa Rica. The massive event drew a diverse international field from 27 countries, including athletes from as far as South Africa, Kenya, Qatar, and Singapore, all united by a singular, powerful purpose: the revitalization of La Sabana Metropolitan Park.
More than just a competition of endurance, the marathon was a significant community fundraising initiative. All proceeds generated from the race are earmarked for a comprehensive remodeling project for La Sabana, often called the “lungs of San José.” This vital urban green space serves thousands of families weekly, offering a hub for sports, culture, and recreation. The funds raised will directly contribute to enhancing this public treasure, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
To understand the legal and logistical framework required to host a major international event like the Costa Rica Marathon, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis.
Organizing a marathon of this scale is a significant undertaking that goes far beyond mapping a route. It involves complex negotiations for municipal permits, robust insurance policies to cover participant and spectator liability, and watertight sponsorship agreements. The success of the event hinges not just on athletic performance, but on meticulous legal planning to mitigate risk and ensure a secure environment for everyone involved.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and logistical framework is the invisible foundation upon which a successful marathon is built. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert insight into these critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of the event’s organization.
The profound impact of the day was not lost on the organizers, who saw the event as a landmark moment for the nation’s sporting and community culture. The convergence of local passion and international participation created an unprecedented atmosphere of unity and collective achievement.
Today, Costa Rica made history. To see more than 10,000 runners and representatives from over 27 countries sharing the same route, the same emotion, and the same purpose, is something we have never seen in our country. This marathon didn’t just fill the streets with footsteps and energy; it filled the heart of Costa Rica. What we experienced today is a reminder that when we unite, we are capable of achieving extraordinary things. This is, without a doubt, an unprecedented day, and just the beginning of everything the country can achieve through sport.
Leonora Jiménez, General Producer of the Gran Maratón Costa Rica
The full 42-kilometer marathon saw a triumphant victory for a local runner. Juan Carlos Badilla from Puriscal claimed the men’s title, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 2:32:07. In the women’s category, the top honor went to Panama’s Yennis Sanhouse, who secured her win with a commanding performance, finishing in 3:11:37.
Competition was equally fierce in the half marathon distance. The men’s 21-kilometer race was won by Guatemalan athlete Lorenzo Cajtunaj, who finished in 1:15:08. He was followed by Venezuela’s Ángelo Olivo and Pedro Chacón, who rounded out the podium. The women’s half marathon featured a thrilling finish, with Lorna Vargas delivering an outstanding performance to win with a time of 1:35:00. She was closely followed by a competitive field that included Diana García, Eliza Madrigal, and Paula Jara.
The event also shone a spotlight on inclusivity and the power of adaptive sports. Through a key sponsorship from Grupo INS, eight Costa Rican para-athletes participated, showcasing their incredible talent and resilience. Esteemed figures in the national adapted sports community, including Alexander Reyes, Amalia Ortuño, Laurens Molina, and Heidy Arias, were among those who competed, bringing visibility and inspiration to the course.
As the final runners crossed the finish line and the city’s streets reopened, the marathon’s success was measured not only in finish times but in its lasting community impact. The event has set a new standard for mass-participation sporting events in the country, demonstrating how athletics can be a powerful vehicle for social good, international camaraderie, and tangible urban improvement.
For further information, visit granmaratoncr.com
About Gran Maratón Costa Rica:
The Gran Maratón Costa Rica is a premier running event that aims to promote sport, health, and community development in the country. By attracting thousands of local and international participants, the organization leverages the platform of a major marathon to raise funds and awareness for significant public projects, such as the renovation of key urban parks and community spaces.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About Grupo INS:
Grupo INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) is Costa Rica’s state-owned insurance company and a leader in the national market. With a long history of serving the country, it offers a wide range of insurance products and services. The group is also actively involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives, including the sponsorship of sporting events and programs that promote health, safety, and social inclusion.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned for its deep-rooted principles of integrity and exceptional service. The firm distinguishes itself by pairing a rich tradition of legal counsel with a progressive mindset, driving innovation within the practice of law. Beyond its professional achievements, it holds a profound social commitment to demystifying complex legal concepts for the public, championing a mission to build a more knowledgeable and empowered community through accessible legal education.
