The Marathon Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's premier destination marathons, combining a World Athletics- and AIMS-certified course with the tropical scenery of Puerto Vallarta's Pacific coastline. First established in 2020, the event has quickly grown into one of the country's most recognizable road races, attracting runners from across Mexico and around the world. The marathon showcases the city's vibrant waterfront, historic neighborhoods, palm-lined boulevards, and ocean views while offering a fast, predominantly flat course that is suitable for both first-time marathoners and experienced athletes seeking a Boston Marathon qualifying performance.
The event features four race distances, the full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, and 5 km, allowing runners of every ability to participate. The 2026 edition introduces a redesigned course with both the start and finish located at the iconic Los Arcos del Malecón, one of Puerto Vallarta's best-known landmarks. Throughout the race, participants experience a unique combination of coastal roads, urban streets, and the lively atmosphere that has made Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations. The route is certified by World Athletics, AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), and the Federación Mexicana de Asociaciones de Atletismo (FMAA), making marathon performances eligible for international qualification standards, including the Boston Marathon.