Maratón Internacional de San Juan is one of Argentina’s premier winter road races, offering runners the rare opportunity to race from the foothills of the Andes into the heart of the city on a fast, scenic, point-to-point course. Held each July in the province of San Juan, the event has steadily grown into one of the country’s most important marathon festivals, attracting elite athletes, recreational runners, and international visitors alike. The race is particularly appealing for personal best attempts thanks to its cool winter temperatures, World Athletics-certified marathon and half marathon courses, and a route that combines mountain scenery, vineyards, open roads, and urban landmarks.
The marathon begins near the spectacular Punta Negra Dam, where runners are surrounded by rugged Andean landscapes before descending along the lake and through the vineyards and rolling hills of the region. The course continues through the scenic Quebrada de Zonda, passes the historic Eduardo Copello racetrack, and follows the Ruta del Sol before entering downtown San Juan via Avenida Libertador General San Martín. The final kilometres showcase many of the city’s best-known landmarks, including the Government House, Aldo Cantoni Stadium, Parque de Mayo, the birthplace of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, the Cathedral of San Juan, and finally the impressive finish line in front of the Bicentennial Theatre. The event also offers 21K, 10K, and 5K races, making it accessible to runners of every experience level while creating a festival atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. The 42K and 21K courses are officially certified by World Athletics and the Argentine Athletics Confederation (CADA), ensuring internationally recognized course accuracy.
