The tenth edition of the CAF Marathon 2026 turned Caracas into the epicentre of Latin American road running. On 8 February, more than 10,000 runners took to the streets to tackle 42.195 km, 21 km and, for the first time, a recreational 10 km race. The route crossed the Libertador, Baruta, Sucre and Chacao municipalities, and the result was a historic day: new course records in both marathon races, an unprecedented 47% of women among registered participants, and a celebration that showcased the running boom across the region.
This in-depth guide looks back at how the main event unfolded, who the key protagonists were, and what lessons the 2026 edition offers runners dreaming of racing in Caracas. We also explain how the SnapRace app can help you prepare and get the most out of an event of this magnitude.
The course and logistics: a marathon for everyone
The CAF Marathon started and finished at Los Caobos Park. The 42 km route combined wide avenues with moderate climbs and descents that required smart pacing and tactical awareness. For the first time, organisers added a 10 km distance, opening the door to newcomers and runners who prefer shorter challenges. In total, 2,000 people entered the marathon, 5,200 the half marathon and 2,800 the 10 km.
- Hydration points: twenty water stations and nine isotonic drink stations, spaced roughly every 2 km, helped runners stay hydrated despite the heat.
- Medical support and volunteers: eight medical posts, more than 460 volunteers and 2,000 security staff ensured runners were supported and protected throughout the event.
- Official championships: the race served as the Venezuelan National Marathon Championship and, for the first time, hosted the National Half Marathon Championship, sanctioned by World Athletics and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
- Environmental commitment: as part of the “green marathon” concept, cleaning crews moved in immediately after the finish to help keep the city tidy.
Results and records: Castelblanco and Ortiz make history
The headline of the day was a double course record. In the men’s race, Panamanian runner Jorge Enrique Castelblanco stopped the clock at 2:15:18 for 42.195 km, breaking the mark set by Brazil’s Justino da Silva in 2023. Castelblanco ran conservatively early on, blending into the half marathon pack before launching a sustained move after the 30 km mark. He credited the relatively cool temperatures and a well-executed pacing plan for his victory.
In the women’s race, Ecuador’s Silvia Patricia Ortiz delivered a remarkable 2:33:55. Fresh off a gold medal at the Bolivarian Games, Ortiz took the lead early and never looked back. She said the toughest segment came around 7 a.m., when the rising sun increased the heat, but the frequent hydration stations and the enthusiasm of the Caracas crowd helped her hold pace. She emphasised the value of structured training and noted that although the course is demanding, its moderate altitude and downhill sections can be conducive to fast times.
- Men’s 42 km podium: Jorge Enrique Castelblanco (Panama, 2:15:18); José Antonio Reyes (Venezuela, 2:20:33); Fernando Moreno (Ecuador, 2:20:44).
- Women’s 42 km podium: Silvia Patricia Ortiz (Ecuador, 2:33:55); Deysi Castro (Peru, 2:35:05); Natacha Castaño (Argentina, 2:45:18).
- Half marathon champions (21 km): José Daniel González (Venezuela, 1:06:35) and Edymar Brea (Venezuela, 1:15:54).
- Para-athletics / reduced-mobility 42 km winners: Juan Valladares (Venezuela, 1:45:29) and Yeni Hernández (Mexico, 2:30:13), both setting national records.
Thirty-three elite athletes from 13 Latin American countries took part, underscoring the CAF Marathon’s growing regional importance. Preliminary results indicate that Castelblanco’s and Ortiz’s times are now the fastest in the event’s history. In the half marathon, Venezuelans topped both podiums, highlighting the country’s depth in distance running.
The rise of women’s participation
One of the most striking features of the 2026 CAF Marathon was the surge in female participation: 47% of registered participants were women, the highest proportion in the event’s ten-year history. CAF and Venezuela’s Ministry of Sport noted that this milestone signals greater inclusivity in running and can inspire future generations. The addition of a 10 km option also encouraged women who are new to the sport or who prefer shorter distances.
Beyond the headlines, stories of resilience added depth to the day. Venezuelan runner Magaly Josefina García, winner of the 2025 edition, finished the marathon in tears after battling severe tendinitis from kilometre 5, yet insisted on reaching the finish line as a testament to her determination. These narratives humanise the event and remind us that completing a marathon is a personal triumph regardless of time.
Tips for running the CAF Marathon: training and strategy
If you’re considering the next CAF Marathon, careful preparation is essential. Based on this year’s race, here are some practical tips:
- Train in similar conditions: Caracas features a rolling course with climbs and descents. Incorporate hill repeats and moderate-altitude runs into your programme to adapt to the terrain.
- Acclimatise to the weather: February can be hot in the Venezuelan capital. Run early and practise your hydration strategy. Use isotonic drinks and gels in the second half of your long runs.
- Race strategy: many elite runners start conservatively and increase the pace in the final third. Avoid depleting your energy reserves before kilometre 30.
- Strength and recovery: include strength training and mobility work to reduce injury risk, especially for the calves and tibialis anterior, which take a beating on the downhills.
- Plan with technology: apps like SnapRace let you build personalised training plans, track progress and share safe routes in Caracas and beyond. The app also offers pace analysis and hydration reminders, ideal for demanding marathon prep.
If you want to go deeper on race nutrition, check out our marathon nutrition guide, with strategies for before, during and after the race. You may also enjoy our CDMX Half Marathon 2026 review to learn how to handle high-altitude events.
Final thoughts: a marathon that brings the region together
The tenth CAF Marathon didn’t just deliver record-breaking times; it also cemented Caracas as a key stage for Latin American road running. Castelblanco’s and Ortiz’s victories, the introduction of a 10 km race and the surge in women’s participation show that distance running is thriving in the region. For elite athletes and recreational runners alike, the event proves that with proper preparation and a passion for running, extraordinary results are possible.
Want to experience it in 2027? Start planning your training today with SnapRace, the app that supports you from your first strides to the finish line. See you at the next start line in Caracas!