On April 26, 2026, the streets of Santiago de Chile became the stage for an unprecedented sporting celebration. More than 33,000 runners took part across the 42 km, 21 km, and 10 km distances of the Santiago Marathon 2026, cheered on by thousands of spectators along Alameda Avenue. The 25th edition of Chile’s most important marathon not only broke participation records but also crowned new long-distance stars and highlighted the strength of local athletes.
Marathon results (42 km)
The main race was dominated by Kenya’s Cornelius Kibiwott Chepkok, who claimed victory in 2:09:48 thanks to a steady pace that dropped his rivals in the final kilometres. His compatriot Michael Kirui finished second in 2:10:14, while Chile’s Hugo Catrileo delighted the home crowd with a historic third place in 2:10:21.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Getnet Belew led from the front and set a new course record with 2:27:57, ahead of Argentina’s Florencia Borelli (2:29:44) and Ethiopia’s Gode Chala Jijo (2:34:29).
- Top 5 men 42 km: Cornelius Chepkok (KEN) 2:09:48; Michael Kirui (KEN) 2:10:14; Hugo Catrileo (CHI) 2:10:21; Yitayal Atnafu Zerihun (ETH) 2:12:11; Daniel Cortés (CHI) 2:19:09.
- Top 5 women 42 km: Tigst Belew (ETH) 2:27:57; Florencia Borelli (ARG) 2:29:44; Gode Chala Jijo (ETH) 2:34:29; María José Calfilaf (CHI) 2:39:04; Nicole Urra (CHI) 2:40:44.
The standout performances of Hugo Catrileo and María José Calfilaf earned them the Erika Olivera Award, which recognises the top Chilean runners in each category and reinforces the rise of national distance running. Winner Tigst Belew highlighted the crowd’s support as a key factor in maintaining her pace and breaking the course record.
Half marathon results (21 km)
In the 21 km race, Peru’s Alejandro Alania took victory in 1:02:28, just one second ahead of Ecuador’s Luis Masabanda (1:02:29). Chile’s Carlos Díaz completed the podium with a time of 1:03:21.
In the women’s race, Argentina’s Belén Casetta won in 1:14:21, followed by Chile’s Catalina Langlois (1:18:50) and Manuela Bugueño (1:20:30). These results highlight the growth of middle-distance running in South America and the competitiveness among neighbouring countries.
- Top 3 men 21 km: Alejandro Alania (PER) 1:02:28; Luis Masabanda (ECU) 1:02:29; Carlos Díaz (CHI) 1:03:21.
- Top 3 women 21 km: Belén Casetta (ARG) 1:14:21; Catalina Langlois (CHI) 1:18:50; Manuela Bugueño (CHI) 1:20:30.
10 km race results
The most popular distance, with over 11,000 participants, was a true celebration. Chile’s Diego Uribe claimed victory in 29:52. In the women’s race, Daniela Moya won with 35:10, closely followed by Martina Acevedo.
The high level in this distance confirms that more and more runners — both amateur and elite — are using the 10K as a gateway to longer races.
- Top 3 men 10 km: Diego Uribe (CHI) 29:52; Benjamín Palma (CHI) 30:30; Cristian Muñoz (CHI) 31:05.
- Top 3 women 10 km: Daniela Moya (CHI) 35:10; Martina Acevedo (CHI) 35:45; Camila Navarrete (CHI) 36:08.
The Erika Olivera Award and the rise of Chilean distance running
After the race, organisers awarded the Erika Olivera Award to the top Chilean runners. Hugo Catrileo and María José Calfilaf were recognised for their consistency and performance, highlighting the importance of supporting local talent. Both athletes are now preparing for new international challenges, inspiring a new generation of Chilean runners.
Race analysis and course insights
The Santiago Marathon course runs along the iconic Alameda and passes landmarks such as La Moneda Palace and Plaza de la Ciudadanía. Weather conditions were ideal, with clear skies and temperatures around 15°C, allowing for fast times and strong performances.
The presence of elite African and South American runners raised the competitive level, while spectators provided constant support throughout the race. The 2026 edition also stood out for its social impact, with part of the proceeds allocated to sports and health programs in vulnerable communities.
Tips to prepare for your next marathon
- Follow a progressive training plan combining long runs, speed work and strength training.
- Include hills and fartlek sessions to adapt to changes in pace and elevation.
- Test your nutrition and hydration strategy during long runs.
- Prioritise recovery: rest, stretching and mobility work are essential.
- Train pacing strategy to avoid starting too fast.
To plan and track your training, you can use the SnapRace app. It allows you to monitor your progress, compare results and stay motivated through challenges and real-time rankings.
Conclusion
The 2026 Santiago Marathon confirmed that running in Chile and across Latin America is experiencing a golden era. With international-level performances and a historic local podium finish, the race delivered unforgettable moments. If you’re thinking about running it in the future, now is the perfect time to start preparing — your next finish line starts today.
You can also explore more race analyses on our blog, such as the Boston Marathon 2026, to keep learning from the world’s top events.