Running at the end of the world, over volcanoes, through deserts, and along tropical coasts – South America offers us runners a stage that could hardly be more spectacular.
From icy cold in Antarctica to sweltering heat in the Colombian jungle: these races are not for the faint-hearted. Whether you are chasing personal bests or simply looking for a challenge you’ll never forget – on HDsports you will find events that make every runner’s heart beat faster.
Here comes a selection of the most beautiful, extraordinary, and emotional running events in South America – presented at full speed and with spectacular images.
The Most Spectacular Running Events in South America
Note: The order does NOT represent a ranking – each of these races has its very own magic.
1. Antarctic Ice Marathon – Chile
If regular marathons are too warm for you, then you should mark this date in red on your ice calendar. The Antarctic Ice Marathon is literally one of the coldest races in the world. In the middle of the icy vastness of Antarctica, at temperatures as low as -20°C, around 100 runners from all over the world battle their way through snow, ice, and wind.
You won’t meet selfie-joggers here, but true adventurers. A race that demands mental strength just as much as thick thermal underwear. And yes, even the penguins are watching – unless they’re lining up at the start themselves.
Date: December
All information about the Antarctic Ice Marathon
2. Aruba Marathon – Aruba
Welcome to paradise, where coconut palms instead of spectators line the course. The Aruba Marathon is a true highlight for sun worshippers with running shoes. The course runs along turquoise-blue coasts, through the tropical capital Oranjestad, and offers not only sporting but also visual highlights. An early start at 3:30 a.m.? Of course, because sunrises in Aruba are a real experience – even with a pulse of 160. Afterwards, it’s straight into the hammock with a medal in hand.
Date: June
All information about the Aruba Marathon
3. Atacama Crossing – Chile
Things get dry here. Bone dry. Atacama Crossing is a 250 km stage race through the driest desert in the world. Anyone who thinks heat is no opponent has never greeted the sun in the Atacama Desert. This ultra-marathon is not for the faint-hearted. Dunes, salt flats, river crossings, and moon landscapes – the scenery is as surreal as the achievement of the finishers.
There’s no abundance of water, but there is plenty of pride at the end of each stage.
Date: varies
All information about the Atacama Crossing
4. Chicamocha Canyon Race – Colombia
A trail that takes your breath away – and not just because of the elevation gain. The Chicamocha Canyon Race (CCR) runs through one of the largest canyons in the world – a natural wonder that even the Grand Canyon might envy. The course is rocky, steep, and spectacular. Runners move along remote paths, past cliffs, waterfalls, and Colombian hospitality.
Sore muscles are guaranteed – as well as goosebumps at the finish line. Distances range from just over 20 km to 100 miles.
Date: June
All information about the Chicamocha Canyon Race
5. Corrida de São Silvestre – Brazil
A very special way to end the year. The Corrida de São Silvestre is not an ordinary road race – it is a running festival in the middle of São Paulo with over 30,000 participants. On December 31, the metropolis transforms into a joyfully sweating crowd that ends the year with a bang. Samba, applause, and plenty of Brazilian spirit accompany the 15 kilometers. Whoever runs here is practically dancing into the new year.
The race was first held in 1925. This makes it not only one of the largest but also the oldest New Year’s Eve races in the world.
Date: December 31
All information about the Corrida de São Silvestre
6. Curaçao Marathon – Curaçao
Colorful, cheerful, and absolutely Caribbean: The Curaçao Marathon is a race with a vacation vibe. From the famous Queen Emma Bridge to the crystal-clear coast, the course offers everything you’d expect from an island – except maybe shade. But don’t worry, the race starts in the middle of the night at 3:30 a.m.
The running atmosphere is family-like, the after-race parties are legendary. Ideal for everyone who doesn’t take running too seriously – but takes it very much to heart.
Date: November
All information about the Curaçao Marathon
7. Maraton de Buenos Aires – Argentina
Buenos Aires doesn’t just dance tango – it runs too. The Maraton de Buenos Aires is Argentina’s biggest marathon and leads through wide avenues, past historic buildings, parks, and the legendary River Plate stadium. The atmosphere is electrifying, the terrain flat – perfect for personal records. And afterwards? Empanadas, Malbec, and Mate for recovery. That’s how recovery is done, Argentine-style.
Each year the event attracts over 10,000 participants (including side events).
Date: September
All information about the Maraton de Buenos Aires
8. Maraton Medellín – Colombia
Between urban flair and green hills, you run in Medellín – once dangerous, today sporty. The modern metropolis has reinvented itself and with its marathon offers a charmingly challenging course. The altitude makes your lungs whistle, but the enthusiasm of the spectators and the warmth of the city carry you across the finish line. Viva Colombia!
Nearly 30,000 participants (including side events) take part in Colombia’s oldest marathon.
Date: September
All information about the Maraton Medellín
9. Maratona do Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
Beach, sun, Sugarloaf – the Rio Marathon is a run straight through a postcard. Along the coast from Copacabana to Ipanema, runners celebrate the sport with samba rhythm in their hearts. It’s hot, it’s humid – and yet you run with a permanent smile on your face. Whether half marathon, marathon, 5 km, or 10 km: everyone’s a winner here – at least with a vacation photo.
Date: June
All information about the Maratona do Rio de Janeiro
10. Maratona Monumental de Brasília – Brazil
If you love architectural highlights while running, then Brasília is the place to be. Brazil’s capital is famous for its futuristic buildings – and at the Maratona Monumental you run right past them. The course is picture-perfect: wide boulevards, vast skies, and plenty of room to breathe (at least in theory).
The organization is top-notch, the spectators numerous and enthusiastic. And for those with energy left afterwards: the National Congress may not invite you to run, but it will definitely make you marvel.
Date: November
All information about the Maratona Monumental de Brasília
11. Patagonia Run – Argentina
Welcome to the wilderness: The Patagonia Run in San Martín de los Andes is an adventure for everyone who loves nature, elevation, and real challenges. Between mountains, forests, and lakes, trail runners tackle distances from 10 km to 100 miles through breathtaking terrain. The scenery is so beautiful it almost distracts from the muscle burn. Almost.
And if you still have air left at the finish line: don’t forget to smile – the finish banner is right on the lakeshore.
Date: April
All information about the Patagonia Run
Click on "Next / Weiter" to get to Part 2 of the most beautiful runs in South America:
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