A sea of 14,500 runners will take to the streets on Sunday, September 22 for the Buenos Aires International Marathon. It’s one of the largest marathons in the southern hemisphere.

Runners will set off at 7 a.m. at Av. Figueroa Alcorta and Dorrego, in the Bosques de Palermo parks. The picturesque route will bring them past many of the most iconic spots in the city. In the first ten kilometers, they loop north, past the ex-ESMA memorial site and River Plate’s Monumental stadium. From there, they head south towards the city center, down 9 de julio, past Teatro Colón to the Obelisk and around Plaza de Mayo. From there, the route will take them past Boca Juniors’ Bombonera stadium, before heading back through Puerto Madero to the start line. 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first Buenos Aires International Marathon, which took place in 1984. Since then, the 42.2-kilometer race has been held every year except for 2002 and 2020, when it was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who’s going to win?

The full elite list hasn’t been announced yet. However, on Wednesday the race organizers announced that Kenyan athlete Rodah Jepkorir Tanui will be at the start line. She’s already won the Buenos Aires Marathon three times, including last year in 2:24:52, and holds the course record. Watch this space for more announcements!

Can I still run the 2024 marathon?

The Buenos Aires marathon is popular because it’s a flat, fast course with a gorgeous route, making it a great candidate for avid marathon-runners to score new personal bests. Runners from all over the world participate: last year, the men’s and women’s winners were both from Kenya. Our British managing editor crossed the finish line just after a Paraguayan and just before a Peruvian, after being overtaken by an Ecuadorian. This year’s race, organized by the Ñandú Association, has already sold out, so there are no more spaces available. 

Don’t despair, though: there are still a few 10k races around Buenos Aires before the onset of the summer heat. If you’re into endurance running in Argentina, there’s a 10k, a half marathon and a 60k ultra around the lake in the abandoned town of Epecuén in November, with thermal springs to ease your aching muscles. If that sounds too easy, there are still some spots for El Cruce, the three-day, 100km race through the Patagonian mountains. If you’re wondering what that entails, our lifestyle journalist Danielle survived to write about it last year.

You may also be interested in: She is the Buenos Aires Half Marathon national champion. Five months ago, she nearly retired

Where can I buy running gear in Buenos Aires?

A running expo will be held in Parque Sarmiento, via the entrance of Av. Triunvirato on the Friday and Saturday before the race. Runners will be able to pick up their kits — which include their official marathon t-shirt and their runner ID number. They’ll need to bring their ID, a medical clearance certificate, and their voucher for proof of registration.

There will also be sporting gear and clothing available for purchase at the expo, which is open to the public as well. This is a great place to pick up high-end aqua packs and other bits of hydration paraphernalia, as well as a broad range of energy gels and chews, salt tabs, amino acid supplements, and anything else a sports nutrition nut could want. 

What roads will be closed?

Traffic in Buenos Aires will be affected by the marathon. Road closures start at 4:00 a.m. and will continue until past midday, so allow for extra time and expect diversions if you’re planning to take a bus, taxi, or drive through the area. A full list of road closures is available online.