Lima Half Marathon

Plaque name: Lima Half Marathon

Location: Municipalidad de Lima, Jirón Cailloma 482, Lima 15001, Peru

Plaque awarded: 24/08/2024

Reason: Plaque Category - Competition

The Lima Half Marathon held its inaugural event in 1909 with 70 runners, where Julio Calderón emerged victorious in the first two editions. By 1918, the race had introduced its first international participant, marking the start of its global tradition.

From the beginning, this iconic race has attracted both local and international athletes, running through the most frequented and emblematic squares of Lima, passing through various districts of the capital, and concluding in Callao, another notable city of the country.

The Lima Half Marathon was established through the efforts of Nicanor Villavicencio, a dedicated sports leader. In celebration of Peru’s Independence Day, Fiestas Patrias, Villavicencio encouraged and involved athletes and local authorities to organise the event.

In its early years, the race received support from the Club Atlético Grau and the Provincial Council of Lima. By 1930, the Peruvian Athletics Federation had joined in promoting the race, followed by the Asociación de Fondistas Peruanos in 1959. Since 2008, Peru Runners and the Municipality of Lima have co-organized the event, ensuring the continuation of its rich tradition.

Currently, the Lima Half Marathon stands as one of the premier events on Peru’s sports calendar. With participation exceeding 17,000 runners from over 30 countries, it has solidified its status as a first-class sporting event. The race continues attracting athletes from all over the world and reaffirming its historical and cultural legacy.