Travel through Chile: a unique experience that combines sport and tourism

Throughout the country, several cities organize races that invite you to discover unique landscapes while running. From the coast to Patagonia, each sporting event offers a different experience.

If you are thinking of traveling to run, Chile offers scenic and challenging routes, with unique landscapes and a huge running community. In addition, many competitions take place in tourist destinations, which allows you to extend your trip beyond the race.

Below in the blog you will find information about different races and challenges so you can get excited and get to know the cities by running. Let's get to it!

Chile: a perfect destination for sports tourism

Sports tourism has grown strongly in Chile in recent years. More and more national and foreign runners travel motivated to participate in marathons, half marathons and urban races.

Not-to-be-missed races in Chile this first semester 2026

The Chilean sports calendar offers multiple options for all levels. Below we will review some of the most important ones, mentioning those for which registrations are available.

One of the most anticipated is the Santiago Marathon, which takes place on April 26. This race attracts thousands of participants every year, from all corners of the country and from different Latin American countries. Its circuit runs along important avenues of the capital, starting at La Moneda, combining city and mountain views.

This race, being the most massive in the country, has already sold out its quotas, although keep in mind that in November it usually opens its registrations for the 2027 version.

On the other hand, on the coast, the Viña del Mar Half Marathon is another outstanding event. This race, to be held on Sunday, March 29, allows you to run by the sea in a privileged environment, with direct views of the city, crossing Reñaca, Viña del Mar and one side of Valparaíso. It will have two distances, 5 and 21 kilometers. There are still places available, make sure you get yours if you are passing through the Valparaiso Region.

In addition, there are other outstanding races throughout the year, such as:

1. Maule Marathon on April 12 with the distances of 10, 21, 42 and 90 kilometers.

2. Epic Trail Nocturno on April 11 with distances of 3.5m 7, 12 and 21 kilometers.

3. New Balance 15K on April 12, with the distances of 10 and 15 kilometers.

4. The Sports Day Run on April 11 will have distances of 3 and 5 kilometers in different regions of the country and will be free of charge.

5. The Month of the Sea Run on May 31 will take place in several cities, also free of charge.

6. Stgo 10K by ASIC will be held on May 31 and will have 5 and 10 kilometer distances.

7. 21K Valle del Elqui will take place in Vicuña, Coquimbo Region, on May 31 with distances of 3, 10 and 21 kilometers.

8. Desafío Entre Volcanes will take place on May 17 in Puerto Varas with distances of 4, 8 and 21 kilometers.

9. Trail Minero will take place in Vallenar on May 16 with distances of 7 and 14 kilometers.

10. The Biosfera Trail Run Olmué will take place on May 16 with distances of 4, 9, 16 and 23 kilometers.

Discover cities while running

One of the greatest advantages of traveling to run in Chile is the possibility of getting to know different destinations. Each city offers its own identity that is reflected in its routes.

In Santiago, running involves running through urban neighborhoods, parks and emblematic avenues. It is an experience that mixes sport with culture.

In Viña del Mar, the experience changes completely. Here you run by the ocean, with unobstructed views and a more temperate environment.

Further south, cities like Valdivia offer circuits surrounded by nature, rivers, and even rain. In Patagonia, races become a unique adventure as they are located in the southernmost area of the world.

How to plan your running trip in Chile

Organizing a running trip requires considering some key aspects. The first thing to do is to register in advance for the race of interest.

Then, it is important to book accommodation close to the starting point. This facilitates the logistics on the day of the event, especially because races usually start between 7 and 9 am, usually on Saturdays or Sundays.

You should also check the climate of the destination. Chile is geographically diverse, so conditions can vary considerably. A sunny day implies a greater hydration strategy, while a cold and cloudy day requires a greater clothing strategy.

Finally, consider arriving at least two days early in the city to acclimatize. This will also allow you to adapt and get to know the environment before the race.

More than running: complementary experiences

Traveling to run in Chile is not just about competing. It is also an opportunity to enjoy complementary tourist experiences.

After the race, you can visit local attractions, sample typical gastronomy or visit vineyards. In the central zone, wine routes and cultural tours stand out.

In the south, you can explore national parks and natural landscapes. In the north, the desert offers ideal skies for astro-tourism.

This balance between sport and tourism is what makes this type of travel so attractive.

Chile as a destination for international runners

Chile stands out in South America for its diversity of landscapes and safety for travelers. This makes it an attractive destination for international runners.

In addition, the organization of sporting events has improved notably. Many races have international standards, good logistics and the benefit of using the time registered in the classification for The Abbott World Marathon Majors.

Air connectivity also facilitates access to different cities. This makes it possible to plan travel routes that include several experiences in a single trip.

Where to find official information

If you are interested in traveling to run in Chile, it is essential to get information through official channels. If you want to know prices, start times and more info, access the Corre Chilewebsite , which has all the information on these and many other races.

On the Running Chile website there is also a complete calendar of races: https://www.runningchile.cl

Traveling to run in Chile is an experience that combines sport, culture and nature. Whether in the city, the coast or Patagonia, each race is an opportunity to discover the country from a different perspective. Cheer up, there is a distance for everyone!