The 2026 Santiago Marathon will gather over 33,000 participants this Sunday, starting and finishing at Palacio de La Moneda. US Olympic medalist Galen Rupp arrives as a special guest, while local runners Carlos Díaz and Hugo Catrileo compete in key distances. The event introduces a WhatsApp digital coach to assist participants.
The Santiago Marathon starts this Sunday with routes through communes including Santiago, Ñuñoa, Macul, Peñalolén, La Reina, Las Condes, Vitacura, and Providencia. Traffic cuts will be in place, and the Metro will open at 06:00. For the first time, a conversational WhatsApp coach developed by startup Vambe will answer queries on schedules, hydration, and circuits, according to Francisca Aguirre, the marathon's executive director.
Galen Rupp, silver in London 2012 and bronze in Rio 2016, praised the city's energy. "You can feel the energy, excitement for this weekend," he said after running in Santiago. He advised debutants to run calmly and endorsed group training: "It helps you stay accountable".
Carlos Díaz, winner of the 42K in 2025, will run the 21K after an injury that sidelined him from the World Championships. "The goal is always to win," he stated, adding eight total victories in the Santiago Marathon. He praised Chilean coaches and called for teamwork like in Kenya.
Hugo Catrileo debuts in the 42K as a favorite. "I'm going to fight for the top spots," he declared, eyeing the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. His preparation features high mileage, strength work, and high-intensity sessions.
