Bogotá breathes running. In a city that rises 2,640 meters above sea level, every stride is a challenge and a celebration. The Colombian capital has woven a running culture that unites locals and visitors in parks, avenues, and trails, creating a community that beats to the rhythm of sneakers against asphalt and dirt.
Best Routes for Running in Bogotá
The city offers settings for all levels and preferences:
- Simón Bolívar Park (Main Circuit - 5 km, beginner/intermediate level): The green lung of Bogotá with well-maintained trails and family atmosphere. Ideal for consistent training. Address: Carrera 60 #63-10, Bogotá. Website: idrd.gov.co/parque-simon-bolivar. Google Maps: View on Google Maps.
- Sunday Ciclovía (Chapinero-Usaquén Route - 8 km, beginner level): Every Sunday and holiday, 120 km of roads are freed up for cyclists and runners. Seventh Avenue transforms into a human river of athletes. Schedule: Sundays and holidays 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Information: idrd.gov.co/ciclovia.
- National Park (Hill Circuit - 3.5 km, intermediate/advanced level): Rolling terrain with challenging climbs and panoramic city views. Perfect for strength training. Address: Carrera 7 #36-40, Bogotá. Google Maps: View on Google Maps.
- Quebrada La Vieja Trail (4 km round trip, intermediate level): A natural escape within the city. Dirt trail with moderate ascent culminating at Cerro de Monserrate. Access: Calle 72 with carrera 2 este. Recommendation: Arrive early (before 7:00 AM) to avoid crowds.
- Bogotá River Malecón (Fontibón Section - 6 km flat, beginner level): New infrastructure along the river, ideal for long, steady runs without vehicular interruptions. Location: Avenida Ciudad de Cali with Calle 17, Fontibón.
2026 Running Race and Event Calendar
The Bogotá running year is marked by events that bring together thousands:
- Bogotá Half Marathon (March 2026): The iconic event with route through main avenues. Registration open from January. Price: From $80,000 COP. Official website: mediamaratonbogota.com.
- Women's Race (May 2026): 10K solidarity race that fills Simón Bolívar Park with color and female energy. Registration: From April 2026. Cause: Support for breast cancer foundations.
- Night Run Bogotá (August 2026): Nocturnal race of 5K and 10K with special lighting and festive atmosphere. Price: From $60,000 COP. Website: nightrunbogota.com.
- Run for Education (October 2026): 5K and 10K with social cause, organized by local foundations. Location: Simón Bolívar Park. Contact: info@correporlaeducacion.org
- Bogotá San Silvestre (December 31, 2026): Traditional year-end race through the historic center. Registration: From November 2026. Starting point: Plaza de Bolívar.
Training Groups and Runner Communities
Nobody runs alone in Bogotá. The city buzzes with groups that welcome runners of all levels:
- Bogotá Runners Club: Training sessions Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 AM at El Virrey Park. Contact: @bogotarunnersclub on Instagram. Location: El Virrey Park, Calle 88 with carrera 15. Web: Instagram.
- Seventh Avenue Runners: Group that takes advantage of Sunday Ciclovía for guided sessions. Meeting point: Parque de la 93 at 7:00 AM Sundays. Contact: corredoresdelaseptima@gmail.com
- Trail Runners Bogotá: Trail specialists. Outings on Saturdays to different eastern hills. Information: trailrunnersbogota@gmail.com. Web: trailrunnersbogota.com.
- Women Who Run Bogotá: Exclusive community for women, with emphasis on inclusion and mutual support. Meetings Wednesday 6:30 PM at National Park. Instagram: @mujeresquecorrenbogota
Tips for Running at High Altitude and Bogotá's Climate
Running in Bogotá requires smart adaptation:
- Progressive acclimatization: The first days, reduce your usual pace by 30-40%. The body needs 7-10 days to adapt to the altitude.
- Constant hydration: Altitude dehydrates faster. Drink water even when you're not thirsty.
- Layered clothing: Bogotá's weather changes quickly. Use layers you can remove during the run.
- Sun protection: At 2,640 m, UV rays are more intense. Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days.
- Listen to your body: Altitude sickness can manifest with headache or nausea. Stop if symptoms appear.
Frequently Asked Questions about Running in Bogotá
Is it safe to run in Bogotá?
Yes, especially in the main parks and during Sunday Ciclovía. It's recommended to run in groups and avoid very early or very late hours in lonely areas.
Do I need special equipment to run at high altitude?
Not necessarily, but it's important to use appropriate shoes for the terrain (asphalt or trail) and layered clothing to adapt to temperature changes.
Where can I rent running equipment in Bogotá?
Several specialized stores offer shoe and equipment rentals. We recommend visiting GetYourGuide to find tour and running equipment options in the city.
Are there groups for beginners?
Absolutely! Most of the mentioned groups have sessions for beginners. Bogotá Runners Club and Women Who Run Bogotá are especially welcoming to new runners.
Bogotá awaits you with its streets and trails. Every run here is a conversation with the city, a dialogue between personal effort and the urban landscape that transforms under your feet. The Bogotá runner community has open arms - you just need to lace up your sneakers and join the rhythm.
Interested in exploring Bogotá by running? Join our weekly running group to discover corners of the capital while you exercise. Write to comunidad@malokal.com for more information. And if you want to live a guided experience, don't hesitate to book a running tour with GetYourGuide to discover the best corners of the city while you exercise.
