Manga for Running: The 5 km Circuit by the Sea
If you are in Cartagena and need a running route that is not the wall of the Historic Center (where you bump into tourists every two steps) nor La Bocana (which is far from everything), the Manga neighborhood is your best option. Here, locals have been doing their daily jog for decades, with sea breezes, shade from century-old trees, and almost no traffic jams. As of May 2026, this 5 km circuit remains the best-kept secret for runners who don't want to sweat among crowds.
The Manga neighborhood, built at the beginning of the 20th century on an old swamp, has wide streets and a coastal avenue that borders the Bay of Cartagena. It is not a flat-as-a-board route, but the inclines are gentle and the landscape makes up for every drop of sweat. Here I tell you the exact route, the key points to hydrate, and how to avoid the 11 am sun.
📌 Transparency
This article contains sponsored/affiliate links. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Historical and Contextual Introduction
Manga was not always the runner's paradise it is today. At the end of the 19th century, this area was a mosquito-infested swamp. When the Cartagena to Calamar railway began operating, the land was filled with rubble and garbage, and by 1910 there were already Republican-style houses with internal patios and tile roofs. Avenida Miramar, which borders the bay, was built in the 1930s as a pedestrian promenade, but over time it became the main road connecting Manga with the Center and Bocagrande.
Today, Manga is an upper-middle-class residential neighborhood, with mansions that seem straight out of a García Márquez novel. Avenida Miramar has an exclusive lane for cyclists and runners, separated from vehicular traffic by a concrete barrier. This makes it safe even for jogging at sunset. Locals know it: between 5:30 am and 7:00 am, you see dozens of people doing their route, from 70-year-old men to moms with baby strollers.
A curious fact: the statue of India Catalina that is at the roundabout of Avenida Miramar and Calle 25 is not the original. The real one is in the Museo del Oro Zenú, but this 1974 replica became the favorite meeting point for runners. If you arrive early, you will see a group of neighbors stretching against the pedestal while waiting for their companions.
What to Do: The 5 km Circuit Step by Step
The circuit is an imperfect oval that surrounds the Manga neighborhood along Avenida Miramar and Calle 25. It is exactly 5 km if you start and finish at the same point. Here I break it down by kilometer, with visual references so you don't get lost.
Kilometer 0: Starting Point at the Corner of Avenida Miramar and Calle 25
Stand in front of the India Catalina statue, at the roundabout where Avenida Miramar meets Calle 25. It is easy to locate: there is a Texaco gas station one block away and the Sociedad Portuaria building on the other side. From here, look towards the sea. You will run counterclockwise, following the curve of the bay.
The first 500 meters are straight, with the bay on your right. The pavement is smooth concrete, without potholes. At 6 am, the breeze is cool and the sun barely peeks out behind the San Felipe Castle. You will see fishermen's boats anchored near the Sociedad Portuaria dock. Don't get distracted by the pelicans: the ground has a slight slope towards the sea, but nothing that will throw you off balance.
Kilometer 1: Arrival at Parque de la Marina
After exactly 1 km, you pass in front of the Club de Pesca de Cartagena, a two-story white building with a terrace overlooking the sea. Right next to it is Parque de la Marina, a triangle of grass with wooden benches. There is a public drinking fountain here, but be careful: the water comes out lukewarm and tastes like chlorine. It is better to bring your own bottle.
At this point, the avenue splits: the running track stays close to the sea, while cars go on the inner road. There is a metal railing separating both lanes, so don't worry about vehicles. The pavement changes to cement cobblestone, which is a bit harder on the knees. If you have joint problems, it is better to use well-cushioned sneakers.
Kilometer 2: The Turn on Calle del Arsenal
Upon reaching kilometer 2, Avenida Miramar makes a sharp left curve. On the corner, there is a three-story yellow building with a sign that says "Edificio Bahía". Here you have to turn right to enter Calle del Arsenal, a narrow two-lane road that borders the Navy's Club de Suboficiales.
This is the most technical part of the circuit. The street has almond trees that provide dense shade, but the ground is rough asphalt with some raised roots. Be careful with small potholes, especially if it rained the night before. In 200 meters, you reach an intersection with Calle 24. Don't cross: continue straight on Calle del Arsenal until you see the wall of the Club de Suboficiales.
Kilometer 3: The Full Shade Stretch
Between kilometer 3 and 4, you run parallel to the military club's wall. This 800-meter stretch is the coolest of the entire route, because the mango and mahogany trees cover the entire sky. The ground is smooth concrete, without unevenness. Here you can pick up the pace if you want, because there are no traffic lights or pedestrian crossings.
At the end of this stretch, you see a green fence with a sign that says "Prohibido el paso". Don't enter: it is the entrance to the Navy's private dock. Instead, turn left onto Calle 25, which is a wide four-lane avenue. Here the traffic is heavier, but there is a 2-meter-wide pedestrian sidewalk. Run in the shade of the buildings, which faces south.
Kilometer 4: The Return via Calle 25
Calle 25 has a gentle 300-meter incline, which is the only notable slope on the circuit. Don't be alarmed: it is less than a 3% grade. At the top of the incline, you see the India Catalina statue again, about 800 meters away. This final stretch is straight and obstacle-free. If you have energy left, you can sprint to the roundabout.
Kilometer 5: Finish at the Roundabout
You arrive at the exact starting point. Your watch's GPS should read 5.0 km if you followed the route to the letter. If you want to extend the run, you can do another lap: the circuit is symmetrical, so you won't get disoriented. Many local runners do two laps (10 km) and then stretch at Parque de la Marina.
Where to Eat or Drink
After running, hunger and thirst strike. In Manga there are no fast-food chains, but there are several local stalls that save the day. Here are my recommendations, based on outings in May 2026.
Fruit Stall at Calle 24 and Avenida Miramar
At the corner of Parque de la Marina, a lady named Doña Elvira sets up her fruit cart from 6 am to 11 am. She sells cold coconut water (for $3,000 COP), freshly squeezed orange juice ($4,000 COP), and pieces of papaya with lime ($2,500 COP). She doesn't have sports drinks, but coconut water is better for rehydrating after the jog. Bring cash, because she doesn't accept cards.
Neighborhood Store "Mi Manga"
Half a block from the India Catalina roundabout, at Calle 25 # 23-10, there is a neighborhood store open Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 9 pm. They sell Gatorade ($5,000 COP), Powerade ($4,500 COP), and 1.5-liter bottles of water ($2,000 COP). They also have packages of saltine crackers and granola bars. The owner, Don Carlos, sometimes offers free black coffee if you buy something. Ask him for "tinto de olla", which is strained coffee with panela.
Restaurant "La Casa de Socorro"
If you want breakfast after the route, go to La Casa de Socorro, at Calle 24 # 22-15, two blocks from Parque de la Marina. They are open from 7:30 am to 2 pm. The typical breakfast costs $18,000 COP and includes arepa with egg, suero costeño, and a glass of soursop or mango juice. On weekends they have caldo de costilla ($12,000 COP), which is perfect for replenishing salts after an intense sweat. Pay in cash or with Nequi, because they don't accept credit cards.
How to Get There and Transportation
Getting to Manga by public transport is easy, but if you are coming from Bocagrande or the Center, you have several options. Here I explain the most practical ones for a runner carrying a bag with sneakers and a change of clothes.
By City Bus
The bus routes that pass through Manga are the T-101 (which goes from Bocagrande to Manga) and the T-102 (which connects the Center with Manga). The closest stop to the starting point is on Calle 25 with Carrera 22, one block from the India Catalina roundabout. The fare is $2,800 COP (reference prices from May 2026). Buses run every 10 minutes between 5 am and 10 pm. Bring coins, because the driver doesn't give change.
By Taxi or Uber
A taxi from the Historic Center (Plaza de la Aduana) to the India Catalina roundabout costs between $8,000 and $12,000 COP, depending on traffic. An Uber is similar, between $7,000 and $10,000 COP. If you are coming from Bocagrande, the trip is shorter and costs about $6,000 COP. I recommend ordering an Uber through the app, because yellow taxis sometimes overcharge tourists.
By Bicycle or Walking
If you are staying in the Historic Center, you can walk to Manga in 20 minutes. Cross the Puente Heredia (the railway avenue bridge) and continue straight on Calle 25 to the roundabout. It is a flat and safe walk, even at night, because there is public lighting. By bicycle, it takes 10 minutes, but be careful with cars on the bridge, which doesn't have a bike lane.
Local Tips
These tips I learned after several jogs in Manga. If you follow them, your experience will be much smoother.
- Run before 8 am or after 5 pm. The sun in Cartagena is relentless between 10 am and 3 pm. The heat index can exceed 35°C, and the 80% humidity leaves you breathless in 10 minutes. Locals go out at 5:30 am or 5:30 pm, when the sea breeze lowers the temperature.
- Bring your own hydration. On the circuit there are only two drinking water fountains: one at Parque de la Marina (kilometer 1) and another at the corner of Calle del Arsenal and Calle 24 (kilometer 2.5). But the water comes out lukewarm and tastes like metal. Better bring a 500 ml bottle and refill it at the "Mi Manga" store if you need to.
- Wear light-colored, quick-drying clothing. Cotton t-shirts get soaked in 5 minutes and weigh you down. Local brands like "Totto" or "Arturo Calle" sell technical t-shirts from $40,000 COP at their stores in the Mallplaza Shopping Center.
- Don't use noise-canceling headphones. On Calle 25 there is traffic from motorcycles and buses, and you need to hear the horns. Use bone conduction headphones or a single earbud. Local runners prefer not to use music to stay alert to cars.
- Stretch at Parque de la Marina, not at the roundabout. The India Catalina roundabout is a meeting point, but the ground is hot cobblestone and there is no shade. Parque de la Marina has grass, benches, and trees. Bring a towel to avoid getting your clothes dirty with the grass.
- If it rains, wait 30 minutes. Rains in Cartagena are torrential but short. If you get caught in a downpour, take shelter under the trees on Calle del Arsenal. In 20 or 30 minutes it stops and the ground dries quickly because the concrete retains heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the circuit safe to run alone?
Yes, it is safe. Manga is a residential neighborhood with private security on several corners and security cameras on Avenida Miramar. Locals run alone at 6 am without any problem. However, avoid Calle del Arsenal after 8 pm, because the lighting is dimmer and there are fewer people. If you are a woman, I recommend going in a group at sunset, as the neighborhood women do on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Are there public restrooms on the route?
There are no public restrooms on the circuit. The only option is to ask for permission at the Club de Pesca de Cartagena (kilometer 1) or at the "Mi Manga" store (kilometer 4.5). At the Club de Pesca, the guard usually lets runners in if you ask politely. Bring your own toilet paper, because there isn't always any.
Can I do the circuit on a bicycle or rollerblades?
Yes, but with caution. Avenida Miramar has an exclusive lane for bicycles and rollerblades, but Calle del Arsenal is narrow and shared with cars. Rollerblades are not recommended on the cobblestone stretch of kilometer 1, because the wheels vibrate a lot. On a bicycle, it is better to use the entire Avenida Miramar and avoid Calle 25 if there is heavy traffic.
Where can I download the GPX map of the route?
You can download the GPX map of the circuit on the Malokal website, in the Cartagena routes section. Search for "Circuito Manga 5 km" and download the file. We also include a 45-minute playlist with songs by Cartagena artists like Carlos Vives, Elkin Robinson, and the group Los 50 de Joselito. The list is on Spotify under the name "Trote en Manga".