Course & Elevation

The Costa Rica Marathon starts in the mountain town of San Isidro de El General and descends through Costa Rica's stunning Central Valley, offering breathtaking views of volcanic peaks, coffee plantations, and lush tropical landscapes. The course winds through small mountain communities and valleys, finishing in San José with a gradual downhill trend that favors fast times in the final kilometers.

Surface: road Profile: Rolling

Weather

Temperature 22°C

Humidity 65%

Rain Chance 15%

December offers excellent running conditions with cool mountain air in the morning, warming into comfortable mid-20s by afternoon. Low humidity and minimal rainfall make it one of Costa Rica's best months for marathoning.

The Race

San José

Race Lore

Born in the Running Boom

1981 Origin

The Costa Rica Marathon was founded in 1981, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 45 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in San José, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.

Running Through a Postcard

Course

The Costa Rica Marathon route is one of those courses where runners forget their pace and reach for their phones. The scenery through San José and its surroundings has earned this race a reputation as one of the most photogenic in North America.

🏅 Create Your Costa Rica Marathon Diploma

Finished this race? Get a free certificate with celebrity comparisons & race day weather

Registration

Registration Opens August

Registration Closes November

Entry Cost ₡95,000-₡125,000

Official Website →

Google Flights

Fun Facts

▸ Costa Rica Marathon is one of Central America's oldest and most prestigious marathons, first established in 1981.
▸ The race descends from the mountainous Pérez Zeledón region through cloud forests and coffee plantations to San José, offering runners a downhill advantage in the final half.
▸ The December timing coincides with Costa Rica's dry season and cooler mountain weather, making it one of the most runner-friendly marathons in Central America.
▸ The course showcases the biodiversity of the Central Valley, where runners may spot sloths, howler monkeys, and tropical birds along the route.

Compare With Similar Races

vsAtlanta Marathon vsAustin Marathon vsBay State Marathon

Are you the race organizer?

Claim This Race Get Embed Badge

Free · Get featured on our homepage · Edit your race details

Get alerts for Costa Rica Marathon

Registration openings, date changes, sell-out warnings.