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WHAT TO KNOW

Medio Maratón San Blas 2026: Everything You Need to Know

PlateaPR

Whether you're participating or cheering from the sidewalks, here's everything you need to know about the Medio Maratón San Blas in its 64th edition in Coamo.

When Is the San Blas Marathon 2026?

Mark your calendar. The Medio Maratón San Blas 2026 will take place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, and will feature a record 5,000 registered athletes, 1,800 more than the previous edition.

In addition, 15 wheelchair athletes will cover the full 21-kilometer distance, reaffirming the inclusive character of the race.

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What Makes the San Blas Special?

The Medio Maratón San Blas is more than a race; it is a tradition that has thrived for more than 60 years. What makes it unique is the remarkable connection between runners and spectators, creating a sports experience that can only be found at the San Blas.

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Medio Maratón San Blas (Facebook screenshot)
👟 Runner Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Know According to Antonio Rodríguez Colón, executive director of the Medio Maratón San Blas 2026, runners should keep the following in mind:

Before race day

  • Registration is closed and no changes to entries will be accepted

  • Attend the athlete presentation on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Fraternidad Delta Phi Delta

On race day

  • Arrive at designated parking areas before 5:00 a.m. Athlete transportation will only be available until that time

  • Start location: PR-14, sector Las Calabazas

  • Start time: 6:30 a.m.

  • Athlete arrival time: Between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

  • Parking will be available at the Facilidades de FIFA (PRIDCO industrial zone, behind the Velódromo Panamericano), with transportation included

🚙 Parking and transportation

Parking will be at the FIFA (Federación Internacional de Fútbol Asociación) grounds, located in the PRIDCO industrial zone, behind the Velódromo Panamericano. Access points from Route 153 will be marked.

From the parking area, bus service works as follows:

  • Athlete buses: depart starting at 2:00 a.m. The last bus leaves at 5:00 a.m.

  • Family buses: separate service, also marked.

  • Estimated travel time: 15 to 20 minutes from the parking area to the drop-off point.

  • Walk from the bus to the starting line: approximately 500 meters.

  • Return: buses will take athletes and family members back to the parking area together until 11:00 a.m.

Athlete buses will be marked with "Atletas" in the windows. Family buses will also be marked.

Corrals and staggered start

The start will be staggered to manage the record number of runners:

  • 6:00 a.m. — Wheelchairs

  • 6:30 a.m. — Elite

  • After the elite — Corrals 1, 2 and 3 (with 1 minute and 30 seconds between each corral)

Corrals are assigned based on the estimated finish time each runner provided at registration:

  • Corral 1: Estimated time of up to 1:30 hours

  • Corral 2: Estimated time of 1:31 to 2:30 hours

  • Corral 3: Estimated time of 2:31 to 3:30 hours

Your runner number already indicates your assigned corral. Look for it on the left side of your bib.

The famous "Cuesta del Ajoguillo"

Myth

The Cuesta del Ajoguillo is just another hill on the course.

Reality

It's where the winner is decided. Located at km 14, it is the steepest climb in the Medio Maratón San Blas.

Located around kilometer 14 of the route, runners have already covered a significant distance before facing this challenge. It is one of the steepest climbs on the course, and every runner respects it.

— Antonio Rodríguez, Executive Director of the Medio Maratón San Blas

Despite its reputation, there is no reason to fear the Ajoguillo. It is simply part of the unique San Blas experience.

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Ajoguillo banner at the 62nd edition of the Medio Maratón San Blas.
💡 Tips for enjoying the marathon:
  • Arrive between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. There is no transportation after 5:00 a.m.

  • Use Route 153 as the main route. Route 14 will be closed from 8:00 p.m. on Saturday.

  • If you are traveling with family, keep in mind that transportation for athletes and family members is separate on the way there, but together on the return.

  • Festival San Blas will be active starting Thursday. If you arrive early, take a walk around the plaza.

  • The Sunday after the race has arts programming all day: trovadores, Don Perignon, Sonora Ponceña, Willie Rosario and Charlie Aponte.

🎉 Beyond the race: Festival and celebrations

The Medio Maratón coincides with the Festival San Blas 2026, Coamo's cultural, culinary and crafts celebration.

Feb. 27 – March 1, 2026

Cultural schedule for the Festival San Blas 2026

Full schedule of Coamo's culinary and crafts festival. More than 50 artisans, local restaurants, live music and Puerto Rican tradition, day by day.

Thursday, Feb. 26 — Pre-festival activities

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Health and Services Fair

Blood pressure, glucose, vision and dental exams, haircuts and styling, nail care, government agencies and entertainment.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Traditional Cultural Games

At the public plaza in Coamo.

Thursday is a good day to arrive in Coamo at a relaxed pace, explore the town and enjoy the activities before the festival gets underway on Friday.

Friday, Feb. 27 — Festival opening

7:00 p.m.

"Coamo Brilla" Cultural Show

With the senior classes from Coamo's schools.

9:00 p.m.

Nio García Música

10:00 p.m.

Grupo Manía Música

Saturday, Feb. 28

10:30 a.m.

Press Conference and Athlete Presentation Deporte

At Fraternidad Delta Phi Delta.

2:00 p.m.

"Puerto Rico Gana" with Alex DJ Música

With the senior classes from Coamo.

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Dedicatoria a Coameños Ausentes Cultural

At Museo Histórico Ramón Rivera Bermúdez.

4:00 p.m.

Tribu de Abrante Música

6:30 p.m.

Planéalo Música

8:00 p.m.

Sergio Vargas Música

10:00 p.m.

Manny Manuel Música

Saturday is the festival's busiest day. At 10:30 a.m. you can meet the half marathon athletes, and in the evening enjoy Sergio Vargas and Manny Manuel. Keep in mind that highway #14 closes at 8:00 p.m., so plan your route accordingly.

Sunday, March 1 — Race Day

Medio Maratón San Blas

6:00 a.m.

Start – Wheelchair Athletes Deporte

15 athletes will cover the full 21 km.

6:30 a.m.

Start – Elite and Corrals Deporte

5,000 runners from the Las Calabazas sector.

Post-Race Festival

12:30 p.m.

Concurso de Trovadores Cultural

2:00 p.m.

Orquesta de Don Perignon Música

4:00 p.m.

Sonora Ponceña Música

6:30 p.m.

Willie Rosario y su Orquesta Música

Closing

Charlie Aponte Música

Don't leave early on Sunday. After the race, the festival closes with a top-tier salsa lineup: Don Perignon, Sonora Ponceña, Willie Rosario and Charlie Aponte. Sunday's lineup is worth staying for the whole day.

Where to eat and what to do in Coamo

If you're going to Coamo for the half marathon, take the opportunity to explore the Villa de San Blas de Illescas, known for its thermal springs and for being, as its residents say, "the center of the universe."

The municipality has a solid dining scene ranging from bars with creative cocktails to restaurants deep in the hills with sweeping views. Here are the stops worth considering.

Bakeries and breakfast spots

Restaurants for lunch

Champions' honors: The San Blas coronation

Fraternidad Delta Phi Delta dedicates this edition to Coamo brothers Derick José Martínez, Erick Martínez and Edrick José Martínez, U-20 Olympic wrestling medalists who led the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico to a three-peat championship in 2025.

  • The Martínez brothers will place the laurel crown on the race winner.

  • Anayling Cruz Colón, 12 years old and national champion of the Federación Puertorriqueña Ecuestre, will do the honors for the first woman to cross the finish line.

A posthumous tribute will also be held for journalist Alex Delgado Rosado, in recognition of his contributions to the race over the years. His children, Julián Alexis and Isabella Delgado, will represent him at the runners' starting point.

Can't attend in person?

  • Watch the live stream on social media.

  • Listen to the official radio coverage on NotiUno 630, the official broadcaster of the San Blas.

This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).