Article written: September 25, 2026
Can you qualify for the Boston Marathon in Panama? Yes. The new Panama City Marathon, held for the first time on Sunday, September 20, 2026, runs on a course certified by World Athletics and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), which makes finishing times valid for Boston qualification.
More than 2,000 runners from about 40 countries took part in the inaugural edition, according to local sports broadcaster TVMax.
What Makes the Panama City Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
The Boston Marathon accepts qualifying times only from races run on courses that have been officially measured and certified. The Panama City Marathon’s 42.195-kilometer route was measured by a surveyor accredited by World Athletics and AIMS, and carries World Athletics course certification PAN2026-004.
The race is organized by Razzpao Latam, an associated member of AIMS, with adidas as its main sponsor. Organizers describe the course as fast, flat and at sea level, which they designed specifically with Boston qualifying in mind.
What Is the Route?
The race starts and finishes at the ATLAPA Convention Center and follows a two-loop circuit along the Pacific waterfront:
- West along Vía Israel to the Cinta Costera coastal park
- Past the skyline and around the marine viaduct with views of Casco Antiguo
- To a turnaround near the Puente Torrijos-Carter, at the entrance to the Amador Causeway
What Distances Were Offered?
The event included five races, with early start times to avoid Panama’s heat and humidity:
| Race | Distance | Start time |
|---|---|---|
| Marathon | 42.195 km | 4:00 a.m. |
| Half marathon | 21.097 km | 5:00 a.m. |
| 10K | 10 km | 6:00 a.m. |
| 5K | 5 km | 6:00 a.m. |
| Kids race | 1 km | — |
Who Won the First Panama City Marathon?
| Race | Men’s winner | Women’s winner |
|---|---|---|
| Marathon | Daniel González (Panama, Veraguas), about 2:40 | Mariana Luchezi (Brazil), 3:07:53 |
| Half marathon | Jorge Castelblanco, 1:10:22 | Angie Orjuela, 1:22:03 |
| 10K | Elking Mena | María Teresa Far |
| 5K | Luis Bellido | Sureyis Guerra |
Ahead of the race, organizers said Costa Rica and Colombia would send some of the largest international groups of runners.
Why Is Panama Betting on Sports Tourism?
Organizers see the marathon as a way to bring international visitors to Panama City, generating business for hotels, restaurants and shops. Race director Rina Aguirre said Panama has the key conditions to become a leading running destination in Latin America.
She pointed to the country’s modern infrastructure, air connectivity through Tocumen International Airport, tourist attractions and a growing local running community. The race also drew more than 100 units from the National Police, the Transit Authority and other agencies to manage road closures and security.
The event fits a broader push by Panama to attract visitors through events, alongside its new country brand and strong growth in tourist arrivals this year.
When Is the Next Panama City Marathon?
AIMS lists a provisional date of July 18, 2027 for the second edition.
Runners planning to use the race to qualify for Boston should check the Boston Athletic Association’s qualifying window and time standards for their age group before registering.
A New Reason to Run the Cinta Costera
On most mornings, the Cinta Costera is already full of local runners, walkers and cyclists working out before the heat of the day.
On September 20, some of them ran it with a Boston qualifying time on the line. If the race grows the way its organizers hope, the bay road could become a regular stop on runners’ travel calendars.
