Course Map
About this Race
The Maratón Internacional de La Paz is one of the highest marathons on earth, run in the Bolivian city that sits at around 3,600 meters in the high Andes, where the air is staggeringly thin. The extreme altitude is the overwhelming defining feature, set amid a breathtaking landscape of mountains and dramatic terrain. Held in the cool highland climate, it offers severe oxygen deprivation regardless of temperature. The elevation dominates the entire experience. It suits only well-acclimatized, adventurous runners who want one of the most extreme high-altitude races in the world over any thought of a fast time.
Course Insight
La Paz runs at around 3,600 metres, the most extreme altitude in marathoning, where the brutally thin air overwhelms every other consideration. Forget your goal time completely and pace by effort, going out painfully easy. Even a net descent can't offset the gasping thinness of the air. The Andean setting is otherworldly. Run with deep humility to the elevation, and simply finishing is a genuine achievement.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (1227m), meaningful altitude.
Course Details
- Course type
- Point-To-Point
- Elevation gain
- 1227m
- Elevation loss
- 1602m
- Highest point
- 3965m
- Lowest point
- 3216m
- Net elevation
- -375m
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Race History
The Maratón Internacional de La Paz is one of the highest marathons on earth, run in the Bolivian city that sits at around 3,600 metres in the high Andes. The staggeringly thin air, amid a breathtaking mountain landscape, defined it as an extreme challenge. Over the years it drew only well-acclimatised, adventurous runners. It remains one of the most extreme high-altitude races in the world.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- La Paz El Alto (LPB)
- Best area to stay
- Sopocachi for characterful central stays, the Zona Sur for upscale, lower-altitude options, and the city centre for proximity to the route.
- Getting to the start
- The start is in the city or the upper El Alto area; take a taxi to the start, factoring in the altitude and early hour.