---
title: "Half Marathon National Stadium: Route Analysis and Other Details"
published: 2016-03-17
updated: 2026-08-04
source: "https://dev-abp.massivoai.com/en/articles/media-maraton-estadio-nacional-analisis-de-ruta-y-otros-detalles"
---

# Half Marathon National Stadium: Route Analysis and Other Details

**If reaching a finish line is satisfying, reaching a finish line inside Estadio Nacional and having the privilege of running on the synthetic track with the support of family or friends in the stands is even better. The 1,800 participants of the Media Maratón Estadio Nacional will have that privilege this Sunday.**

Each distance will have almost the same number of participants: 598 will run 10k, 612 will do a half marathon, and almost 600 will run 5k. All distances will start from the northeast side of Estadio Nacional and finish inside the stadium. The 10k (10.454 km) and half marathon distances are certified, which means they are exact distances.

At 3:30 p.m. the starting gun will fire for the 10k and 21k, which share exactly the same course until the 21k runners pass by the finish line inside the track and continue their way back toward San José, while the 10k runners stay upon entering the stadium for the first time. The 5k will start as soon as the last 10k or 21k athlete passes the northeast corner of La Sabana.

The course is relatively flat, there are no killer hills along the way but there are several mild to moderate climbs and descents. The first 2.5 kilometers are a gentle climb through Sabana Norte and Avenida 10. Then come roughly three more flat kilometers in San José Centro before heading back to the Stadium, descending until kilometer 9.3. The final stretch is slightly uphill but with the adrenaline of entering the stadium you probably won't even feel it, and of course the last 200 meters on the track are completely flat.

![Alt MM EN](https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/s2048x2048/12829287_1063572157033442_8081821374401983900_o.jpg "Alt MM EN")

The brave half marathon runners will pass by the finish line without the right to stop (yet) and will continue their way as if starting over with the 2.5-kilometer climb through Sabana Norte and Avenida 10. This time they won't go as far east in San José and will begin a 6k descent from kilometer 13 to 19. The last 2k are uphill along the well-known Bulevar de Rohrmoser.

Those running 5k will take an extended loop around La Sabana. Upon reaching Gimnasio Nacional they will continue straight south to Avenida Campos and then return via Calle Morenos to La Sabana, completing the loop and arriving at the Stadium. In summary it's about 1k of gentle climbing, 3k of barely noticeable descent, and 1k of gentle climbing as well.

There will be seven hydration stations for half marathon runners, with isotonic sports drink at kilometer 11. Those running 10k will have three hydration stations and one for those running 5k. Packet pickup will be at Estadio Nacional, entering from the north side. Friday will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At 6 p.m., already dark and with most people at the finish, fireworks will explode to close the celebration. It is important to mention that, by traffic regulations, the time limit to finish the half marathon will be three hours. After that a sweep vehicle will pass collecting athletes who have not yet finished, for their safety.

You can see the map and elevation profile in detail[HERE](http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1015242881). Good luck to all participants this Sunday.

A Buen Paso uses [Massivo](https://massivoai.com), the event-registration platform that powers this article.