Over 4,000 Runners Participate in TPS Valparaíso Half Marathon

With new routes, a sunny spring day, and the traditional passage through the port along the pier, the TPS Valparaíso Half Marathon took place with over 4,000 people participating in this great family event, which in its fifteenth edition is one of the most important sporting events in the commune.

The race was held over distances of 2K, 10K, and exceptionally 17K instead of 21K, due to modifications to the race route caused by damage to some city streets from recent weather events, in order to safeguard the safety of all participants. Thus, the 10K and 17K distances went from the port towards Caleta Portales, returning along Avenida Errázuriz to the finish line, located near Plaza Sotomayor.

Cristian Rodríguez, general manager of TPS, commented that "the TPS Half Marathon is part of Valparaíso. It has something unique, which is running inside our Terminal under the cranes and among the containers, and also touring the heritage city from another perspective, which is through sport and healthy living. It is very exciting to see the enthusiasm of the participants and the people who come to cheer them on, so we are very happy to hold this great sporting event in the city. Congratulations to all participants and our thanks to the sponsors, authorities, and collaborators who make this event possible, a joint effort that once again had an excellent result."

The executive also highlighted the bond that has been built with the participants and the community. "Fifteen editions building a tradition that allows us to connect in a different way with Valparaíso. Seeing families, children, and runners of all ages participating and enjoying this day confirms the value of this event for the city," he added.

"I want to congratulate TPS for organizing this tremendous sporting event; a race of this type is not seen every weekend. The variety of distances makes it an event designed for adults, for children, for the whole family, as well as for anyone who wants to experience running in an environment where the port, the city, and the coast converge, which is what makes it a unique experience. As the Ministry of Sports of the Valparaíso Region, we are proud that private companies contribute to the community with such a well-executed sporting event as the TPS half marathon," expressed Fernando López, Seremi of Sports of the Valparaíso Region.

Gonzalo Le Dantec, president of Empresa Portuaria Valparaíso, stated that "the TPS Half Marathon has consolidated itself as one of the most important sporting events in Valparaíso and the region. We are happy to see the participation of thousands of runners of different ages, from various parts of the region and the country, who find a unique experience in this competition. Few races allow running almost five kilometers inside port facilities, getting to know closely a space that is part of the history and development of our city. As Puerto Valparaíso, we appreciate TPS's commitment and effort in organizing this traditional activity and deeply value initiatives like this, because they contribute to strengthening the relationship between the city and its port, allowing more people to know and experience an activity that is an essential part of Valparaíso's identity and future."

As part of the novelties of this edition, all participants who completed their respective distances received a finisher medal, a recognition that returned this year to highlight the athletic effort of the runners. The event also had a special service from EFE Valparaíso to facilitate the transfer of participants from Limache to Estación Puerto during the early morning hours.

Winners

In the 17K distance, in the female category, the first place overall went to Francisca Mena, second place was obtained by Heileen Chamorro, and third place went to Francisca Villarroel. Among men, the winner of the 17K was Luis Alarcón, while Ignacio García came in second and Cristián Sánchez took third position.

In the 10K, the distance with the most registered participants, with around 2,700 runners, for women, first place went to Loreto Gaete, second place was for Margarita Marchant, and Tiana Ceballos took the third best time. Among men, Francisco Barros crossed the finish line in first place, while Pedro Toro took second place and Rodrigo Araya third.

The children's circuit, which had around 300 participants, had Leonora Zapata, Aximar López, and Amanda Gálvez as winners in the female category; while in the male category, the top three places went to Gianfranco Briones, León Arancibia, and Vincenzo Caimi.

Francisca Mena, from Viña del Mar, who has been running for three years, took first place in the 17K with a time of 1 hour and 8 minutes. "This is the first time I've run this race; I found it very good. I was really interested in coming to this event because of the passage inside the port; I had never entered before, and I liked it a lot; it was beautiful," she commented.

Francisco Barros, from Valparaíso, obtained first place in the 10K distance, with 32 minutes, stating that "this is the third time I've run here. I ran in 2017 and 2024, the previous times in the 21K distance. The atmosphere is very good, spectacular, the weather was also very good. It's a highly recommended race for everyone, to have the opportunity to run through the port among the containers."

The 15th TPS Valparaíso Half Marathon is an event funded by the Sports Donations Law, the National Sports Institute, and the Ministry of Sports. The event also had the patronage of the Illustrious Municipality of Valparaíso and the presence of the official sponsors of the race: Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express, Empresa Portuaria Valparaíso, and Ultraport.