Running in Medellin/Bogotá, Colombia

Bump pls

just outside medellin is the parque arvi which has 54 miles of trails according to wikipedia. Looks like there are 3 national parks and some smaller parks around Bogota as well. Sorry, I don't know more. I'm sure you could run outside in Colombia on the roads though, it isn't India.

Try contacting these guys: http://www.colombiacorre.com.co/contactenos.html

ColombiaRunning wrote:

Hi,

I'm going to be spending a year in Colombia, most likely Medellin or Bogotá, and was wondering if anyone knows what the running scene is like. Both look quite void of any big parks or trails for running, which leads me to question whether anyone runs there, and if they do, where...?!

I'm a 4:10 1500m, 16:30 5k, 34 10k guy, and would ideally like to keep up track and road running.

Any clubs anyone knows of? Or if the running scene at the universities is good.

I don't think I'd have any problems finding a track, and could always join a gym or get a treadmill, but I'd like to run with a club to motivate myself, particularly with sessions.

Thanks!

Hey, what brings you to Colombia? The reason I ask is that quite a few American guys have been going there in recent years (and many are living there, too). I myself have not been to Colombia, although I have been to Panama, and I have had some great encounters with many Colombian girls working there, if you know what I mean.

As far as running goes, both of the cities of Medellin and Bogota are so big that there must be running groups and places to run. But like I said, I haven't been there (yet). But really I'm interested in knowing about your interest in Colombia and reason for going there.

ColombiaRunning wrote:

Hi,

I'm going to be spending a year in Colombia, most likely Medellin or Bogotá, and was wondering if anyone knows what the running scene is like. Both look quite void of any big parks or trails for running, which leads me to question whether anyone runs there, and if they do, where...?!

I'm a 4:10 1500m, 16:30 5k, 34 10k guy, and would ideally like to keep up track and road running.

Any clubs anyone knows of? Or if the running scene at the universities is good.

I don't think I'd have any problems finding a track, and could always join a gym or get a treadmill, but I'd like to run with a club to motivate myself, particularly with sessions.

Thanks!

I was in Bogota about a week ago. Lots of runners out and about, but yeah, not too many parks or soft, unless you get to the Parque National (pretty steep) or the mountains that border the eastern side of the city (also steep). I would agree with reaching out to the local clubs. There's a strong biking and running scene there; I think you'll end up staying nice and fit at 9,000ft!

Thanks for all the response guys! I'm glad to hear some encouraging responses. Having visited other South American countries, I never saw anyone running on the roads. There were usually parks in the cities where everyone would go to run. I will try to get in contact with those people about clubs.

As for why Colombia, I study languages and have to spend a year abroad, and I have heard amazing things about the country. I have also been to various other South American countries, and Colombia would be somewhere new.

ColombiaRunning wrote:

Thanks for all the response guys! I'm glad to hear some encouraging responses. Having visited other South American countries, I never saw anyone running on the roads. There were usually parks in the cities where everyone would go to run. I will try to get in contact with those people about clubs.

As for why Colombia, I study languages and have to spend a year abroad, and I have heard amazing things about the country. I have also been to various other South American countries, and Colombia would be somewhere new.

never been to south america, but when I was in Costa Rica I saw a few people running from time to time. They understand its a sport like here, but soccer is far more popular.

My wife is from Bogota, and I've been several times although it's been about 4 years since the last time I went. Never been to Medellin. Beautiful women everywhere in that country (assuming you're into women). Your head will be on a swivel.

Re Bogota: it's at about 8,000 elevation, which I had never experienced before. The altitude is immediately noticeable when you get off the plane. The city itself is mostly nice, but does (or did) smell of car exhaust due to lax emissions standards. It's a very modern city. Lots of shopping malls, American restaurants and stores. But it's still very latin American.

The people are very, very nice. They will feed you a LOT. Arrive with an appetite whenever you socialize. Make a point of going to Andres Carne de Res, which is a really nice, upscale steak restaurant in nearby Chia (http://www.andrescarnederes.com/es/).

I had no troubles. It's the jungles in Southern Colombia that you'll want to avoid. You'll love it there. I may eventually retire in Colombia.

I like Colombia but find the food awful. Meat on a stick? Or arepas, maybe. I almost starved to death there.

Think about this -- how often have you ever seen a Colombian restaurant anywhere?

Ole Timer wrote:

I like Colombia but find the food awful. Meat on a stick? Or arepas, maybe. I almost starved to death there.

Think about this -- how often have you ever seen a Colombian restaurant anywhere?

Ignorant gringo, go away.

ColombiaRunning wrote:

Hi,

I'm going to be spending a year in Colombia, most likely Medellin or Bogotá, and was wondering if anyone knows what the running scene is like. Both look quite void of any big parks or trails for running, which leads me to question whether anyone runs there, and if they do, where...?!

I'm a 4:10 1500m, 16:30 5k, 34 10k guy, and would ideally like to keep up track and road running.

Any clubs anyone knows of? Or if the running scene at the universities is good.

I don't think I'd have any problems finding a track, and could always join a gym or get a treadmill, but I'd like to run with a club to motivate myself, particularly with sessions.

Thanks!

Hi,

I am about to go to Medellin. I am a competitive Div I runner. Did you find any good clubs or training places?

Thanks!