A Correr: Why Buenos Aires Has Become A Runner’s Paradise

Tens of thousands hit the streets for the Nike 10K in BA. Flickr photo by Cartulina1

Runners are a different breed. Whether it’s training in near-freezing temperatures or just waking up at 4:00 on a Saturday to do a 5K, runners will go to great lengths for the stress relief, shared experience and endorphin-induced euphoria running provides.

In recent years, the sport’s popularity has gone through the roof in BA with races backed by major corporate sponsors being held every weekend like the Adidas Marathon, the We Run Buenos Aires Nike 10K, the Merrell 21K Adventure Race and the Energizer 8K in San Isidro.

Last night’s Merrell race was a first-class event with thousands of locals running through the BA wilderness sporting matching blue Merrell shirts, gel, Camelbaks and tiny linternas on their heads. Not to be outdone, local celebrities were running and twittering live during last month’s Nike Human Race.

For runners abroad who have never experienced a carrera argentina, road and adventure races here have more of a party atmosphere with great DJ’s at the Largada and serious food and drink spreads at the Llegada. The local running club, the Club de Corredores, is the main organizing body and does a great job of keeping local fanatics in the loop with upcoming races and event videos.

For more information on upcoming Buenos Aires events and a feature on the Nike 10K, download the new issue of InvestBA Privada.