Lima 42K
Lima, Peru · Sunday 25 May 2025
This race works best for trail runners comfortable with technical terrain and those seeking a genuinely low-key marathon experience. The flat to gently rolling course through Lima's trail system means you won't suffer massive elevation, which appeals to runners who want to test themselves on trails without the lung-busting climb. If you're based in or accustomed to running at low elevation, you'll have an advantage here. Trail marathons in Peru aren't crowded road races, so you need to be self-sufficient and genuinely interested in exploring local terrain rather than chasing a fast time on a predictable route. This suits experienced trail runners over road racers expecting marked aid stations every few kilometers. The real challenge on this course is the surface itself. Trail running at marathon distance demands different pacing and energy expenditure than asphalt, and your legs will feel the constant micro-adjustments even on gentle grades. May is autumn in Lima, which means you're running during reasonably cool, dry weather, but the trail surface can be rough and unforgiving on your joints after thirty kilometers. The elevation ranges from near sea level to 126 meters, which sounds modest until you're managing technical footing on tired legs. You should expect minimal infrastructure typical of many South American trail races, so arrive prepared with whatever support you might need. The course itself is the attraction here, not a fast time, and that's worth considering before you enter.
Difficulty Calculator
h
:m
:s
Adjusted Time
4:36:39
Time difference: +36.6 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain169m
Elevation High126m
Elevation Low59m
Lima 42K 2025 Course Analysis
Lima 42K is a full marathon held in Lima, Peru, scheduled for Sunday 25 May 2025. The course is run on trail surface with 169m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 126m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Lima 42K website.
Elevation Profile
With 169m of elevation gain, this is a moderately undulating course. The route ranges from 59m to 126m above sea level (67m total range). While not completely flat, the elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't significantly impact pacing strategy.
Surface Type: Trail
Lima 42K is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.
How Difficult Is Lima 42K?
Our difficulty rating for Lima 42K is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Lima 42K against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.