
Lima, Peru · Tuesday 25 May 2027
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.
Adjusted Time
4:01:18
Time difference: +1.3 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
On our difficulty model, Lima 42K plays about 5 minutes slower than an average road marathon for a 3:30 runner. It ranks #623 hardest of 1150 marathons we analyse, and #3 of 3 in Peru. Use the calculator above to see the exact adjusted time for your own goal pace.
Estimated finish times on this course versus the same effort on an average road marathon, based on its elevation, surface, and expected race-day temperature.
| Average-course time | On Lima 42K | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 2:58:50 | −01:10 |
| 3:30:00 | 3:30:01 | +00:01 |
| 4:00:00 | 4:01:18 | +01:18 |
| 4:30:00 | 4:32:42 | +02:42 |
| 5:00:00 | 5:04:11 | +04:11 |
| 5:30:00 | 5:35:45 | +05:45 |
| 6:00:00 | 6:07:25 | +07:25 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
Lima 42K is a full marathon held in Lima, Peru. It is scheduled for Tuesday 25 May 2027. The course is run on road surface with 169m of total climbing, with its high point near 126m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Lima 42K website.
With 169m of total climbing, this is a gently undulating course. The elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't greatly affect your pacing.
Lima 42K is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for racing. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for a personal best.
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.
If Lima 42K fits your goal, these courses play out about the same on our difficulty model.