The 2025 Santiago Marathon is set to write a new chapter in its history with the return of the “Erika Olivera” Award, an honor created eight years ago to recognize and reward the best Chilean athletes in competition. In 2025, the award returns stronger than ever thanks to the support of the National Sports Institute (IND), enabling an unprecedented increase in prize money for the country’s top marathon runners.
For the first time, the top three Chilean runners—in both the men’s and women’s categories—to cross the finish line will receive an unprecedented cash prize: $5,000,000 for first place, $2,500,000 for second, and $1,500,000 for third. This initiative seeks not only to reward national effort and talent but also to strengthen track and field as a key discipline in Chilean high-performance sports.
IND National Director Israel Castro emphasized the symbolic and practical value of this partnership:
“This award not only honors one of our greatest role models, but also reflects the government’s commitment to the athletes who represent Chile. Supporting this initiative means investing in the future of sports, in the decentralization of talent, and in highlighting the efforts of those who compete from every region of the country.”
Speaking on behalf of the event organizers, Francisca Aguirre, executive director of the Santiago Marathon, highlighted the impact of this revamped award:
“The IND’s support for the Erika Olivera Award marks a turning point. Incentives like this motivate elite athletes, but they also inspire thousands of anonymous runners who train with dedication. We want the Santiago Marathon to continue growing as a sporting and community event that represents the best of Chile.”
The 2025 edition will also be supported by the Chilean Athletics Federation, ensuring compliance with the standards required by World Athletics. As a result, the recorded times may be used as official marks for national and international rankings.
On May 18, the streets of Santiago will once again be the setting for a sports festival that brings together thousands of people under a single motto: “Together, we connect the city.” It will be a day where sports, hard work, and the pride of representing Chile will take center stage.