The half marathon of Bogotá 2025, which should be a great sports party for its 25 years of history, ended tarnished by a tragedy. One of the amateur runners, Pedro Enrique Rodríguez Suárez, lost his life after collapsing a few meters from the goal. The athlete, who participated in the modality of 10 kilometers, suffered a sudden collapse when it was about 200 meters to cross the arrival line. Although medical services acted quickly and was transferred to the San José Infant Hospital, efforts to revive him were not successful and His death was confirmed shortly after.
The news shook the assistants and participants of the race, one of the most important of the Colombian sports calendar. More than 42,000 people registered this year, Many of them high -level professional corridors, but also thousands of fans who only seek to overcome themselves and enjoy the environment. Pedro Enrique was one of them. His death has generated a strong impact, not only among those who knew him, but also in the world of athletics in general, who has already sympathized with his family.
The worst outcome for the marathon
Through a statement, the District Institute of Recreation and Sports (IDRD) deeply lamented what happened and expressed its condolences. So did the organization of the half marathon, which recalled the effort made to guarantee the safety and well -being of all participants. Throughout the route there were several points of medical care, ambulances and specialized personnel, but, as in these cases, there are situations that escape even the best logistics. Everything happened very fast and, although it acted immediately, the outcome was the worst possible.
What happened has turned on the alarms about the need for medical awards before participating in this type of event, even in the case of short distances or amateur runners. Many athletes, motivated by the challenge or the environment, are not always prepared properly or are not aware of hidden health problems that can be aggravated in an intense effort as a career. Doctors and experts have insisted on the importance to make periodic reviews, especially when you are going to participate in background tests.
Despite this tragic moment, the race continued. In the male elite category, the Kenyan Philemon Kiplimo took the victory, while the Ethiopian Aynalem high was the fastest among women. But beyond the results, the day was marked by the pain of a loss that nobody expected.
What happened this Sunday will undoubtedly serve as a point of reflection for future editions. Improving protocols, strengthening prevention and awareness among participants will be key for tragedies such as this is not repeated. Meanwhile, there is the memory of a corridor who went to do his best and could not reach the goal. His name is already part of the history of the race, not by a medal or a record, but for this tragic death that everyone now regrets in Colombia.
