The capital city of the country experienced a sporting activity full of excitement, with more than 10,000 runners participating in one of the most anticipated events of the year.
The Race for Heroes, in the modalities of 5k, 10k and 15k is organized by the Matamoros Corporation this 2025 was run in face-to-face mode and in virtual mode, from anywhere, throughout the weekend.
In Bogotá, the opening of this race was made by the Minister of National Defense, Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez Suárez; the general commander of the Military Forces, Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides Granados; the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Hugo Alejandro López Barreto, among other senior commanders of the military Forces, the National Police and civil authorities. They were accompanied by Miss Colombia, Gabriela Tafur Nader.
Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan in the same way joined the heroes in their race. "Today is a very important day to ratify the support and gratitude to the members of the Colombian Military Forces who defend us every day. We have to maintain and multiply that effort," said the mayor of Bogotá.
With them, thousands of runners, both professional and amateur joined in the same step in various streets of the city, to pay tribute to those who have given everything to protect Colombia, honoring their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to life, peace and freedom.
With a cool weather and a large amount of public cheering the participants, the streets saw the different modalities, which tested runners’ endurance and determination.
The 5k, 10k and 15k race for heroes has consolidated its place as one of the most important sporting events in the capital city, not only for its high-level competition, but in the same way for the spirit of people it generates among the citizens of Bogotá, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Although the competition brought together professional routes, it was in the same way a space for amateurs, who took advantage of the occasion to share an exercise and fun activity. For many, the goal was not only the finish, but the satisfaction of having participated in the XVII Race of the Heroes 5k, 10k and 15k.
María Alejandra Neira, executive director of the Matamoros Corporation, thanked all the Colombians who participated in the Race for Heroes: “because by doing so they demonstrated their support for the Army, the Colombian Navy, the Aerospace Force, the National Police, the men and women who are part of these institutions and who every day put their lives on the line to defend us Colombians and ensure our safety and well-being.”
More than 10,000 hearts ran for the heroes in Bogotá
The resources obtained in the Race for Heroes will benefit members of the Military and Police Forces with disabilities gotten while in duty, their families and the families of those who have died in the line of duty, with basic, secondary and higher education programs, as well as physical therapy through sports.
In 2024, academic supports were provided for 79 university scholars, 459 full Bachelor Hero scholarships to high school students, of which 241 obtained their degree. Another part of the resources served to support 33 high-performance athletes with disabilities.
Source: Strategic Communications General Command of the military forces
