KLM aruba Marathon
KLM Aruba Marathon Record-Breaking 3,000 Registered participants Participants from 42 Countries
New Marathon Course Record Set in Aruba
Oranjestad, Aruba – June 7, 2026 – The 2026 KLM Aruba Marathon was a resounding success, attracting a record 3,000 registered participants and reinforcing Aruba’s position as one of the Caribbean’s premier international running destinations.
Runners from 42 countries traveled to Aruba to participate in the event, accompanied by family members and supporters, generating more than 2,000 international visitors during the marathon weekend.
A major highlight of the event was the establishment of a new marathon course record. Colombia’s Yhon Rodolfo Escamilla Quitian won the 42.2 km marathon in an impressive 2:35:25, earning the $2,500 USD winner’s prize and setting the fastest marathon time ever recorded on the Aruba course.
The women’s marathon was won by Emily Nelson (USA) in a time of 3:42:02.
Aruba Marathon (42,2KM) Champions:
The fastest Aruban male and female marathon runners, Jord Broers and Sandra Versteeg, were awarded a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines return ticket to Amsterdam and a guaranteed entry into the sold-out Amsterdam Marathon
International Event with Global Recognition
The KLM Aruba Marathon continues to gain international recognition as an official:
AIMS Certified Race
Boston Marathon Qualifier
Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Series event
The event offers distances for runners of all levels, including the 5KM, 10KM, Half Marathon (21.1KM), and Full Marathon (42.2KM).
Starting and finishing at the beautiful Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, participants enjoyed a unique course along Aruba’s scenic coastline, combining world-class competition with the island’s renowned hospitality.
Weekend Highlights
Saturday, June 6, 2026
5:30 PM – 5KM Race
Sunday, June 7, 2026
3:00 AM – Marathon (42.2KM)
5:15 AM – Half Marathon (21.1KM)
6:15 AM – 10KM
Awards ceremonies and beachside finish celebrations were held at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort throughout the weekend.
Complete race results are available at:
https://sporthive.com/events/s/7414351714658162944
Strong Community Support
The KLM Aruba Marathon is made possible through the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, medical professionals, community organizations, government agencies, sponsors, and partners.
Special thanks are extended to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and to the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.)
Distance sponsors included:
Cavalier Logistics – 5KM
BDO Aruba – 10KM
Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino/ The Westerly – Half Marathon
The organization also acknowledges the invaluable support of KPA, VMU, DOW, IBiSA, Patrishi Sports, Budget Rent a Car, High Performance, ScafPro, The Red Cross Aruba, IMSAN, and the dedicated medical team led by Dr. Johnny Cheng together with Ilsa Verhoeven ICU-verpleegkundige, Jo-Ann Hardjoprajitno Ambulance-verpleegkundige, Dwight Lopez CCU-verpleegkundige, Nicole Ling Tsung CCU-verpleegkundige
The event would not be possible without the enthusiasm and commitment of Aruba’s running community and volunteer organizations, including Believe in Yourself and 297 Eagles.
Save the Date: June 5–6, 2027
Following this record-breaking edition, organizers are pleased to announce that the 9th KLM Aruba Marathon will take place on June 5–6, 2027.
Registration details will be announced in the coming months.
Countries Represented
Argentina, Aruba, Austria, Bonaire, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Kenya, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Sint Maarten, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
