WILLEMSTAD - The 12th edition of the KLM Curaçao Marathon, held on 29 and 30 November, has once again proven to be an international success. More than 3,000 participants from 38 countries took part, including an impressive 2,300 “run-cation” tourists, reinforcing the event’s reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier running festivals.
The start and finish were hosted at the Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort, Curio by Hilton, where hundreds of volunteers ensured that the weekend unfolded smoothly and professionally.
Historic First: Woman Wins Overall Marathon
In a remarkable milestone, Lotte van der Pol became the first woman ever to win the Curaçao Marathon outright — finishing faster than all male competitors.
She crossed the line in 2:54:24.
The men’s winner, Jaco van Buren, completed the course in 2:55:17, marking one of the closest finishes in the event’s history.
More Than a Race
Organizers say the KLM Curaçao Marathon has grown far beyond a sporting event. It has evolved into a global gathering point, where friendships are formed and where Curaçao showcases itself as a top-tier destination for active travel and sports tourism.
With participation numbers rising each year, the marathon continues to strengthen Curaçao’s visibility on the international stage — and solidifies the island’s reputation as a warm, vibrant home for athletes from around the world.