The National Race Walking Championship in Ecuador concluded with over 150 athletes from 10 provinces taking part. The event, which served as the first official competition of the year and a qualifier for the World Championship scheduled for April 12, 2026, was held despite challenging weather conditions and a demanding course.
Participants included Olympic race walkers Daniel Pintado, Jordy Jiménez, Paula Torres, and David Hurtado. Their presence was seen as significant for the development of the sport in Ecuador.
This year’s competition introduced marathon and half-marathon events to replace the previous distances of 35 km and 20 km. Organizers said this change reflected the country’s reputation as a strong producer of athletic talent, evidenced by results at past Olympics.
Jordy Jiménez, representing Loja province, commented on his experience: “Very happy to participate in the first national event; we have prepared a lot with my coach and teammates, and today, thanks to God and my family’s support, I made it to the podium.”
Favio Villamizar, Zonal Coordinator 7 from the Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture, highlighted both athlete performance and organizational efforts: “A great deployment in organization; our athletes have demonstrated all their talent and inter-institutional work is important for holding these sports events.”
As competitive season begins, organizers say that Ecuadorian athletes are focusing on international competitions with hopes for positive outcomes.
Official results include:
In men’s marathon (42 km), Jinson Calderón finished first with a time of 3:15:51.00. Xavier Mena came second at 3:18:48.66 followed by Gonzalo Bustán at 3:55:59.26.
For women’s marathon (42 km), Nathaly León took first place at 3:36:28.89; Johana Ordóñez was second with 3:38:12.19; Karla Jaramillo placed third at 3:46:41.42.
In men’s half-marathon (21 km), Jordy Jiménez won with a time of 1:29:02.30; David Hurtado was close behind at 1:29:25.40; Saúl Wamputsrik finished third at 1:29:43.20.
Women’s half-marathon saw Paula Torres finish first at 1:42:49.50; Miryan Jaramillo took second (1:53:12.20) while Karen Litardo finished third (1:53:12.50).
In the men’s 10 km event Sebastián Barrera finished first (45:08.53), narrowly beating Derian Robalino (45:08.76).
For women’s 10 km Katherine Barreto won with a time of 49:30.69; María Portilla placed second (53:31.19); María Morejón was third (55:30.12).
