Race of Love 2026 in Villa de Leyva: The Perfect Plan to Run, Travel and Enjoy
On September 20, 2026, Villa de Leyva will host a new edition of Carrera del Amor, a running event that combines sport, tourism, and a shared experience designed to be enjoyed together.
This event is different from a conventional race. Here, it is not only about the clock. The organizers invite participants to run with their partner, friends, family, or even take part as a personal challenge.
And there is another great reason to make the trip: the race can be the perfect excuse to spend an entire weekend in Villa de Leyva.
What Running Options Are Available?
The 2026 Carrera del Amor offers different distances, allowing each participant to choose the challenge that best matches their level of preparation.
Runners can choose between 21K, 11K, and 6K, while children can participate in the Love Kids category. There are also individual and partner participation options.
The partner category has an interesting feature: it is not limited exclusively to romantic couples. According to the organizers, partners can be friends, siblings, family members, or teammates.
This makes the event an excellent opportunity to organize a trip with several people.
A Race That Begins Before the Starting Line
For those traveling from another city, the experience really begins the day before.
Arriving in Villa de Leyva on Saturday allows you to avoid a rushed journey on Sunday, get a good night's rest, and enjoy the destination before the competition.
Villa de Leyva also offers an advantage that few sports destinations can match: after training or competing, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy local food, take a walk, relax, and discover the town's architectural and cultural heritage.
The race may be the reason for the trip, but Villa de Leyva is part of the experience.
Why Should You Book Your Hotel in Villa de Leyva Before the Race?
If you are planning to participate, one of your first steps should be booking your accommodation.
The reason is simple: major sporting events bring large numbers of visitors to a destination within a very specific period.
The previous edition of the Villa de Leyva Enamora Half Marathon attracted more than 6,500 athletes, according to the local government, and was highlighted for its positive impact on tourism and the local economy.
This means that during a race weekend, hotel availability can decrease quickly, especially at the best-located accommodations.
What Should Runners Look for in a Hotel?
Not all hotels are equally suitable for a sports-focused trip.
Before booking, consider the following:
1. Location
A well-located hotel can make getting around much easier and allow you to enjoy Villa de Leyva's historic center without constantly relying on a car.
2. Rest and Comfort
The night before a 6K, 11K, and especially a 21K race is important. Look for quiet accommodation and check the hotel's conditions regarding noise and rest.
3. Breakfast
Ask whether the hotel offers an early breakfast or special options for runners on race day.
4. Parking
If you are arriving by car, having on-site parking can make the logistics of your trip much easier.
5. Flexibility
If you are traveling with children, friends, or several couples, carefully check room configurations, extra-bed options, and the property's policies.
The Best Plan: Arrive on Saturday and Run on Sunday
A great way to enjoy Carrera del Amor is to turn it into a two-night getaway.
Saturday: Arrive in Villa de Leyva
Arriving during the day gives you time to check into your hotel, explore the destination, have a relaxed lunch, and get everything ready for the race.
The evening should be focused on resting and avoiding unnecessary travel.
Sunday: Carrera del Amor
Race day starts early. Have your running clothes, race number, equipment, and all the logistical information provided by the organizers ready in advance.
After the race comes the most enjoyable part: celebrating.
A good breakfast, lunch in Villa de Leyva, or a relaxing walk through the historic center can be the perfect way to finish the weekend.
A Trip for Couples, Friends and Families
Carrera del Amor does not have to be exclusively a sports trip.
A couple can turn it into a romantic getaway.
A group of friends can organize a weekend combining running and gastronomy.
A family can combine the Love Kids category with sightseeing and other activities.
And an individual runner can use the race as motivation to discover Villa de Leyva.
This combination explains much of the event's appeal: sport brings people together, but the destination completes the experience.
Book Before Everyone Else Does
Carrera del Amor is scheduled for September 20, 2026, and several specialized sources continue to list Villa de Leyva as the host destination, with 21K, 11K, and 6K distances, as well as children's options.
Therefore, if your participation is already confirmed, accommodation should be the next item on your list.
Booking early gives you more opportunities to compare hotels, choose the location that works best for you, find rooms for your entire group, and avoid having your trip determined by whatever accommodation options are left at the last minute.
Villa de Leyva: A Finish Line and a Destination
Carrera del Amor shows that a sporting event can be much more than a few hours of running.
It can be a romantic getaway, a trip with friends, a family adventure, or simply an opportunity to set yourself a new personal challenge.
This September 20, Villa de Leyva will have one more reason to welcome visitors.
Run the 6K, 11K, or 21K. Run with whoever you choose. And above all, book your accommodation early so that Carrera del Amor becomes the beginning of an unforgettable weekend in Villa de Leyva.
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