Running in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Running in Buenos Aires is a challenge. The sidewalks are made up of square blocks that are not even, and are full of potholes. The sidewalks are crowded with people, and are also cluttered with dog poop. Porteños love dogs, but neglect to pick up after "Fido". Its quite common to see professional dog-walkers walking 5 to 15 dogs at a time, especially in the "well heeled" neighborhoods of Recoleta or Palermo.

During my visits to Buenos Aires, I have: tripped and fallen on the sidewalk; stepped into mierda de perro, and gotten lost. However, Buenos Aires is blessed with an abundance of parks, and recreational venues. A favorite run is around "Puerto Madero- Costanera sur". This run is along the Rio de la Plata estuary area. There are pedestrian trails and the streets are not that busy. The run overlooks the Buenos Aires skyline.
I participated in the 8km race "Todos por el clinicas", located in the Puerto Madero district. I found that racing in Buenos Aires is quite similar to races in the USA. The race was a charity race. Participants received a "goodie bag with a T-shirt, and the race was timed.  There were water stops etc.  It wasn't my best race, ( 34.08 ) but I did enjoy this race! There were hundreds of participants. The Argentines call all races "maratons".

The following Sunday, there was another charity run in Parque Tres de Febrero, also known as the Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods),  located in the neighborhood of Palermo

This 8km race in a beautiful 62 acre park was sponsored by the Helado Artesanal.  Instead of getting water when you finished, you got a choice of ice cream! This race I clocked in at 36.08 minutes.

http://www.triamax.com/index.php/carreras/resultados/2009/11/todos-por-el-clinicas-2/