Samborondón runner killed in hit-and-run accident

Mónica Andrea Martinich Cohn, a 38-year-old runner from Guayaquil, died after being struck by a vehicle while training on the road to Samborondón, Ecuador. The incident occurred around 04:30 on September 4, 2026, near kilometer 3 of the route in La Puntilla.

According to preliminary reports, a pickup truck attempted to overtake a group of athletes by passing on the right side. During the maneuver, the vehicle struck Martinich, who was positioned further from the sidewalk. While other runners managed to dodge the vehicle, Martinich died at the scene. The driver fled the area immediately following the impact, and the case has been registered by the Ecuadorian Transit Commission as a hit-and-run.

Local authorities, including the Samborondón Transit and Surveillance Authority, have provided surveillance footage to assist in identifying the responsible party. The death has sparked significant public outcry and highlighted concerns regarding the lack of safe public spaces for sports and recreation in the region.