Runner death during Medellín Marathon

Juliana Ávila Saouda, a 20-year-old biomedical engineering student from Bogotá, died following a medical emergency during the 21-kilometer stage of the Medellín Marathon on September 6. While competing, Ávila suffered three cardiac arrests and required resuscitation on three separate occasions. She was treated by event medical personnel and a runner with medical training before being transported to the Hospital General de Medellín, where she passed away on Monday, September 7.

Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez confirmed the details of the medical emergency. During the same event, another participant was treated for seizures but was subsequently discharged.

Ávila was the partner of Julián Restrepo Céspedes, the eldest son of Vice President José Manuel Restrepo Abondano. In response to her death, President Abelardo De La Espriella and other national figures issued messages of condolence, and the Medellín City Council observed a minute of silence.

This incident marks the fourth death involving a runner during the 21-kilometer segment of the Medellín Marathon over the last eight years. The tragedy has prompted public discussions regarding the necessity of mandatory medical evaluations for participants in high-endurance sporting events.