The athletic world kicked off 2025 with notable victories across South America, showcasing the region's depth of talent and community spirit. Major events, such as the Corrida de San Fernando and the Carrera Atlética en Santa Ana, not only celebrated individual achievements but also reflected the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the sporting community.
On January 4, 2025, Argentina's renowned long-distance runner and Olympic representative for the Paris 2024 marathon, Daiana Alejandra Ocampo, began her season with exceptional success at the Corrida de San Fernando held in Punta del Este, Uruguay. The event attracted more than 5,000 participants across 10km and 5km competitions, establishing itself as one of the most prestigious races in South America.
Ocampo dominated the women's 10km race, completing the course with a time of 32:35. She finished well ahead of her Argentine compatriot, Mariana Borelli, who clocked 34:55, and Uruguay's María Pía Fernández, the Ibero-American mid-distance champion, who finished third at 35:54. This performance showcases Ocampo's formidable skills and determination as she builds momentum for her Olympic bid.
On the men's side, Valentín Soca successfully defended his title, finishing with a remarkable time of 29:09. This victory marked Soca's second consecutive year as champion at this event, as he edged out Chile's Carlos Martín Díaz, who completed the race at 29:18. Argentine runner Joaquín Arbe, known for his marathon prowess, took third place with 30:15. A noteworthy aspect of Arbe's performance is his impressive week leading up to the Corrida, during which he triumphed twice in local competitions, including the San Silvestre de Buenos Aires and the Carrera de los Dos Años.
Valentín Soca, currently competing on the collegiate circuit with California Baptist University, has had a remarkable year, setting South American under-23 records in the 3000m, 5000m, and 10,000m distances. He also holds the title of South American champion for the 5000m. Meanwhile, Carlos Martín Díaz has recently garnered attention as the South American 10,000m champion and has showcased his talents as a marathoner at the recently held Paris 2024 Olympics.
Aside from the competitive highlights, Anastasia Kirillov was triumphant in the women's 5km event, winning with a time of 16:52 and confirming her position among the leading female runners of the region.
The Corrida de San Fernando's 51st edition reaffirmed its importance within South American athletics, drawing prominent athletes and thousands of participants eager to challenge themselves and showcase their athletic abilities.
On another front, the community of Santa Ana, Guanajuato, celebrated the new year with their own spectacular Carrera Atlética, embodying the spirit of local sports. This event brought together participants of all ages, showcasing not only individual athleticism but also the joyful camaraderie of the community.
Led by Nayeli Vega, the Director of COMUDEG Guanajuato, the event enjoyed vibrant support from both participants and local authorities. The atmosphere was filled with joy and encouragement, as everyone reveled in the shared experience of striving for personal goals. The highlight of the event was the recognition of athlete Arián Chía, who organized the race, reinforcing the role of local athletes as catalysts for community engagement and sports development.
Chía's initiative and the community's involvement made this racing event not just another competition, but rather a memorable showcase of sporting spirit and commitment. The Carrera Atlética en Santa Ana demonstrated the collective effort to promote sports within the region, celebrating each participant's efforts as victories.
Both the Corrida de San Fernando and the Carrera Atlética exemplify the passion and commitment to athletics present within South America. The victories by Ocampo, Soca, and Kirillov reflect not only individual achievements but also the growing stature of South American athletics on the international stage. They signal the bright future for athletes as they prepare for more competitions, aiming for excellence and recognition.
These events serve as inspiring beacons of athletic dedication, illustrating how the spirit of competition intertwines with community pride and individual success.