October 11, 2026
Runners of different ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate fitness, community, and international friendship during We All Run 2026 in El Salvador. AI-generated illustration for Our Life in El Salvador.
El Salvador welcomed runners from 25 countries on Sunday, October 11, for the second edition of We All Run 2026, a major recreational sporting event organized by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP).
More than 10,000 people reportedly participated in the event, which brought together families, experienced athletes, recreational runners, children, and even people running alongside their pets.
The race was more than a sporting competition. It was an opportunity for people from different backgrounds and nationalities to come together, enjoy a healthy activity, and experience the welcoming atmosphere of El Salvador.
An International Gathering in El Salvador
One of the most interesting aspects of this year’s We All Run was the international participation.
According to Diario El Salvador, runners representing 25 countries took part in the event, including participants from Guatemala, Venezuela, Mexico, the United States, China, Spain, and Japan.
The presence of so many nationalities illustrates how international participation is becoming increasingly visible in public events throughout El Salvador.
Some participants may have traveled specifically for the race, while others may be foreign residents already living in the country. Regardless of where they came from, they shared the same streets, the same experience, and the same enthusiasm for participating.
For a country continuing to develop its international profile, events like this provide another opportunity for visitors and residents to experience Salvadoran hospitality.
Something for the Entire Family
What makes We All Run especially appealing is that it was not designed exclusively for professional or highly competitive athletes.
The organizers offered several distances, allowing participants to choose an activity appropriate for their age and physical abilities.
Children could participate in a one-kilometer race, while other runners had the option of three-, five-, and ten-kilometer distances. A special three-kilometer category also welcomed participants accompanied by their pets.
Registration was free, and participants received race kits that included items such as shirts, race numbers, timing chips, and medals.
Making participation accessible to families and individuals from different economic backgrounds is an important feature of community events.
A family did not need to spend a large amount of money to enjoy a morning together, participate in a healthy activity, and become part of something much larger.
Thousands Gather Near Multiplaza
The event began at approximately 6:00 a.m. in the area surrounding Multiplaza in Antiguo Cuscatlán.
Organizing a race involving thousands of people required considerable coordination, including temporary traffic restrictions and measures to accommodate participants.
According to initial reports, more than 10,000 people participated in this year’s event, demonstrating the continuing popularity of organized recreational activities.
The inaugural edition in 2025 also reportedly attracted more than 10,000 participants.
The return of such a large event for a second year suggests that We All Run has the potential to become an established annual tradition.
More Than Just Running
There is another important aspect of this event that deserves attention.
On September 20, El Salvador held the ninth edition of the Pedaleada del Centro Histórico, bringing thousands of cyclists and other participants together for an organized recreational activity.
Now, just three weeks later, another major sporting event has drawn thousands of people into the streets.
These activities offer opportunities for exercise, recreation, social interaction, and family participation.
They also demonstrate how public spaces can serve purposes beyond everyday transportation and commercial activities.
For a few hours, streets normally filled with vehicles become places where families, children, athletes, and friends share an experience.
That is something worth recognizing.
A Positive Contribution to El Salvador’s International Image
Much of the international attention surrounding El Salvador in recent years has focused on tourism, public security, infrastructure improvements, and economic development.
Those subjects are certainly important, and we regularly discuss them here at Our Life in El Salvador.
However, the everyday experiences of people living in a country are equally important.
Community races, cycling activities, cultural festivals, and family-oriented events provide another perspective on life in El Salvador.
They show a country where public activities can bring together Salvadorans and people from other nations.
Although one sporting event cannot measure the success of a country’s tourism industry or economic development, it can contribute to a positive impression among those who participate.
And sometimes, personal experiences leave a more lasting impression than advertising campaigns.
Our Thoughts at Our Life in El Salvador
Having lived in El Salvador since 2011, Elizabeth and I have watched the country experience many changes.
We frequently write about major infrastructure projects, tourism investments, improvements in education, and economic developments.
But we also believe that events bringing people together deserve recognition.
There is something encouraging about seeing thousands of people, including children and families, come together voluntarily to enjoy a healthy activity.
The participation of runners from 25 countries adds another interesting dimension.
People may speak different languages, come from different cultures, and have different reasons for participating, but for one morning, they all shared a common goal.
We All Run 2026 reminds us that a country’s development is not measured only by buildings, roads, or financial investments. The opportunities people have to enjoy life, connect with others, and participate in their communities matter as well.
We hope events like this continue to grow and encourage even more Salvadorans to participate in healthy, family-oriented activities.
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