Guatemalan athletics had an outstanding performance in the Stramilano Half Marathon 2026, one of the most prestigious and fastest half marathons in Italy held on May 3 in Milan. Heidi Villegas and Sandra Raxon shone in the female category by finishing in fourth and fifth place with times of 1:13:08 and 1:12:42, respectively.
The national long-distance runners managed to place themselves among the best competitors in the international event, reaffirming the high level that Guatemalan women’s athletics experience in middle-distance and long-distance events. The competition brought together athletes from different parts of the world in one of the most recognized courses in Europe.
Williams Julajuj Solares also had an outstanding performance by stopping the clock at 1:04:32, a result that allowed him to finish in 11th place among 8,246 runners in the general classification. In addition, the Guatemalan took third place in the SM35 category among 464 participants.
The Stramilano Half Marathon brought together more than 62,500 runners in its different categories and ran through the main streets of the historic center of Milan, starting in Piazza Castello and finishing near the emblematic Arco della Pace. The competition was part of the preparation of Guatemalan athletes heading to the Central American and Caribbean Games.
Central American and Caribbean Games
The results obtained in Milan are part of the preparation of Guatemalan athletes towards the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, which will be held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from July 24 to August 8, 2026.
Although the Stramilano Half Marathon does not grant direct classification, the competition served as an opportunity for Guatemalan runners to continue seeking marks and competitive pace ahead of the regional event.
Heidi Villegas, Sandra Raxón and Williams Julajuj continue to establish themselves as leaders of Guatemalan athletics with outstanding international performances. The three athletes are part of Team Caña Real, an organization that promotes the development and preparation of national runners in high-level competitions.