Comparte este contenido May 30, 2026

The mmB Is for Everyone: The Impact of the Wheelchair Division

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The first time I witnessed the start of the Wheelchair Division at the Bogotá Half Marathon, I was absolutely captivated. The para-athletes exploded off the starting line with a level of speed and power that completely challenged my understanding of what was physically possible. The men's winner crossed the 10K finish line in just 17 minutes and 19 seconds—a time I could not dream of achieving, even on my best day.

That experience fundamentally transformed my understanding that “The mmB Is for Everyone” is not merely an aspirational slogan, but a tangible reality—one that comes to life when the event creates genuine opportunities for elite para-athletes to compete under optimal conditions.

“The mmB Is for Everyone”: More Than a Slogan, a Measurable Commitment

The principle that “The mmB Is for Everyone” is validated not through statements, but through concrete data and institutional action. The Wheelchair Division is not a logistical add-on introduced as an afterthought; it is a fundamental pillar that demonstrates the Bogotá Half Marathon’s genuine commitment to functional diversity and inclusion.

Over the years, I have observed how this commitment is reflected in tangible measures: dedicated race routes that accommodate the unique speeds and turning radii of racing wheelchairs, separate start waves that ensure safety for both para-athletes and conventional runners, and active collaboration with para-athletics organizations to maximize participation and improve the racing experience.

This is not performative inclusion. It is structural inclusion—an approach that recognizes para-athletes as elite competitors whose technical requirements deserve the same level of attention and respect as those of any other segment of the race.

Participation Trends: The Numbers Tell the Story

Historical Growth Despite Interruptions

Participation in the Wheelchair Division has followed a remarkable trajectory since 2019. That year, 35 para-athletes registered for the 10K race category: 25 men and 10 women. This strong foundation demonstrated an existing demand among para-athletes seeking a high-quality competitive platform.

The pandemic abruptly disrupted this momentum. In 2020 and 2021, the event was held in a virtual format, making in-person participation in the Wheelchair Division impossible. This gap in the historical record represents more than a simple statistical pause; it marked two years during which para-athletes lost the opportunity to compete in one of the most prestigious running events in the region.

Post-Pandemic Recovery

The return to in-person racing in 2022 was modest, with only 10 total registrations. The 71% decline compared to 2019 reflected not only the lingering effects of pandemic-related restrictions, but also the challenge of rebuilding confidence and momentum after two years of absence.

The years 2023 and 2024 showed a gradual but inconsistent recovery. Registration increased to 14 participants in 2023, only to fall again to just 8 in 2024—the lowest level in the history of the in-person event. As someone who has closely followed the race, this decline was personally concerning, as it suggested potential communication, outreach, or logistical challenges that may have discouraged participation.

2025: A Historic Turning Point

The year 2025 marks a dramatic transformation. With 21 total registrations, the Wheelchair Division experienced explosive growth of 162.5% compared to 2024. This surge is not a random statistical fluctuation, but rather the result of increased organizational maturity and stronger engagement with the para-athletics community.

I have spoken with event organizers who confirm that this growth reflects deliberate efforts: improvements to race infrastructure, enhanced communication channels with para-athletics organizations, and greater visibility for the Wheelchair Division in the event’s promotional materials.

A Victory for Gender Equity

250% Growth in Female Participation

Perhaps the clearest success of the principle that “The mmB Is for Everyone” is the progress made toward gender equity within the Wheelchair Division. Female participation grew from just 2 athletes in 2023 to 7 in 2025—an increase of 250%.

This growth did not happen by chance. It reflects intentional efforts to increase the visibility of female para-athletes, foster a welcoming environment, and actively communicate that the division is not an exclusively male domain.

As a man who has witnessed persistent gender inequality across many areas of sport, seeing this progression at the mmB gives me genuine hope. Each of those seven women represents not only an individual competitor, but also a role model who can inspire the next generation of female para-athletes.

Historical Gender Comparison

In 2019, women accounted for 28.5% of participants in the Wheelchair Division. That proportion declined sharply to 20% in 2022 and just 14.3% in 2023. By 2025, however, women represent 33.3% of the division—the highest proportion in the event’s history.

This statistic demonstrates that when an event genuinely prioritizes inclusion, the results are both measurable and transformative.

Elite Performance: Speeds That Challenge Perceptions

Times That Leave Conventional Runners Behind

The 2025 performance data reveal a reality that many conventional runners do not fully appreciate: para-athletes in racing wheelchairs are incredibly fast.

The men's champion completed the 10K race in just 17 minutes and 19 seconds. For context, the winner of the men's open 10K category finished in 31 minutes and 5 seconds. A gap of nearly 14 minutes is not marginal—it is extraordinary.

I have run a 10K in approximately 48 minutes on my best days. The champion para-athlete would have lapped me by a significant margin on a standard track. It is a humbling realization, one that completely reshapes my understanding of athletic performance and human potential.

Distribution of Men's Finishing Times

The men's results in 2025 show a wide range of performances:

• 1st place: 17:19
• Median time: 50:47
• Last finisher: 1:30:211

This spread of more than 73 minutes between the first and last finisher reflects the diversity of the division, which includes both internationally competitive elite para-athletes and recreational participants. It is the same broad spectrum of ability that exists in conventional race categories, reinforcing the idea that the Wheelchair Division is a true competitive field rather than a niche or symbolic addition to the event.

Female Performance

The women’s results showed the following finishing times:

• 1st place: 53:31
• Median time: 1:25:08
• Last finisher: 1:31:18

The gap of approximately 38 minutes between the first and last finisher is smaller than in the men's division, possibly reflecting the fact that the smaller female participant pool exhibits less extreme performance variability.

Nevertheless, the women’s champion completed the 10K in a time that many conventional runners—regardless of gender—would envy. Her average pace, approximately 5:21 min/km, is highly respectable in any competitive context.

Finishing Rates: An Indicator of Course Suitability

An 80.95% Completion Rate

Of the 21 athletes registered in 2025, 17 successfully crossed the finish line, resulting in a completion rate of 80.95%. This percentage is an important indicator that the course is technically suitable for racing wheelchairs.

Over time, I have learned that for para-athletes, surface quality and course elevation management are critical factors in their ability to complete a race. Uneven pavement, excessively steep inclines, or poorly designed turns can make a course physically impossible for some athletes to navigate safely and effectively.

A completion rate above 80% suggests that the Bogotá Half Marathon has optimized its course appropriately, striking a balance between competitive challenge and technical feasibility for wheelchair athletes.

DNS Rates: An Area for Improvement

Despite the overall success of the division, 14.28% of registered athletes did not start (DNS) in 2025. When broken down by gender, the men's division recorded a DNS rate of 21.43% (3 of 14 athletes), a figure that warrants attention.

Pre-race absenteeism is often linked to specific logistical barriers, such as difficulty accessing the start area, inadequate transportation for specialized equipment, or registration processes that do not fully accommodate the needs of para-athletes.

As an observer who has seen these challenges at other sporting events, I recognize that completely eliminating DNS cases requires continuous improvement in accessibility and event logistics. Every para-athlete who arrives prepared to compete but is ultimately unable to take the start line represents an operational shortcoming that deserves careful evaluation and attention.

Professionalism Reflected in Minimal Disqualifications

Only one disqualification was recorded in 2025, representing 7.14% of the men's division. This level of consistency points to a high degree of professionalism and technical knowledge among the competitors.

Disqualifications in the Wheelchair Division typically result from violations of specific technical regulations, such as wheelchair design requirements, unauthorized external assistance, or course infractions. The low disqualification rate suggests that participating para-athletes are well informed about the rules and compete with a strong commitment to fairness and sporting integrity.

Safety Implications: Speed Requires Expert Management

Radically Different Speed Profiles

The nearly 14-minute gap between the Wheelchair Division champion (17:19) and the Open Division champion (31:05) is more than an interesting statistic. It carries critical operational implications for race safety.

From my analysis, these speed differentials require carefully managed and clearly separated start waves. Racing wheelchairs operate with braking distances, turning radii, and cornering dynamics that are fundamentally different from those of runners on foot.

Combining elite para-athletes traveling at speeds exceeding 35 km/h with recreational runners moving at approximately 10 km/h would create an unacceptable collision risk, potentially resulting in serious injuries for both groups. Effective race management therefore depends on recognizing these differences and implementing safety measures that allow all participants to compete under appropriate conditions.

Dedicated Course Management as a Safety Imperative

Effective risk management requires maintaining a clear racing corridor for para-athletes, particularly during the opening kilometers of the race, when speed differentials are at their greatest.

Throughout my observations of the event, I have noticed that this separation is achieved through an earlier start for the Wheelchair Division. This allows the fastest para-athletes to complete a significant portion of the course before the main field of conventional runners fills the streets.

This logistical arrangement is far from simple. It requires precise coordination with traffic authorities, clear communication with all participants, and course personnel trained to maintain appropriate separation throughout the event. These measures are essential to ensuring both safety and competitive fairness for everyone involved.

Consistency at the Highest Competitive Level

Comparing Elite Performances: 2023–2025

The stability of elite finishing times demonstrates that the mmB has established itself as a venue for high-level competition:

• 2023: 16:49
• 2025: 17:19

A difference of only 30 seconds between these years suggests that the event consistently attracts para-athletes capable of competing at international performance standards, rather than serving solely as a platform for local recreational participation.

For context, 10K times in the range of 17 minutes in a racing wheelchair are highly competitive by global standards. Athletes performing at this level may be capable of representing their countries in international para-athletics competitions, highlighting the caliber of talent present at the mmB.

Projections for 2026 and Beyond

Building on the Momentum of 2025

The 162.5% increase in participation provides a strong foundation for continued growth. If the Bogotá Half Marathon maintains its focus on logistical improvements and active engagement with the para-athletics community, a field of 30 to 35 registered athletes in 2026 appears entirely achievable.

Sustained growth at this pace would transform the Wheelchair Division from a niche category into a well-established segment of the event—one that merits resources, visibility, and organizational attention proportional to its importance and impact.

Continuous Improvement of Access Logistics

Reducing the 21.43% DNS rate should be a top operational priority for 2026. Every barrier that prevents a registered para-athlete from reaching the start line represents an organizational shortcoming that runs counter to the principle that “The mmB Is for Everyone.”

Based on my observations, the key areas for improvement include the transportation of racing wheelchairs from equipment storage areas to the start line, accessible registration procedures that properly accommodate mobility-related needs, and clear pre-race communication outlining the specific logistics and support available to para-athletes.

Addressing these challenges would not only improve participation rates but also strengthen the event’s commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible racing environment for all competitors.

Media Visibility

Increasing media coverage of the Wheelchair Division benefits not only individual para-athletes, but also the broader community of people with disabilities who need visible role models.

When videos of a champion crossing the finish line in 17:19 are shared on social media, they challenge limiting assumptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities. These images have a powerful educational impact, reshaping public perceptions in ways that policies and speeches alone often cannot.

Greater visibility also helps showcase para-athletes as elite competitors, highlighting their dedication, skill, and athletic achievement rather than focusing solely on their disabilities. In doing so, it encourages a more accurate and inspiring understanding of adaptive sports and the individuals who compete at the highest levels.

Using the Pace Calculator for Perspective

To fully appreciate what it means to complete a 10K in 17:19, try using a pace calculator. That time translates to an average pace of approximately 1:44 min/km. On my best days, I can run 400-meter intervals at roughly 1:50 min/km, and even then I can only sustain that pace for 400 meters—not for 10,000 meters.

This comparison dramatically recalibrates my appreciation for the athletic abilities of elite para-athletes. They do not compete in a separate division because they require accommodation; they compete in a separate division because their speeds would create significant safety concerns if they were mixed with conventional runners who are, in most cases, considerably slower.

Why This Matters Beyond the mmB

Transforming Urban Spaces

When Bogotá closes its streets so that para-athletes can compete under optimal conditions, the city is making a statement about who belongs in public spaces. This seemingly simple act of closing major avenues for a wheelchair race is, in many ways, a civic intervention that redefines ideas of citizenship, visibility, and belonging.

vI have observed how spectators who had never before seen para-athletes compete are often astonished by the speed, skill, and athleticism on display. These experiences can reshape attitudes far more effectively than any awareness campaign ever could.

By bringing elite para-sport into the heart of the city, the event challenges outdated assumptions and demonstrates that public spaces should be designed not only for accessibility, but also for excellence, competition, and full participation. In this sense, the impact of the Wheelchair Division extends far beyond race day—it influences how people think about disability, inclusion, and the role of sport in creating a more equitable society.

Creating a Pathway for Athletic Development

Every child with a disability who watches para-athletes compete at the mmB receives an implicit message: “You can do this too.” That inspiration is both tangible and measurable, often reflected in increased participation in youth para-athletics programs following high-profile events.

The data show a 250% increase in female participation between 2023 and 2025. This is not merely statistical growth; it represents five additional women who decided that they belonged in this space—perhaps inspired by seeing other women compete in previous editions of the event.

This is how sustainable sporting ecosystems are built. Visibility leads to participation, participation creates role models, and role models inspire the next generation. Over time, that cycle strengthens the entire para-athletics community, creating a pipeline of talent that extends far beyond a single race.

In this sense, every athlete who takes the start line contributes not only to their own achievement, but also to the future growth and development of the sport.

Register for mmB 2026 and See It for Yourself

If you have never witnessed the start of the Wheelchair Division, register for mmB 2026 and make a point of arriving early to watch it. I can confidently say that it will transform your understanding of human athletic potential.

The 162.5% growth in participation in a single year, the 250% increase in female participation, and the consistent presence of elite-level performances are not accidents. They are the result of treating inclusion as a core operational value rather than an optional add-on.

These outcomes, reflected in tangible data, demonstrate that when the commitment behind the principle “The mmB Is for Everyone” is genuine, the entire running community benefits. Para-athletes gain access to a world-class competitive platform, spectators gain a deeper appreciation for athletic excellence, and the event itself becomes a stronger and more representative celebration of sport.

Ultimately, the success of the Wheelchair Division is about more than participation numbers or finishing times. It is proof that when barriers are removed and opportunities are created, excellence emerges—and everyone is better for it.