As part of the tenth edition of the CAF Marathon 2026, the Venemergencia Group led the Medical Update Course for runner care, a training day aimed at strengthening the preparedness of medical personnel and volunteers. They will participate in this emblematic sporting event, which this year will include a 10K race for the first time, in addition to the traditional 21K and 42K distances. The races will be held on Sunday, February 8th.

The training session took place in the Antonio José de Sucre Auditorium at the CAF Tower and was part of a joint effort between Venemergencia, CAF, and Mercantil Seguros, key partnerships that ensure optimal conditions for safety, prevention, and medical care during the event.

During the session, experts from Venemergencia, the Venemergencia Foundation, and sports specialists addressed key topics such as musculoskeletal injuries, heat-related illnesses and dehydration, basic life support, emergency medical management in marathons, and the strategic placement of resources on race day, all aligned with international standards for care at large-scale sporting events.

Medical management and training for the marathon

One of the central themes of the day was the presentation “Emergency Management System during the CAF Marathon,” given by Dr. Luis Enrique Velázquez, Founding Partner and Operations Director of Venemergencia. During his presentation, he explained the technical and operational challenges involved in providing medical coverage for an event of this magnitude and highlighted that, in previous editions, up to 30 % of runners required some type of care, including highly complex emergencies such as cardiac arrest and heatstroke.

Dr. Velázquez also emphasized that the medical operation is designed according to IAAF international standards, which allows for the precise definition of the number of professionals, units, points, and care stations needed. In this context, he explained the integrated response system implemented by Venemergencia, based on four fundamental pillars: human resources, material resources, care units, and communications, and stressed the importance of coordinated work among the institutions involved.

As part of this comprehensive deployment, all runners in the 2026 CAF Marathon will have Mercantil insurance, granting them access to the Urgent Care network of emergency rooms. In cases where the required care exceeds the emergency level, participants will be immediately referred to partner clinics, ensuring continuity of timely and specialized medical attention.

Specialized training for runner care

From an educational perspective, the course addressed the main medical situations associated with long-distance running. Carlos Lobo Oropeza explained the most common injuries in runners and the role of volunteers in identifying warning signs, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing athlete safety.

Likewise, Christopher De Faria, a surgeon and member of the Venemergencia Foundation, reinforced knowledge in Basic Life Support, including the early recognition of cardiac arrest and the correct use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Finally, Dr. Ricardo Javornik addressed heat-induced thermal stress injuries, thermoregulation, hydration, and care protocols for this type of emergency.

A comprehensive operation for the safety of all runners

The medical operation for the 2026 CAF Marathon will be made possible through the coordinated efforts of Venemergencia, CAF, Mercantil Seguros, and various security and response agencies, including the Fire Department, Civil Protection, Salud Chacao, Ven 911, paramedics from Vías Rápidas, and Ángeles de la Autopista (Highway Angels), forming a comprehensive care system to respond effectively to any eventuality.

With this preparation process, Venemergencia reaffirms its commitment to safety, prevention, and timely care during the 2026 CAF Marathon. The organization invites runners and attendees to experience this sporting event with confidence and peace of mind, supported by a comprehensive, planned, and coordinated medical care system. Together with its strategic partners, Venemergencia will be present before, during, and after the event, prepared to safeguard the health and well-being of all participants.

With information and main image provided by Grupo Venemergencia

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Opticolor, a leading Venezuelan company in visual health, announces the arrival of the 3rd edition of its emblematic 10K Race in Maracaibo, an event that is part of the sporting tradition of the Zulia capital and which this year celebrates the organization’s 27th anniversary, promoting and supporting both comprehensive health and well-being.

The health in motion event

The Opticolor 10K Race 2026 was born as a tribute to the city of Maracaibo, giving back with joy and sport for all the support shown to the company and brand. This year, more than 1,000 runners are expected to take part in a unique route designed to challenge professional athletes and motivate amateurs.

More than just a race, the event is envisioned as a “Health Fair,” featuring strategically placed entertainment points, live music, and activities for the whole family, guaranteeing a festive atmosphere from start to finish.

As we know, Maracaibo is the capital of Zulia State, located in northwestern Venezuela, and the second largest and most important city in the country. Known as “The Land of the Beloved Sun,” it stands out for its oil potential, its location on the shores of Lake Maracaibo, its attractive bridge, its distinctive gaita music culture, and the deep devotion its people have for the Virgin of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, La Chinita.

Strategic alliance between Jagi and Opticolor

To enhance the experience and comfort of participants, this year a partnership and collaboration between Jagi Caps and Opticolor is being solidified. Thus, Jagi, a leading brand in style and dynamism, joins the wave of runners not only with brand presence but also by providing real value:

• Runner’s Kit: Many participants will receive an exclusive Jagi surprise in their kit.
• On-Route Activations: Presence at hydration stations and sensory experiences along the route.
• Awards: Special incentives for the winners, highlighting the value of perseverance.

Event fact sheet

• Event: 3rd Annual Opticolor 10K Race
• Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
• Location: Maracaibo, Zulia State (certified route)
• Participants: Over 1,000 runners
• Purpose: Opticolor anniversary celebration and promotion of visual and overall health

A successful collaboration

“At Opticolor, we believe that health is a holistic concept. We not only care for what you see, but also how you feel. This race is our way of thanking Maracaibo with a top-notch, professional event filled with the joy that characterizes us,” stated the Opticolor marketing management team, expressing their gratitude for the support and collaboration related to the event.

From Jagi Caps Venezuela, “…we continue to celebrate the action, creativity, effort, and passion of those who are moving forward; of the people who don’t fall behind, but always strive to be among those of us working to stay one step ahead.” That’s why coinciding with Opticolor and their 10K race in Maracaibo, besides being a constructive way to honor our beloved capital of Zulia state and a well-deserved birthday celebration for our partner, which we are honored to do, is also “to highlight the quality, innovation, and creativity that both companies and brands represent,” stated the Jagi communications team.

Opticolor is the leading and largest optical chain in Venezuela, operating since 1999 with more than 85 branches nationwide in the country’s main shopping centers.

More details will be released as the event date approaches.

Instagram: @Opticolor and @jagicapsve          

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