Overview:
More than 100 young Haitians and adults participated in a marathon for peace on Sept. 20, running from Delmas to Pétion-Ville under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” Organized by the Educational Community Police Unit (EDUPOL) with support from the United Nations, the event aimed to promote social cohesion and hope amid widespread gang control in Port-au-Prince.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — More than 100 young Haitians ran from Delmas to Pétion-Ville on Sept. 20 in the second annual Marathon for Peace, organized by the Educational Community Police Unit (EDUPOL) with support from the United Nations. The event, held under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” aimed to promote unity and hope in a capital where gangs now control nearly 90 percent of neighborhoods.
Dressed in white jerseys and race numbers, participants set out on the four-mile course under heavy police and UN security. While some runners competed for prizes of up to $1,000, organizers emphasized the marathon’s broader goal: offering youth a positive outlet and inspiring them to reject violence at a moment when Haiti’s insecurity has displaced more than a million people.
“A marathon for peace means that young people should believe in themselves and avoid wrongdoing,” one participant who chose to stay anonymous due to privacy concerns told The Haitian Times.
“It’s better to run for a prize than to fall into bad choices.”
“This time, the youth are not running for the bandits, but for peace, love, and social cohesion.”
Étienne Jean Salvador, Community police coordinator
“This time, the youth are not running for the bandits, but for peace, love, and social cohesion,” said Étienne Jean Salvador, EDUPOL’s coordinator.
“Sport is a tool of peace. If we had used it earlier, many young talents would not have been lost to harmful paths.”
“This time, the youth are not running for the bandits, but for peace, love, and social cohesion.”
Étienne Jean Salvador, Community police coordinator
Along the route, armored vehicles from the multinational mission and Haitian police units secured the area, while scouts managed traffic and civil protection agents stood by with ambulances.
The Peace Marathon unfolded against the backdrop of worsening insecurity and growing calls for accountability and action from Haiti’s national police, amidst a struggle to regain control from gangs. In recent weeks, gangs have torched police stations in Bassin-Bleu and Liancourt, massacred dozens in Cabaret, and launched attacks on farming communities near Gonaïves.
“Peace may feel far away, but seeing so many youths run together shows that Haitians want another future,” one spectator said at Place Boyer, where the marathon ended.
Here are some more images from this marathon for peace—organized by the Haitian National Police with UN support:
Runners, including both teenage boys and girls, receive jerseys and race numbers from the organizers before the start at Delmas 40 B on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Photo by Juhakenson Blaise / The Haitian Times
Three staff members of the marathon for peace organizing committee pose for a photo on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Photo by Juhakenson Blaise / The Haitian Times
Dozens of runners sit in the middle of Delmas 49 B, waiting to take their positions for the start of the Peace Marathon organized by EDUPOL on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Photo by Juhakenson Blaise / The Haitian Times
Several young runners are warming up and taking their positions at the start of the marathon for peace organized by the Educational Community Police Unit (EDUPOL) on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Photo by Juhakenson Blaise / The Haitian Times
Three civil protection agents walked along the route to provide necessary support during the Peace Marathon organized by the Educational Community Police (EDUPOL) on Delmas Road, Saturday, September 20. Photo by Juhakenson Blaise / The Haitian Times
Runners reach Delmas 48 after running about eight blocks in the four-mile race, making their way toward Place Boyer in Pétion-Ville during the marathon for peace organized by the Educational Community Police Unit (EDUPOL) on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Photo by Juhakenson Blaise / The Haitian Times
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