90 volunteer students from all faculties, majors, campuses and study modalities participated in a day that combined sport, service, inclusion and learning.

The Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology -UMECIT- had a prominent participation in the Panama City Marathon 2026, one of the most prominent sporting events in the country, with a delegation of 90 student volunteers who accompanied the development of the competition from different points of the day.

From the early hours, the students took on support roles at hydration stations, guiding participants, accompanying them along the route, and assisting in the start and finish areas. Their commitment contributed to the smooth running of the event and to supporting national and international athletes throughout the race.

Volunteering allowed students to strengthen skills such as communication, teamwork, responsibility, leadership, and service, while interacting with people from different backgrounds and participating in an international activity.

A community that participates and integrates

One of the most significant aspects of this experience was the diversity of student representation. Participants included students from in-person, blended, and online learning modalities, representing diverse fields of study, including health, education, social sciences, technology, administration, logistics, communication, and forensic science.

Participation was promoted and supported by University Welfare, through its sports team, in coordination with the organizers of the Panama City Marathon and various departments within the University. Their work facilitated the recruitment, organization, and support of volunteers throughout the event.

The institutional presence extended to ATLAPA, where the exhibition linked to the Panama City Marathon 2026 took place. There, the Marketing Department team welcomed visitors and shared information about the academic offerings, study modalities, and training opportunities offered by UMECIT.

In this way, the University was present at different moments of the event: from the preparation and participation of its volunteers to accompanying the athletes and interacting with runners, families, visitors and organizations.

UMECIT thanks each student volunteer, as well as the teams and organizations that made this experience possible. Their dedication demonstrates that when a community unites around a common purpose, it also learns, participates, and makes a difference.