Tampa and Barranquilla Mark 60 Years as Sister Cities With April 5K Event

Tampa and Barranquilla, Colombia, will host a 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, April 26, to celebrate six decades as sister cities. The partnership started in 1966.

Paula Sofia Gómez and Carla Solano work in the Strategic Communications Department for the Tampa-Barranquilla Sister Cities Committee. Both women grew up in Barranquilla. They said the race will feature Colombian traditions and customs.

"Our primary objective is to foster community participation, increase institutional visibility, and raise funds for our initiatives," Gómez told CENTRO Tampa, per the Tampa Beacon.

Solano wants runners and sponsors who care about this bond. It's one of the oldest sister city connections around.

"We look forward to seeing everyone there — not only to learn about the rich history of brotherhood between these two cities but also to get some exercise and enjoy time together with family and friends," said Solano.

The partnership encourages sharing ideas about education, business, and culture between Tampa and Barranquilla. Tampa Sister Cities runs the program, which helps both places work together on trade and language learning.

Since 1966, the cities have built several projects. "Vamos al Parque" (Let's Go to the Park) brought new life to parks in the Colombian city. Tampa officials traveled there, bringing blueprints and suggestions.

Fernando Falquez directs the Tampa-Barranquilla Sister Cities Committee. He spoke about fixing up the Malecón del Río Magdalena. That project turned an old industrial zone into a walkway where families gather.

"Previously, that site was occupied solely by buildings and physical structures that obstructed the magnificent cultural and tourism development that exists there today," Falquez told CENTRO Tampa.

The bond has sparked talks about shipping ports and trade. Tampa once sent Barranquilla its first fire trucks, a gift that helped protect lives.

Each year, Barranquilla sends performers to the Ybor City Carnival. Earlier this year, business leaders met with Tampa International Airport officials to discuss new opportunities.