Marathon de México

Ah, Mexico City 🇲🇽! It’s not just the heart of the Latin America on the planet, it’s also the stage for one of the craziest and most vibrant running adventures you’ll find in the world 🪐. For years now, the Mexican capital has welcomed the Mexico City Marathon! This legendary event turns Mexican streets into one giant festive celebration 🎉. If you’re chasing your next big challenge running, know that this race draws thousands of runners from all corners of the globe 🌍. You come to run but also to soak up a unique energy and experience something truly spectacular, more than just athletic 🏃. But beware, you’ll need to prep your lungs and legs, because running here demands a true mindset and top-notch physical preparation 🏋️!

To tame this monument, you first have to tame its playground, located at an altitude of about 2,240 meters 🏔️. You’ll understand why it’s one of the biggest marathons in Latin America and why its reputation as a leg-snapper precedes it 🤓. Indeed, at such high altitude, the air starts to feel quite thin 🥵. Many runners also recommend arriving a few days early, to acclimate ✈️. Seriously, it’s no joke 😬. Weather-wise, don’t expect heat! The event takes place late August, a time when the capital offers a: a cool morning between 12 and 15°C, and then the thermometer climbs to around 22°C during the day 🌡️. Still, be aware, because sometimes a light rain sneaks in and can quickly feel chilly 🌧️. Quick reminder : altitude is a big challenge there, that you’ve got 🫡. But here, there’s also one factor that won’t help your cause (and nobody else’s): pollution ♻️. Yes, it tires the body pretty quickly, especially when you run. But don’t panic, the vibe will sweep all that away, helping you power through every stride ! 🌬️

The route of this flagship race, aka the marathon, is 42,195 kilometers. Sombrero and maracas in hand, it’s go time 🪇. You’ll start from the mythical Estadio Olímpico Universitario, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site that has hosted the greatest athletes in history during the 1968 Olympic Games 🏅. And soon you’ll be passing through at a wild pace 👀. As you traverse the city, your strides will carry you to the majestic Paseo de la Reforma. This historic avenue inspired by grand European boulevards will bring you face to face with the famous Ángel de la Independencia 🏛️. There won’t be only runners on this course. You’ll then cross the Chapultepec Parka vast area with a real castle, like in your wildest dreams ⭐️. A fairytale-esque castleAztecs. Finally, the city isn’t done with you yet, there are the neighborhoods and quirky streets enriched with street art and Mexican traditions 🌳.

What makes this race absolutely unforgettable is the people’s fervor that accompanies runners from the first to the last kilometer 📣. México forms a single, loud, festive wall of honor that fuels you 🥁. Expect whole families shouting your name even if they’re strangers 🤭. You’ll also encounter groups of traditional mariachi, blasting trumpets to the rhythm of the runners 🎺. After pushing your limits and conquering the lack of oxygen, the final thrill awaits: a triumphant finish on the Zócalo 📍. This is THE city square, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace Ah yes, this is not your ordinary marathon, indeed! 🤩

We hope we didn’t scare you with the oxygen issues, but just in case, the organizers run official training programs in-person! 🥸 So, yes, it’s best to be in Mexico to do them, on the track at the Utopía Meyehualcoin the Iztapalapa district 📍. Otherwise, on their social channels they also publish weekly schedulesIztapalapa📋. This way you have plenty to train with so you’re ready for Day J ✨.

With all that, there’s no way you can’t finish in style 💝. After the effort, you can fully reward your body by sampling the gastronomic richness of the region. When you think of Mexico you quickly think of its tacosthe world-famous, its quesadillas with melting cheese and its spicy sauces, that you might not even dream of devouring… 🌶️ Once you’ve tasted all that, your homemade tacos will never taste the same 🌮.

It’s time to come and smash your time in México! 💥