On Sunday, August 28, 2011, Mexico City hosted its 29th annual Maratón Internacional de la Ciudad de México (Mexico City International Marathon).
It’s been reported that more than 22,000 people participated in the Mexico City International Marathon this past weekend. The event included a 26.2 mile (42 km) full marathon race, a 13.1 mile (21km) half marathon race, a 10K and a 5K. Prior to the start of the marathon, city officials dedicated the race to peace in Mexico and a moment of silence was observed for the victims of Thursday’s casino attack in Monterrey.
Some marathon participants arrived in the city on international flights, and Kenyan runners took the top spot in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
The marathon began and ended in the Historic Center and passed by several of Mexico City’s important monuments and attractions including the Palace of Fine Arts, Revolution Monument and Ángel de la Independencia.
After departing the zocálo, runners continued southwest along the Paseo de la Reforma before making their way through parts of Polanco, Chapultepec Park and Roma-Condesa. You can view a map of the complete marathon route here.
We caught up with the runners when they passed by Parque España on their way through Roma-Condesa, and then again when they were headed north along Insurgentes.
If you ask me, this woman made running a marathon look way too easy. 
If you’re planning to book airline tickets to Mexico to participate in next year’s marathon, you’ll want to arrive in the city a few days ahead of the event in order to give yourself time to adjust to the high altitude. Mexico City is situated 7,200 feet above sea level. Once you’re here, be sure to check out a few of my favorite running paths where you can get in those last few runs before race day.
The Mexico City International Marathon typically takes place each year during late August, although the exact date changes year to year. Last year it was pushed forward to coincide with Mexico’s bicentennial celebrations in mid-September. The date is usually scheduled and announced on the website several months in advance.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Blimey….it’s 2 years since I ran the half marathon. I would have done the full marathon, but for a dodgy knee. I have read that the altitude can add 30 mins to a runners time over the full marathon because of the lack of oxygen. I can believe it, but I have yet to put it to the test by running in the UK and comparing my times. I’ve become a lazy old Limey
I’m thinking about running the half next year, although I’m a little bummed that it’s so much more expensive for foreigners to participate — 750 pesos instead of the 250 for nacionales! Not sure if having a residency visa counts or not…
And my mile time’s not great to begin with, so the altitude will probably just slow me down even more.
The woman in the huipil really knows how to rock her running gear
She had one of the best outfits of the day for sure!
Love her dress and hat! Truly a testament that ANYONE can run a marathon.
It definitely is! And she was loaded down with all kinds of stuff too! Quite an inspiration!
Did you see this guy?? Normally he runs in all the bigger events. I have no idea how he gets around with all that clobber on!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4532815313_1812404f4e_z.jpg
No, I didn’t see this guy but I wish I would have!
I never paid the foreigner rate. I just booked the native rate on the net and went and collected my pack. No one ever said anything.
There are a few good runs to help you warm up – some 10k’s and 15k’s. Bit of training, and it’s easy enough to do a half marathon. A full marathon does need a whole load more training though!
Good idea, when it comes time to register I’ll try that.