Maintaining a regular training schedule can be a challenge when traveling or arriving in a new city, especially a city as big and spread out as Mexico City. Unfamiliar traffic patterns, crowds and poorly maintained sidewalks can all make finding a safe place to run seem like an impossible task. Fortunately, Mexico City offers several secure and well-maintained public running paths, most of which are within easy commuting distance of the city’s downtown area.
The running paths at Viveros de Coyoacán
At first glance Mexico City may not appear to have much of a running culture. Rarely will you see anyone running or jogging through the downtown area or along city streets, but head out to any one of these running paths on a Sunday morning and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Vendors offering a variety of running gear, clothing and shoes set up stalls outside the park entrances and you can almost always find information about upcoming races and events.
Mornings are an especially popular time to run because the morning air tends to be cooler and clearer than at other times throughout the day, but be sure to get there early; by mid-morning some of the paths can be nearly as busy as the sidewalks downtown. Here are three places to run in Mexico City.
Bosque de Tlalpan
Tlalpan Park, locally known as Bosque de Tlalpan, is often referred to as the heart of Mexico City’s running culture. On any given day you’ll find joggers and runners circling the gravel track. The park is home to the Tlalpan Forest Runners Association (Corredores del Bosque de Tlalpan). Formed back in 1982, the organization helps with conservation efforts and organizes local running events, including the popular Father’s Day 21k race. Tlalpan Park is open from 6 am to 6 pm and the closest Metro station is Universidad. From there you can catch a pesero, or microbus, the remainder of the way.
El Sope
The Pista del Corredores El Sope is located in the second section of Chapultepec Park. It’s a gated area with two gravel running paths with distance markers (the longer of the two is 2km) and areas for stretching and warm-ups. Distance runners often combine a visit to El Sope with a run through other areas of the park or head up to Chapultepec Castle for a good hill workout. El Sope is open daily from 5:30 am to 5 pm and the closest Metro station is Auditorio. From there it’s a bit of a walk; you’ll need to cross the avenue via the pedestrian overpass to reach the second section of Chapultepec Park.
Viveros de Coyoacán
Located 1km west of central Coyoacán, Viveros de Coyoacán is a garden and nursery with a wide gravel path popular with runners and joggers. On weekends outdoor yoga classes are held in the park and visitors are welcome to join in. Viveros is open from 6 am to 6 pm and the closest Metro station is Viveros. This is probably the easiest of the running paths to reach via public transportation and the Metro station is located on the opposite side of the fence. When you exit the station walk south (to your right when facing the fence) along Avenida Universidad and take your first left.
Mexico City hosts frequent road races and runners can find an event to participate in almost every weekend. If you’re looking to find out about upcoming events check out Emocion Deportiva, Club Asdeporte or RunMX (links in Spanish). You can also pick up flyers and race info at the kiosk in Tlalpan Park and at Marti retail stores or Sport City clubs located throughout the capital. Mexico City’s major running event, the Mexico City International Marathon, takes place each year in September.
Mexico City sits at an elevation of 2,239m (7,347 ft) above sea level and new arrivals to the city may find it takes some time to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding overexertion and staying hydrated can help to lessen any negative effects. Once adjusted, the city’s high altitude makes it an excellent place to train.
