Mexico City Half Marathon increases participants to 35,000 this Sunday

The 19th edition of the Mexico City Half Marathon is set to be the largest yet, with 35,000 participants registered, exceeding the initial call for 30,000 runners. This surge in demand, unprecedented for the event, has drawn competitors from both Mexico and abroad.

Javier Peralta, the general director of the Mexico City Institute of Sport, highlighted that this is the first time the marathon has experienced such a significant increase in participants. Runners hail from 32 countries, with notable representation from the United States, Guatemala, Colombia, Spain, and El Salvador. Within Mexico, the highest demand came from Mexico City itself, followed by the State of Mexico, Puebla, Querétaro, and Hidalgo.

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We needed a larger space for the start blocks. [...] We had to look at that part of logistics to have the best conditions. Mainly for the safety of the runners.

To accommodate the expanded field, organizers have implemented logistical changes, particularly concerning the start blocks. Peralta emphasized that these adjustments were crucial for ensuring the safety and optimal conditions for all runners. The race, covering 21.0975 kilometers, will begin at the Hemiciclo a Juárez and conclude at the Ángel de la Independencia.

Former Olympic race walker Raúl González, a double medalist from the 1984 Los Angeles Games, attended the exhibition for the half marathon. He commented on the global growth of running as a trend, urging Mexico City to keep pace. González stated that the pursuit of better health and lifestyles is driving this movement, and cities like Mexico City must embrace it to avoid being left behind.

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It will surely continue to grow. It is a global trend. Mexico City must be on par. It is a trend in the search for better health and a better way of life. [...] That it be part of our way of life. People in cities are looking for it. Mexico City cannot be left behind. And we will see more and more people in that direction.