Organizer Knocks Down Elderly Runner Before Race Finish Line in Mexico; Video Sparks Outrage
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- An elderly man, identified as Don José, was forcefully knocked down by an event organizer during the Carrera de Colores race in Huamantla, Tlaxcala, Mexico, on August 2.
- The incident, captured on video and widely shared online, sparked public outrage, with users identifying the organizer responsible.
- Don José will now be unable to participate in the upcoming Mexico City Marathon due to injuries sustained in the fall, intensifying criticism of the event organizers.
A video circulating on social media has ignited public anger after showing an elderly participant, Don José, being forcefully knocked down by an event organizer just before reaching the finish line at the Carrera de Colores race in Huamantla, Tlaxcala. The incident occurred on August 2 during the Huamantla Fair.
The footage clearly depicts a staff member of the event colliding with Don José, causing him to fall heavily and remain on the ground for several seconds. Initial reports suggested the organizer may have acted because Don José lacked a participant number or folio. The incident quickly went viral, leading to widespread condemnation of the organizer's actions.
The controversy intensified when it was revealed that Don José had been preparing for the XLIII Marathon of Mexico City on August 30. The injuries sustained from the fall have now made his participation in that event impossible, further fueling public criticism. Users on social media actively identified the organizer involved in the incident.
Don José has since stated that he has met with the family of the man who knocked him down. He indicated that they are willing to take responsibility for his injuries and that a resolution has been reached. "They are in the best disposition to help me. As for me, there is nothing to complain about, they are good people," Don José mentioned, adding, "A solution has been reached, thank you for lending me a hand."
The Feria de Huamantla organizing committee released a statement clarifying that while the race was part of the official fair program, its organization was handled by a private company. The municipal government stated it provided only logistical and institutional support and expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities if required. The incident has drawn significant negative attention to the event and its organizers.
They are in the best disposition to help me. As for me, there is nothing to complain about, they are good people. A solution has been reached, thank you for lending me a hand.
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.