Mexico City Marathon
End ofAugust 2025 Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico 42km Road runningThe Mexico City Marathon: A High-Level Race
The city of Mexico City, located at an altitude of 2,240 meters, requires runners to be accustomed to the thinner air to cross the finish line smoothly! Taking place in late August or early September, the International Marathon of the Ciudad de Mexico gathers no less than 30,000 runners from 60 different countries. This road race event is the most significant in Latin America and one of the best in the world. It has even been awarded the Gold Label by World Athletics, a recognition that only 24 marathons hold worldwide, and was the first to achieve it in Latin America.
The marathon adventure began in 1983 in Mexico City’s streets. Initially reserved for locals, the race opened to international athletes in the 2000s, and that’s when the magic happened! Although only two Mexicans have won Mexico’s premier race, they still take great pride in their event. The event is highly inclusive; individuals with disabilities can participate just like anyone else. Similarly, the Mexico City Marathon is a charitable event that supports numerous associations and foundations.
The competition’s reputation can be summed up in three words: straight lines, elevation changes, and exceptional landmarks! The start is at the UNAM University Stadium, a prestigious university in the country. This stadium is legendary, having hosted events like the 1968 Summer Olympics. The race then proceeds with a long descent for several kilometers, providing a momentum boost for the rest of the hilly course! Nevertheless, the effort is well worth it as the route passes by the capital’s major landmarks, such as the Angel of Independence, Soumaya Museum, Chapultepec Park, and many more. This race is also an opportunity to explore the various neighborhoods of this multifaceted city, such as Polanco, Roma, and Condesa, not forgetting the historic center. The finish line is on Zocalo Square, close to the ruins of the ancient city.
This marathon is not just any race; it is qualifying for the Boston Marathon, one of the six World Marathon Majors! However, setting aside the clock, it becomes apparent that the Mexico City Marathon has a unique atmosphere characterized by camaraderie, generosity, and open-mindedness. Raramuri athletes, indigenous people from the north of the country, participate in the race alongside other marathoners!
KEY POINTS
- Key PointsThe Mexico City Marathon is an institution for runners from Latin America and around the world. This event combines culture, self-challenge, and conviviality!
- This race is a giant, and it’s crucial to come well-prepared to run at high altitude. The combination of 2,200 meters of altitude and the course’s elevation changes will challenge even well-trained runners!
- In 2023, during the marathon’s 40th edition, a fraud issue made headlines: 11,000 participants were disqualified because many allegedly boarded vehicles and did not run the full 42.195 km.
