Running in the Mazatlan Marathon – 10 km in the heat

What better way to start my winter fitness program in Mazatlan than with a 10km run in the Mazatlan Marathon?!

I learned about the marathon as we returned from San Miguel de Allende. A large billboard on the outskirts of Mazatlan proudly displayed: “Gran Maraton Pacifico” and it was happening next week. I hadn’t seriously been running since we started our bike trip, but I figured a flat course at sea level wouldn’t be so bad.

I asked Uncle Google and learned that the Mazatlan Marathon had all the usual trappings of a well-organized event. It had an excellent route - flat, and with a range of activities including a 70 meter dash for the kids up to the 42.2 km for the harder core athletes. I was excited that the registration options included a 10 km run as I was not trained to do a full or even a half marathon. I particularly liked that the category for 50+ years is ‘veterans’. This was highly amusing, as I have never thought of myself that way before. Heck, I managed to register on the Spanish site as the English site would not take my money! Pretty good for a 'veteran'!

Off to the Mazatlan Marathon Expo to pick up my race package. The Expo was organized (sort of) but in such a way to be confusing for a beginning Spanish speaker - all part of the fun.

I figured out where to get my confirmation number (apparently, I was supposed to bring this). Next step was to sign the waiver forms (across the expo area from the confirmation number). After that, pick up my race number (diagonal from the waiver signing). Then the prized T-shirt (across the whole expo from where I picked up the number). While I personally would put everything together, who am I to organize a Marathon in Mexico?

The race started at 6:30 am to avoid the heat of the day so I set my alarm for 5:15 am. There was no way Heather was going to join me (she may have used more pointed words than ‘No Way’,) so I set out alone in the dark for the bus to take me to start line.

I was waiting for a bus when an Auriga (red trucks, with bench seats in the back) pulled in and a crowd of runners invited me for a ride to the start line. They must have noticed my race number pinned to the front of my shirt. These folks live in Zapopan, Mexico and they travel for runs in many Mexican states. One runner spent a month in Toronto learning English which allowed us to have a great conversation about what to expect for the Mazatlan Marathon.

The start line was filled with the usual energetic crowd and very loud music. I spent 25 minutes warming up, as required by a ‘Veteran’. It was pretty warm already, so I was happy for the early start. The sky was getting bright promising a fantastic weather day.

The gun went off and the herd of about 2500 runners took off along the Malecon (walkway on the waterfront). This is a primo route, as they closed the street to traffic. The run was beautiful with the sparkling Pacific ocean and the soothing wave surf pounding in my ears as I cruised along. I was able to have a few chats with folks, but my limited Spanish meant I spent more time gawking than I normally do. The race route was well organized with the right amount of water stations and music along the way to keep my energy up. The heat was not oppressive, but l was dripping wet at the finish line!

I was not really trained for this event, but it has sparked my interest in running again. Fortunately, I placed 59th in the male ‘Veterans’ category. My chip time was 59 minutes (OK and 49 seconds) JUST barely under the hour. Whew, it appears I still have some get up and go in me, but it feels like not long ago that I could clock a 55 minute 10 km!

Heather joined me at the finish line but forgot to pack the requisite beer and potato chips. She claimed it was something to do with it being 7:30 am and it was ONLY a 10 km. I might need to find a new race support team!

After the race, I was finally able to don my free T-Shirt, as per the “rules” of the folks I run with (Thou shalt never wear a race shirt one has not earned!) Of course, I wore my medal proudly to illustrate to all that I managed to complete a 10 km race without dying. The combination of shirt and medal made me somewhat of a celebrity on the beach that afternoon.

The full and half marathon was scheduled for the next day. The route brought the runners about a block from our house at both the 9km (out) and 28 km (return) point. I watched the Kenyans come striding along after only 28 km, and they just seem to float without touching the ground. Very impressive. I figured I might have to up my game (or get out of the Veterans category) if I want to look this professional when I run!

Love running, Love Mexico - what a great combination! Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I would consider returning to run the full 42.2 km at some point in the future. Anybody up for an international Marathon next year?