Bacalar Open Water Marathon Breaks Participation Records

Bacalar, Quintana Roo — More than two thousand swimmers from across Mexico, Central America, and countries including Costa Rica, Spain, Italy, Canada, and the United States participated in the 2025 Bacalar Open Water Marathon.

José Alfredo Contreras Méndez, Municipal President of Bacalar, stated that the 19th edition of this successful marathon broke participation records and solidified Bacalar as an ideal destination for sports, nature, and community. The event further established Bacalar, a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town), as a global hub for major sporting competitions.

Due to its consistent success, the Bacalar Open Water Marathon is widely regarded as Mexico’s premier open-water swimming event, with its venue celebrated as a paradise for visitors.

Event Details and Categories

The marathon took place from June 20 to 22, featuring individual races across multiple distances: 250 meters, 1.25 kilometers, 2.5 kilometers, five kilometers, 7.5 kilometers, and 10 kilometers.

Competitors were divided into categories:

• Men’s and Women’s Divisions: Ages 12–29, 30–49, and 50+.
• Youth Divisions: Boys and girls aged 11 and under.
• Paralympic and Special Categories.

Race Routes

• Saturday: A 1.25-kilometer crossing to the lagoon, with swimmers transported by boat to the Pirate Channel. The finish line was a floating platform near the municipal beach "El Aserradero."
• Sunday: A 2.5-kilometer flag-shaped circuit starting near "El Aserradero," ending at a floating finish line.
• 250-meter race: Buoys were placed around the municipal pier, concluding at a floating finish.

Awards and Recognition

All participants received commemorative medals, while the top three finishers in each category earned trophies. Additional team awards were given to the champion, runner-up, and third-place teams based on the number of registered swimmers representing their clubs.

The event underscored Bacalar’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for aquatic sports and adventure tourism.