Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Chetumal will soon become home to the first World Athletics-certified track in Quintana Roo and the entire Yucatan Peninsula, marking a historic milestone for sports infrastructure in the region.
Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa announced that the track at Unidad Deportiva Bicentenario is in its final preparation stages, with only technical processes remaining before its opening. During a tour of the facilities, she reported the project is nearly complete.
This new infrastructure will boost high-performance athletics development in southern Quintana Roo and position Chetumal as a potential host for official competitions.
A Track with Olympic-Grade Technology
The new track will feature a high-performance synthetic surface made from the same material used in Olympic competitions. Key characteristics include:
- A synthetic surface from company Mondo
- Material certified for international competitions
- Installation in 400-meter tartan strips
- Standards approved by World Athletics
The project is currently undergoing a 30-day technical process of asphalt mixture oxidation to release gases and ensure surface durability before the final coating installation.
Technical Challenges and Specialized Engineering
During the track rehabilitation, workers discovered four sinkholes beneath the surface, requiring specialized engineering work to reinforce the ground base. To guarantee stability and meet international standards, crews completed several actions:
- Structural reinforcement of the subsoil
- Application of over two tons of specialized material
- Precision leveling of approximately two millimeters
“This government doesn’t improvise. It required qualified engineering and processes that take time, but the project is turning out as it should,” explained Governor Lezama Espinosa.
Sports Modernization in Chetumal
Jacobo Arzate Hop, director of the Quintana Roo Sports Commission, explained this project is part of the comprehensive modernization of Unidad Deportiva Bicentenario, funded through the EFIDEPORTE program that channels business taxes toward sports projects approved by the Treasury and Public Credit Department and the National Commission of Physical Culture and Sports.
Other improvements at the sports complex include:
- Rehabilitation of the High Performance Center
- Improvement of the weightlifting gym
- Renovation of the semi-Olympic pool
- Rehabilitation of the sports shooting gallery
- Construction of Chetumal’s first public flag football field
- Creation of the state’s first public paddle court
- Rehabilitation of the tennis court
Athletes continued training at alternate locations during construction, including the Autonomous University of Quintana Roo and the Chetumal Technological Institute.
Governor Lezama Espinosa assured that the track will be ready soon for use by local athletes and sportspeople.
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