Chetumal Opens First Internationally Certified Track in Yucatan Peninsula

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The state capital marked a historic step in sports development with the inauguration of the first internationally certified athletics track in Quintana Roo and the entire Yucatan Peninsula. Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa led the opening of the new facility at the Bicentenario Sports Complex, a space that will allow local athletes to train and compete under standards approved for official competitions.

Lezama highlighted that the project positions Chetumal as a potential host for national and international athletics events, as the track meets technical specifications required for high-performance sports.

The inauguration featured a symbolic 100-meter dash involving young athletes from Quintana Roo, marking the start of a new era for athletics in the state.

Lezama acknowledged the participation of the private sector, which, together with the Quintana Roo Sports Commission (CODEQ) and the state government, made the track possible through the federal High-Performance Sports Tax Incentive Program (Efideporte). This mechanism channels private investment into sports infrastructure and development projects.

With this international certification, Quintana Roo no longer depends on other states for its athletes to achieve official marks or participate in competitions sanctioned by national and international bodies. The track also opens the door to attracting sports events that boost the local economy and sports tourism.

The new facility will strengthen the preparation of future generations of athletes, who now have top-tier facilities for competitive development.

The project is part of the state’s strategy to expand and modernize sports infrastructure, promoting sports as a tool for well-being, social inclusion, and talent development to represent Quintana Roo and Mexico on national and international stages.