Valladolid Half Marathon Expands to Two Routes for Seventh Edition

Cancun, Quintana Roo — The seventh edition of the Valladolid Half Marathon will take place on May 17 with two race distances: a 21-kilometer half marathon and a 5-kilometer fun run, both starting and finishing at the municipal palace. Organizers presented the event in Cancun this week to promote sports tourism in the region.

“This edition of the half marathon solidifies its original purpose by focusing on health and family participation,” said Andrés Kú Tuz, president of the organizing committee. “Runners who visit Valladolid come with their families and children. We’re excited to welcome everyone with open arms.”

The main 21-kilometer course is certified by relevant athletics associations and designed to showcase the city’s architectural beauty, passing landmarks including Calzada de los Frailes, the San Bernardino de Siena convent, and traditional neighborhoods.

The 5-kilometer route was added to encourage physical activity and family participation, with organizers expecting 800 to 1,000 runners total. The event is coordinated with the Public Security Department to ensure participant safety throughout the day.

Races will begin at 5:30 a.m. for the 21-kilometer distance and 5:45 a.m. for the 5-kilometer run to avoid peak heat conditions. The event serves as preparation for the Marina Marathon scheduled for June.

Registration is available at vivedeporte.mx/evento_1205 for 480 pesos (21km) and 380 pesos (5km), with prices increasing to 550 and 450 pesos respectively in May.

“We’re considered one of the most important races on the Yucatan Peninsula,” Kú Tuz noted. “We attract tourists, particularly from Europe—Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium—and Canada. Some tourists plan their Mexico trips around this event.”

The prize pool exceeds 90,000 pesos in cash, distributed across categories including open (18+), submasters (30+), masters (40+), and veterans (50+). Local sponsors offer competitors preferential hotel rates and discounts at local businesses.

After the race, athletes will have the opportunity to sample regional dishes, combining sports with cultural experiences in the “Magic Town” of Valladolid.