Oaxaca, a vibrant city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique backdrop for any running race. While the number of organized races is limited, those that take place are rich in culture, scenery, and local charm.
Runners visiting Oaxaca can often join a 5K or 10K running race held downtown on Sunday mornings. These short city running races are friendly, scenic, and affordable—typically around $20 USD. Participants enjoy a route through Oaxaca’s colorful historic center and receive a T-shirt and medal at the finish line.
Long-distance marathons are less common. Only a few half marathons are organized each year, and although the dream of hosting a full marathon remains, logistical challenges—especially closing roads in the historic city—have so far kept it from happening.
For trail runners, Oaxaca’s real treasures lie beyond the city. Mountain villages in the surrounding Sierra Madre region host some of the most challenging and culturally rich trail running races in Mexico. These events offer more than just a race—they include hospitality from local communities, traditional food, festive spirit, and even a celebratory mezcal toast after the finish line.
Trail de la Mixteca
Date: 7 June 2025
The Trail de la Mixteca is a very popular running race among locals, organized by legendary runner Ricardo Mejía, also known as “El Rey de la Montaña.” One of the main reasons it draws national attention is that the top male and female finishers earn a coveted spot in the world-class Sierre-Zinal race in Switzerland.
Medio Maratón ACREIMEX (ACREIMEX Half Marathon)
Date: 29 June 2025
The ACREIMEX Half Marathon is an annual road running race held in Oaxaca. It also offers a 10K and a 5K, giving runners a few distances to choose from. Local runners and visitors look forward to taking part in this event each year.
IMSS–Monte Albán Athletic Race
Date: 16 November 2026
This running race brings runners from all over Oaxaca together for a mix of history and culture. With a distance of 12K and 22k, participants run a route that will take them up to summit of Monte Albán. Celebrate the spirit of Oaxaca in this race.
Oaxaca Running Tour with a Private Guide
OAXACA CITY STREETS AND THE HILL – 18K
This tour is a combination of asphalt and trail running from the streets of the Historic Center with an ascent to Cerro del Fortin. You will get to enjoy a good route and get to see the best panoramic view of the city of Oaxaca from Cerro del Fortin.
✅ Private guide
✅ Hotel pickup
✅ Your preferred pace and distance
✅ Available all days of the week
The Oaxaca Traditional Neighborhoods Tour (10K) and the Tule Tree Running Tour (21K) are our recommended options.
The Oaxaca Neighborhoods Tour guides you through famous urban areas within the city while the Tule Tree Running tour begins in the city before leading you through urban and rural areas outside the city to reach the Tule Tree or El Arbol de Tule. The Arbol de Tule is a 1500 year old majestic and mighty Montezuma cypress. Truly a sight to behold and experience.
The return journey to the city follows a different route. You find yourself back at the starting point before you realize it. Satisfied, energized and possibly wiser from the adventure.
The tours unite exercise with cultural exploration to let runners discover Oaxaca in a meaningful way. The experience provides more than physical exercise because it enables you to establish a connection with the city’s essence and narratives. Each step reveals fresh discoveries as you observe the environment through new eyes.
For more information on running in Oaxaca, check out our complete guide here.
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