Running in Oaxaca is a truly enriching experience and an ideal start to your day. In this lively city, running transcends mere exercise; it becomes a journey of indulgence in the culinary delights savored yesterday and anticipated today. Each run unfolds as an adventure, brimming with unexpected delights. Striving to surpass your Strava records fades as each route unveils its distinct charm. Whether pausing to capture a breathtaking vista or dashing alongside amiable stray dogs, every run promises a unique and memorable encounter.
Oaxaca beckons to adventurous, open-minded runners craving more than mere performance. Our running tours are designed to embrace all, enabling you to delve deep into the city’s rich culture and captivating landscapes. Once you lace up and hit the streets of Oaxaca, you’ll find yourself captivated for countless reasons:
Perfect Weather for Running
Oaxaca’s weather is as consistent as Kipchoge’s strides. Enjoy ideal running temperatures from 7 to 9 AM, with little worry about rain, which typically falls in the late afternoon during the rainy season (June to September).
Morning Life in Oaxaca
The city comes alive in the morning, and being part of it is a blessing. Observe the small events that define daily life: nuns hurrying to the 7 AM mass, proud schoolchildren taking graduation photos, pilgrims honoring the Virgin of La Soledad, or the lingering candles at dawn on Day of the Dead. These moments inspire you as you head downtown to start your run.
The Balance of Local Food and Exercise
Indulge in Oaxaca’s culinary delights and maintain balance with running. Antojo cravings and irresistible local cuisine fuel your runs. Embrace the cycle of eating and running, discovering new culinary delights along the way. Experience Oaxaca’s rich culture and dynamic lifestyle through running adventures.
Sight–running Tours in Oaxaca
The historic center of Oaxaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a captivating place to explore. Walking along the main pedestrian streets of this colorful colonial city will leave you with unforgettable impressions. However, to truly discover Oaxaca beyond its touristic charm, you need to delve into the daily life of its residents. Experience a vibrant patchwork of descendants from pre-Hispanic cultures, adorned in traditional clothing, and speaking native languages like Zapotec and Mixtec.
To fully immerse yourself in the authentic Oaxaca, venture beyond the city center to its peripheral neighborhoods. The best way to navigate these areas is with a local runner who can guide you through the maze of narrow streets in these lively communities. Join us and explore Oaxaca’s rich heritage and vibrant local life through our running races and guided tours.
OAXACA MARKETS & CHURCHES – 8K
Experience Oaxaca’s stunning churches and colonial architecture. Immerse in local culture at traditional markets, savoring authentic flavors and crafts.
OAXACA TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOODS TOUR – 10K
Embark on our running tour to explore Oaxaca’s traditional neighborhoods. Witness locals’ rich traditions and vibrant customs firsthand.
OAXACA CITY STREETS AND THE HILL – 18K
Join our dynamic running tour through Oaxaca’s Historic Center, ascending Cerro del Fortin. Experience vibrant streets, then enjoy panoramic views.
Oaxaca Running Races
Running in Oaxaca is popular. Nearly every Sunday you may find a 5km or 10km race along downtown streets. Unfortunately for longer distances we are more limited with only 2 half-marathon, the most famous being the Rock’n Roll Half Marathon.
The true spirit of Oaxaca races will be found outside the city, into the high and steep mountains that surround it. Indeed the trail-running tradition is millennial here and some fine international champions come from small villages such as Ricardo Mejía, world champion in 2006.
The most famous and challenging races are usually held in small villages where the whole community is working all year long to organize the best race in a very pleasant ambient. For example, Ultra Trail Sierra Mixe, UTC – Ultra Trail la Carroñera and Tepeztate Trail are events that are growing more and more every year and allow you to share good moments into this welcoming traditional communities. Then the Trail de la Mixteca is by far the most notorious race in Oaxaca, organized by Ricardo Mejia himself it permits the winners to travel and participate to several races in Europe.
If you are an adventurer the Ultra Festival is made for you where during 5 days athletes from over the world compete on the 200 Millas de Mexico or the duathlon Ultra Trail Bike.
Then nearly every weekend you will find local trail running races in different parts of Oaxaca. For a complete list of races, check out our 2019 running races post here.
Oaxaca Running Routes
Running in the center of Oaxaca is a delight, especially in the morning when the streets are wide and traffic is minimal. For those looking to train more seriously, the Venustiano Carranza Stadium is just a few blocks away. It features an official running track and a surrounding route with several bridges.
In the afternoon, runners gather at El Llano Park, where the large trees provide cool, refreshing shade.
For longer distances, take the 10 km run along the cycling lane from Oaxaca City to the charming village of El Tule, home to the famous “Tule Tree.”
Running Clubs
Several athletic clubs in Oaxaca focus on athletics competitions. During your stay, you might prefer joining a group of amateur runners like the Night Runners, who organize enjoyable night runs. Don’t forget to bring your headlamp!
Running Stores
Oaxaca is a small provincial city where high-quality products can be a bit more expensive than in other places. However, you can still find the most famous brands in a few specialized stores:
Salomon Store: This is the official store for the worldwide brand, offering a wide range of accessories and running shoes, especially for trail running. You can also find information about local races here.
La Gran Montaña: As the name suggests, this store specializes in mountain gear. It offers everything you need for climbing and camping, including La Sportiva trail running shoes.
Deportes Hugo: Although primarily a gym, Deportes Hugo has a good store for street running shoes and accessories.
Oaxaca’s Perfect Running Climate
As mentioned earlier, the climate in Oaxaca is perfect for morning runs. The year is divided into two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
Dry Season (October to May):
- Cool Mornings: Expect cool temperatures at dawn (around 10°C) in January and February. As soon as the sun rises, temperatures increase.
- Hot Months: April and May are the hottest months, with temperatures soaring above 30°C by 10 AM.
Rainy Season (June to September):
- Mild Days: Clouds provide shade, keeping average daytime temperatures around 25°C.
- Afternoon Showers: Be prepared for heavy tropical rains during afternoon runs. A rain-jacket won’t keep you dry, but the warm temperatures make running in the rain enjoyable.
Happy running,
Pascal
