More than 350 runners, joggers and hikers will test their mettle Sunday, August 27 in Ajijic’s 15th annual Chupinaya mountain challenge, with side-by-side races for athletes of different ages and abilities kicking off from the town plaza at 10 a.m. sharp.
Competitors in the main event will run for glory taking the brutal 13.8 kilometer “savage” route taking them to the summit of the steep mountain range overlooking the village and back again to the starting line. The course climbs up to 2,400 meters above sea level in an 850-meter ascent over rough, rocky and often slippery terrain.
The less grueling recreational run follows an equally tricky but lower elevation path traced over 6.5 kilometers.
The recreational contest operates with three age groups each for adult men and women, plus male and female youth categories for ages 12 to 17. Trophies will be handed out for first through third place in each slot. The fleetest of foot can be expected to finish the short course in less than 30 minutes. Once they cool down, all competitors are invited to restore energy with a complimentary platter of pozole or fish stew dished out by the Chupinaya volunteer crew.