Local athletes marked a fast and furious pace to earn top honors in the annual 7KM Chapala-Ajijic foot race held Sunday, May 24. 

Chapala’s Alberto Arrayga whizzed past Salvajes Ajijic competitor Jose Gonzalez in the final stretch through La Floresta to take top honors as the absolute winner. His brother Salvador Arrayga loped close behind to take third place. 

Andrea Mora and Karina Aguayo, both running for Salvajes Ajijic, captured the one and two spots in the women’s open division, with Olga Canton of San Juan Cosala trotting in for third. 

A total of 154 competitors registered in eight different age and gender categories were awarded medals for completing the full course, stretched between Chapala City Hall and the finish line at Plaza Bugambilias. An additional 30 runners jumped into the field without official numbers. 

Individuals clocking the best times in each division were treated to breakfast compliments of Bar Che, a new watering hole opened on the top floor terrace at the Bugambilias business complex. 

More than 120 youngsters age four to 13 took home medals for entering five shorter races, ranging from 100 meters to two kilometers in distance. Each first place boy and girl also received a voucher good for a free tooth cleaning service donated by dentist Eloy Barragan.