With a sellout field of competitors, the first Papalote Trail Axixic mountain race contests are set to kick off bright and early Sunday, October 2, at the Ajijic Malecon.
The double event organized by the Corredores Unidos runners club comprises a 23-kilometer competition starting at 7 a.m., followed 30 minutes later by a 7-km race.
The route for the long race winds through the village via Calles Independencia and Pedro Moreno, connecting with the Ciclovia at the highway to continue west before heading up the hills at La Cristina. Not far from the summit the trail turns eastwards to cross the mountain range with the return point at the Mesa del Ocote to begin the descent to El Tepalo and the last leg back through town along Encarnación Rosas and 16 de Septiembre, The high point of the trail rises to 2,479 meters above sea level.
The short course starts in the same direction as far as the Carretera, making a short zigzag to El Tempique, climbing upwards to reach a meandering path looped over the hillside. The top elevation sits at 1,954 meters above sea level.
Illustrated Google maps showing both trails are posted on the Papalot Trail Facebook site.
Top runners enrolled in different age categories will get a spilt of the purse of 50,000 pesos in cash prizes. All participants will take home kits containing a commemorative tee-shirt, head band and pair of sports socks, plus a medal for crossing the finish line.