Two of Ajijic’s long-standing mountain races have stumbled into the dust of history books, while two newer contests remain to draw intrepid runners to tackle the rough and tumble highland trails overlooking Lake Chapala.
Ricardo González González, founder of the Prueba Reina de Occidiente PRO Xupinaya, has announced the definitive cancellation of the double-pronged event encompassing a 13.8-kilometer run and fast track 6.5K recreational route.
Originating in 1996, PRO Xupinaya is recognized as a pioneer event in Mexico’s mountain racing circuit. It was selected as the host venue for the 2011 and 2014 North American Central American Caribbean (NACAC) Mountain Championships, bringing in top-ranked mountain runners from the United States and Canada.
The Ultra Trail Campanaria race, featuring 9K and 14K routes, has been suspended indefinitely by Club Salvajes Ajijic after seven editions.
Last held in 2022, both races were called off in 2023 and again this year due to unresolved disputes with the Comunidad Indigena de Axixic concerning its demands for a cut of registration fees paid by contestants. The Comunidad Indigena holds the title to most of the terrain where the mountain runs take place. Race organizers say they cannot cover expenses after shelling out 15 to 20 percent of the enrollment income.
Surviving the controversy is the Papalote Trail Axixic organized by Corredores Unidos Ajijic Atletismo which held its 2024 competition for the third consecutive year on Sunday, July 28. The event included 6.6K, 11.5K and 24K runs, with 414 contestants divided into various age and gender categories. Organizers have not revealed their financial arrangements with the Comunidad Indigena.
The other new mountain race is the third edition of the 8.5K Ajijic Pueblo Mágico Trail Running contest scheduled for September 8 under the sponsorship of the Chapala government’s Municipal Sports Commission COMUDE.