The Laguna region once again became one of Mexico’s marathon hotspots on 1 March 2026. The 37th edition of the Lala International Marathon brought together thousands of runners across Gómez Palacio, Lerdo and Torreón, reinforcing its status as one of the country’s most important 42.195 km races. In this recap, we look at the winners, key moments and what runners can take away for their next marathon.
Since its beginnings, this race has been defined by a region’s collective effort and the warmth of its crowd. Beyond finish times, the Lala Marathon offers lessons on preparation, tactics and enjoying the sport—useful for both elites and recreational runners.
History and significance of the Lala Marathon
Founded in 1989, the Lala Marathon is widely known for its interstate character. The course begins in the industrial area of Gómez Palacio (Durango), passes through Lerdo and crosses into Torreón (Coahuila) via the Puente Plateado (Silver Bridge) before finishing in Bosque Venustiano Carranza. With thousands of participants and tens of thousands of spectators, the 2026 edition once again highlighted why the race is often described as a very fast marathon and a popular opportunity to chase qualifying standards (including Boston). Beyond the asphalt, it’s a celebration that connects three cities and fuels regional pride.
- 5,000+ runners took part (according to figures shared by organisers).
- 42.195 km on a largely flat, officially measured course.
- Start in Durango, through Lerdo, finish in Torreón.
- Total prize purse of 384,000 pesos, with 75,000 pesos for the overall winner.
Conditions and how the 2026 race unfolded
The 2026 race was run in cool conditions (around 12 °C) under a clear sky. At 6:20 a.m., the start was given for athletes with disabilities, and ten minutes later the main field set off from Lala’s facilities. The mostly flat route demanded consistency and patience: the Puente Plateado and the passage through Campestre La Rosita (around kilometre 37) are the sections that tend to feel toughest as fatigue builds. The streets were full of banners and cheering stations, with volunteers and sponsor crews handing out water and refreshments along the course.
Wilfred Nyatogo takes the men’s title
In the men’s race, a lead group formed early and settled into a controlled pace. Standing out was Kenyan-born, Mexican-naturalised Wilfred Nyatogo, looking to improve on his runner-up finish in 2024. After crossing the Silver Bridge, he moved to the front and gradually pulled away. His closest challengers—Marco Antonio Martínez Salvador and René Eduardo Ortiz—began to lose ground as they reached the tree-lined Campestre La Rosita section. Nyatogo ran the final kilometres solo to stop the clock at 2:18:26. Martínez Salvador (2:20:13) and Ortiz (2:20:35) completed the podium.
- 1st Wilfred Nyatogo (Mexico; born in Kenya) – 2:18:26.
- 2nd Marco Antonio Martínez Salvador (Mexico) – 2:20:13.
- 3rd René Eduardo Ortiz (Mexico) – 2:20:35.
- 4th Jesús Rendón (Mexico) – 2:21:19.
- 5th Fernando Cervantes (Mexico) – 2:25:15.
Risper Gesabwa wins the women’s race
In the women’s race, a close battle was expected between several Mexican runners and Kenyan athletes, but defending champion Fanny Oropeza did not compete (reportedly due to travel issues), which reshaped the race. Kenyan-born, Mexican-naturalised Risper Biyaki Gesabwa moved to the front alongside Caroline Jebiwot Kiptoo and Puebla runner Patricia Rosales. In the second half, Gesabwa increased the pace and crossed the line in 2:36:23. Kiptoo was second in 2:40:08 and Rosales third in 2:57:58.
- 1st Risper Gesabwa – 2:36:23.
- 2nd Caroline Kiptoo – 2:40:08.
- 3rd Patricia Rosales – 2:57:58.
- 4th Itzel Martínez – 3:08:28.
Prizes, impact and participation
The Lala Marathon awarded a total prize purse of 384,000 pesos. Overall winners received 75,000 pesos, second place 50,000 and third 25,000. Beyond the prize money, the event generates significant economic and social impact across the region, drawing visitors to local hotels, restaurants and businesses. After the race, municipal clean-up crews—popularly known as “La Ola”—worked across multiple points on the route to remove litter and help reopen the main avenues.
- Tens of thousands of spectators cheered runners along the route.
- Post-race clean-up crews removed large volumes of litter from key course points.
- The event delivered a notable economic boost to Gómez Palacio, Lerdo and Torreón.
Lessons for your next marathon
Beyond the winners, the Lala Marathon offers useful lessons for anyone aiming to finish a marathon or improve their time. Here are a few takeaways you can apply starting today:
- Study the course and memorise key sections: good preparation means knowing the route. Even at major events, mistakes can happen—the recent misdirection at the USATF Half Marathon Championships proved how costly confusion can be.
- Adjust your body clock: Lala starts before dawn. Training at a similar time (at least occasionally) can help you perform better on race day.
- Practise hydration: in dry climates like the Laguna region, drink consistently at aid stations and test your plan during long runs.
- Strengthen body and mind: tempo runs, fartlek and strength work help you sustain pace and manage fatigue. For ideas, see our article on the Seville Half Marathon 2026.
- Use technology to your advantage: tools like SnapRace help you plan routes, log sessions and analyse progress—plus virtual competition with friends can boost motivation.
Looking ahead: planning for 2027
Organisers are already working on the 2027 edition, scheduled again for the first Sunday in March. If you dream of running in the Laguna region, now is the time to build your base. Create a progressive plan, add tune-up races and listen to your body. With consistency—and the community’s support—you’ll reach the finish line.
The Lala Marathon 2026 delivered great stories and memories. Nyatogo and Gesabwa’s wins, the festive atmosphere and the commitment of volunteers and support crews show that running is about much more than a finish time. Now it’s your turn: download SnapRace, build your plan and experience the thrill of crossing your own finish line.