Running fever in Mexico City has reached historic levels. The BBVA Mexico City Half Marathon 2026, scheduled for 12 July, sold out its 30,000 bibs in just a few hours, and the official registration system collapsed under an avalanche of requests. This guide explains why sign-ups turned into chaos, reviews the official race details, and shares practical tips for preparing for a demanding event held more than 2,200 metres above sea level.
Sold-out registration and system chaos
Registration for the 2026 Mexico City Half Marathon opened on 14 February, and in less than two hours all 30,000 entries were gone. The official Emoción Deportiva website—the authorised operator—was overwhelmed by the volume of users, and thousands of runners shared screenshots of error messages and long queues at physical retail locations. Organisers asked for patience and urged athletes to rely only on official channels to avoid fraud. The unprecedented demand highlights Mexico’s running boom and the growing desire to experience the capital at half-marathon pace.
Registration costs MXN 720 for Mexican runners and USD 100 for international entrants. Those who register before 12 May can receive a personalised bib with their name. Key dates are summarised below:
- Registration opens: 14 February 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) via the official website.
- Online registration closes: 8 July 2026.
- Final deadline: 11 July at 4:00 p.m. during the Expo at the World Trade Center.
- Bib collection: 9–11 July at the Maya halls of the World Trade Center.
An article in Excélsior described how the system crash led to endless queues and complaints from frustrated runners, while sports outlet ESTO confirmed that bibs sold out in record time and advised checking availability only through official channels. Meanwhile, La Silla Rota noted that online registration remains open until 8 July and that prices only increase at the Expo, where the fee rises to MXN 1,200. Together, these sources help put the scale of the phenomenon into perspective.
Official event details and prize money
The BBVA Mexico City Half Marathon 2026 is sanctioned by the city’s Sports Institute and international federations. The race covers a certified 21,097.5 metres and features high-level logistics that promote inclusion: there are standard categories, invited elite fields, and divisions for athletes with motor and visual impairments.
- Date and time: Sunday, 12 July 2026. Wheelchair athletes and visually impaired runners start at 5:50 a.m., elite athletes at 6:05 a.m., and the rest of the field at 6:10 a.m.
- Route: start at the Hemiciclo a Juárez (Alameda Central) and finish beneath the Ángel de la Independencia, running along Paseo de la Reforma and other iconic avenues.
- Capacity: 30,000 participants.
- Expo and bib pick-up: runner kits must be collected 9–11 July at the World Trade Center with official ID and proof of registration.
- Prize money (overall): MXN 50,000 for first place, MXN 35,000 for second, MXN 20,000 for third, MXN 10,000 for fourth, and MXN 5,000 for fifth.
For maps, full rules and official recommendations, visit the government’s event page at 21k.cdmx.gob.mx. There you’ll find interactive maps, wave start schedules and safety guidelines.
Course challenges: altitude, hills and cobblestones
Running in Mexico City is very different from running at sea level. At an average altitude of 2,250 m, your body has access to less oxygen, which means you’ll need to adjust pace expectations and pay close attention to how you feel. According to Soy Maratonista, the course includes two sustained climbs and roughly 207 m of ascent and 197 m of descent. In addition, the final four kilometres are run on cobblestones along Paseo de la Reforma—demanding extra stability and technical control when fatigue sets in.
If you don’t live at altitude, it’s advisable to arrive in Mexico City at least two weeks in advance to acclimatise, keep runs easy at first, and reset pace expectations. The course passes landmarks such as Alameda Central, the Monument to the Revolution, Chapultepec Park and the Ángel de la Independencia—rewarding the effort with a memorable tour of the city.
Training tips for running at altitude
Preparing for a half marathon above 2,000 m requires a different approach than training at sea level. The following tips, adapted from Soy Corredora, will help you arrive in great shape and enjoy race day:
- Arrive early to acclimatise: give yourself 10–14 days in the city. During the first few days, keep workouts easy, prioritise rest and stay well hydrated.
- Increase altitude gradually: if you train in mountainous areas, gain elevation slowly so your body can adapt. Avoid sudden jumps that can trigger altitude sickness.
- Dial down the intensity: at altitude you can’t sustain the same pace as at sea level. Reduce training pace by 10–20% and focus on maintaining duration and good technique.
- Drink more fluids: dry air increases fluid loss. Increase water and electrolyte intake; if you usually drink around two litres a day, consider closer to three litres when training at ~2,000 m (adjust to thirst, sweat rate and urine colour).
- Listen to your body: dizziness, headache or extreme fatigue are signs to reduce intensity or rest. Don’t force the pace until you feel comfortable.
- Use altitude blocks strategically: once acclimatised, altitude can improve aerobic capacity. Alternate training blocks at altitude with weeks at lower elevations to maximise benefits.
Use technology to your advantage: plan with SnapRace
Planning a half marathon at 2,250 m is a challenge, but SnapRace makes it easier. You can map routes, review elevation profiles and schedule adaptive workouts that adjust to your progress. You can also log splits, monitor heart rate and share sessions with friends or a coach. If you enjoyed this article, check out our guide to the 15K Nocturna Valencia 2026, where we dive into how to prepare for a night race.
The 2026 Mexico City Half Marathon promises to be a standout race weekend. If you secured a bib, start preparing now: respect the altitude, listen to your body and enjoy a route that showcases the best of the capital. And if you missed registration, keep an eye on future editions and explore other events on our blog. See you under the Ángel de la Independencia!