Puerto Vallarta UTMB 2024: The Trail Running Experience That Unites Sea And Mountains

Vallarta Online / PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO – Puerto Vallarta UTMB 2024, the most awaited event in the world of trail running, returns to the spectacular Mexican Pacific coast from November 7 to 9. This event, part of the prestigious UTMB World Series, promises an unforgettable experience between the majesty of the mountains and the ocean. National and international runners will face six unique distances, each inspired by Mexico’s rich Wixárika culture, making this competition not only a physical challenge, but also an unparalleled cultural immersion.

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The Tours and their Meanings

Puerto Vallarta UTMB 2024 offers six exciting distances designed to take runners through mountains, jungles and ocean views that challenge and captivate. Each course is an ode to Mexican heritage:
Wixárika 100M – “Person with a deep heart”.
Hikuri 100K – “The wise man”.
Nakawé 50K – “Mother water”.
Haramara 33K – “Goddess of the sea”.
Ereno 20K – “Sea foam”.
Pata Salada 10K – Tribute to Coastal Residents

These routes represent not only a physical challenge, but also a connection with the natural elements and ancestral traditions of Mexico. With these names, the organizers wanted runners and spectators to appreciate the respect and deep connection that the Wixárika culture maintains with nature.

The Thrill of the Nakawé 50K Women’s Race

The women’s category of the Nakawé 50K promises to be one of the most exciting of Puerto Vallarta UTMB 2024, with international and Mexican runners ready to face each other in this event. Among the standouts are Sara Alonso, from Spain, with a UTMB Index of 780, and Allie McLaughlin, from the USA, with an index of 773, both world-class runners.

Mexico’s Reyna Isela Rivera, a proud representative of the country, will compete in this category. Excited to race in her homeland, she expressed: “It is an honor to represent Mexico in an event of this level and to share the trail with such outstanding athletes”. Sara Alonso, who has just finished fourth in the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc OCC, has mentioned that her strategy on this course will be to keep a controlled pace at the start and attack only if she feels strong in the middle of the race. The participation of these runners in the Puerto Vallarta UTMB 2024 assures an intense competition full of surprises in the Nakawé 50K.

Haramara 33K and Ereno 20K: Competitions for Trail Lovers

The Haramara 33K and the Ereno 20K are ideal distances for runners looking for a less extensive but equally challenging trail experience. These distances take participants through the most emblematic landscapes of Puerto Vallarta, between mountains and ocean views.

In the Haramara 33K, Mexico’s Nayeli De la Torre, with a UTMB Index of 667, stands out as one of the favorites. With two previous participations in 50K, this year she opts for the 33K course, where she plans to give her all from the start. In Nayeli’s words: “We are proud to have runners we admire come and to be able to share with them a little bit of what is beautiful in Mexico”. The competition will feature other great talents such as Jeff Rosas, one of the Mexican runners with the highest UTMB index in this category, who is eager to show international runners the biodiversity of Mexican routes and consolidate Mexico as a top trail running destination.

The Ereno 20K is perfect for runners who prefer a short but intense course. In this category, Ricardo Mejía, known as the “King of the Mountains,” will compete at 61 years of age, demonstrating that the passion for trail running has no age. Mejia is an icon of trail running in Mexico and an inspiration for new generations. Alongside him will be Carmen Ramiro, one of the Mexican runners with the highest UTMB rating, who will compete with determination in this distance. Both promise to offer a competition full of intensity and endurance, proudly representing Mexico on this international stage.

International Presence at the Wixárika 100M and Hikuri 100K

The Wixárika 100M distance is not only the longest of Puerto Vallarta UTMB 2024, but also one of the most anticipated by elite runners. World-class runners such as Drew Mueller and Alyssa Clark from the USA will test their endurance in this 100-mile route, where nature and adrenaline combine in a challenge only for the bravest.

In the Hikuri 100K, another of the most competitive distances, outstanding athletes such as Paddy O’Leary from Ireland and Jason Schlarb from the USA, who arrive with great expectations and ready to face the jungle and mountain trails. Among the women, Canadian Arden Young is one of the favorites in this category, after standing out in high-level competitions. This event represents an excellent opportunity for all these athletes to win the coveted Running Stones and secure their pass to the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2025.

Much More Than a Race: Puerto Vallarta as a Destination

Puerto Vallarta UTMB 2024 not only stands out for its competitive level, but also because its unique location allows runners and spectators to experience the heart of Mexican culture and nature. The routes pass through diverse landscapes that include beaches, mountains and thick jungle vegetation, showing participants the richness and biodiversity of Mexico. Jeff Rosas, one of the experienced runners, stresses that the magic of this competition lies in the breathtaking natural scenery that “fascinates international runners and invites them to come back”.

In addition, the UTMB World Series organization is committed to making the event sustainable and respectful of the environment. Routes and services are designed to minimize the impact on the ecosystem, inviting all attendees to enjoy the environment in a responsible manner.

Conclusion Puerto Vallarta UTMB 2024: An Event that Goes Beyond Sport

Puerto Vallarta UTMB 2024 is much more than an endurance race; it is a celebration of Mexican culture and nature, uniting athletes and sports lovers in a place where the mountain and the sea meet. For those looking to challenge their limits and live an immersive experience between nature and tradition, Puerto Vallarta is the ideal destination. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an epic experience in the heart of Mexico!