In a display of aquatic prowess, 1,502 swimmers from 28 countries and all 32 states of Mexico gathered in the Mexican Caribbean to participate in the highly anticipated “El Cruce” open water competition.
The 20th edition of the event kicked off at Playa Caracol in Cancún, with Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa giving the official start signal. The demanding aquatic event culminates at the Caribbean Carnaval Ecopark on Isla Mujeres.
In a message addressed to the Quintana Roo swimmers participating in the competition, President Mara Lezama expressed her wishes for their success, highlighting the importance of sport in building peace and well-being within the state’s humanist government with a feminist heart.
This year’s edition features Olympic champion Sharon Van Rouwendaal from Paris 2024, as well as athletes ranging in age from 11 to 70. The swimmers will face challenges in three events:
* Half Iron Swim: 1.9 km
* Iron Swim: 3.8 km
* El Cruce Completo: 10 km (scheduled for this Sunday)
“El Cruce” 2025 is part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Quintana Roo and the 55th anniversary of Cancún, which are being held from May 17 to 18.
The event is expected to generate an economic impact of 51 million pesos, with participants and attendees estimated to occupy over 10,200 hotel rooms during the four-day competition. The “El Cruce” has become a significant driver of sports tourism in Quintana Roo, positioning the region as a world-class venue for sporting competitions.
High-profile attendees at the kick-off event included Rafael Hernández Benet, general director of Starc Producciones and event organizer; Jacobo Arzate Hop, president of CODEQ; Alejandro Luna López, director of the Municipal Sports Institute; and other authorities.
Source: 24 Horas Quintana Roo
