People who enjoy hiking, trail running, and demanding endurance challenges will have a new event to look forward to on Sunday, October 11, when the 2026 Rover Mexico–Cuernavaca Marathon takes place. The race will connect Mexico City and Morelos through a route of trails, forests, and high-altitude mountain climbs.
The traditional event, held since 1955, will feature 31 km and 42 km courses, multiple age categories, and an expected participation of 1,000 competitors.
In addition to testing the endurance of experienced runners, the event aims to promote sports tourism and showcase the natural landscapes between southern Mexico City and Cuernavaca.
Where Does the Rover Marathon Begin?
The race will start at the Monumento al Caminero, located in the Tlalpan borough of Mexico City, at an elevation of approximately 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) above sea level.
From there, participants will follow trails, forest paths, and natural routes toward the state of Morelos.
The 31-kilometer course will finish in Tres Marías, one of the best-known communities along the Mexico City–Cuernavaca highway.
Those competing in the full 42-kilometer marathon will continue to the Estadio Centenario in Cuernavaca, located at 1,830 meters (6,004 feet) above sea level.
A Race Featuring High-Altitude Climbs
The highest point of the course is El Pelado Volcano, which reaches 3,460 meters (11,352 feet) above sea level. For this reason, organizers consider the Rover Marathon one of the most demanding endurance races in Mexico.
The route combines steep elevation changes, mountain trails, natural paths, and varying altitudes, requiring participants to be well prepared physically.
Eric Hernández Iturbide, representative of the Mexico City Institute of Sports; Juan Felipe Domínguez Robles, director of the Morelos Institute of Sports and Physical Culture; and Pedro Fletes, Race Organization Director, highlighted both the difficulty and the long-standing tradition of the event.
Who Can Participate?
Both race distances include men’s and women’s divisions with the following age categories:
- Open: 39 years old and younger.
- Master: 40–49 years old.
- Veterans: 50–59 years old.
- Plus: 60 years old and older.
Special categories will also be available for Scouts, with a maximum age of 23 years.
The top finishers in each category will receive trophies and medals.
What Does Registration Include?
Registration includes:
- Race bib
- Commemorative race shirt
- Finisher’s medal
- Finisher’s certificate
- Aid stations along the course
- Access to the awards ceremony
The announcement did not specify the registration fee or registration process. Interested participants are encouraged to watch for the official announcement and updates from the event organizers.
An Opportunity to Discover Morelos While Running
Daniel Altafi Valladares, Secretary of Tourism for Morelos, stated that the event will help promote sports tourism and strengthen the state’s position as a host for national sporting events.
Beyond the competition itself, the Rover Marathon offers runners the opportunity to experience natural landscapes, visit communities located between Mexico City and Morelos, and enjoy a mountain-running experience unlike traditional urban races.
For those looking to finish the year with a mountain challenge, October 11 will be the day to lace up their running shoes, prepare for the elevation, and run from Mexico City to Cuernavaca.
Source: publimetro
