Great Runs in Oaxaca, Mexico
Note: For the Full Guide to Running in Oaxaca, see the GR Website
Oaxaca is the largest and capital city of the State of Oaxaca, located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre in the southeast of Mexico. A center of Zapotec and Mixtec culture, this popular tourist spot is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its colonial-era buildings made from green volcanic stone. Among the appealing aspects of running in Oaxaca is the good year-round weather, mile-high altitude, and great hill running opportunities in the foothills nearby.
Bosque El Tequio (Sports Park): Enjoy a 5 km loop on a flat dirt path at the Bosque El Tequio, a sprawling forest “sports” park with over 7,500 arboreal species over its 65 hectares. Keep an eye out for running events held here.
Run to the “World’s Widest Tree”: Use the paved bike lane along Avenida Ferrocarril for a nice long run. Can go as far as 9 km to the Arbol del Tule, a tourist attraction believed to be the widest tree in the world.
Venustiano Carranza Sports Complex and Track: The free facilities at Polideportivo Venustiano Carranza, a few blocks east of downtown, include a 1 km trail around the complex (with paved and dirt options) and a 400 meter rubberized track.
Oaxaca City Center and Parque Juarez El Llano: This park in downtown Oaxaca is small, but there is a 700 meter circuit on stone paved paths, and plenty of vendors and people-watching to keep things interesting. Connect to other downtown attractions on nice nearby sidewalks.
Riberas del Rio Ayotac: Run the banks of the Rio Atoyac on this short but tranquil dirt path close to the center of Oaxaca. Loop and out and back options of about 4 km.
Oaxacan Hills/Libramiento Norte: A tranquil (but secluded) escape from downtown Oaxaca, this abandoned freeway is closed to traffic and popular for scenic long, distance runs in the Oaxacan hills. NOTE: Signs warn to not to bring valuables and to travel with a friend.
Cerro del Fortin: A challenging run with fantastic views over the city, Cerro del Fortin is a popular local exercise spot complete with stairs, hill climbs, and quiet trails.
Original Post By: Kelsey Perrett. For the full running guide to Oaxaca, see greatruns.com.
