Finish with a golden touch to athletic activity in Jalisco
More than three thousand competitors gathered in the picturesque streets of the historic center of Tequila, Jalisco, to participate in the Mundo Cuervo half marathon.
This time, the power and strategy of the Kenyans allowed them to win this competition of more than 21 kilometers, both in the men's and women's categories.
On this occasion, Wilfred Nyatogo clocked in with a spectacular time of 1 H 05 M and 40 seconds, leaving behind Mexican Juan Carlos Carrera, who finished with a time of 1 H 06 M and 34 seconds. Despite the efforts of the runner from Zapopan, he could never catch up to the Kenyan, who maintained a pace of "flat" 2 M 11 S per kilometer. The third place went to Christopher Kipyego, also from Kenya, with a time of 1 H 07 M 18 S.
In the women's category, no one could keep up with Kenyan Caroline Jebiwot, who crossed the finish line with a time of 1 H 19 M 05 S. Far behind her, her compatriot Salina Jebitok arrived three minutes later with a time of 1 H 22 M 14 S. The podium was completed by Paula Apolonio Juárez from Michoacán, with a time of 1 H 23 M and 34 seconds.
But not only were there prizes for elite competitors, there was also a 10-kilometer race and the absolute winner was Luis Felipe de la Rosa with a time of 31 M 35 S, followed by Kenyan Peter Kemboi who stopped the clock at 32 M and 13 S. The third place went to David Sánchez from Jalisco with a time of 32 M 25 S.
In the women's category, the winner was María Magdalena Barba, originally from Tequila, who took advantage of her perfect knowledge of the route and the support of her fellow countrymen to achieve a good time of 38 M 01 S. She was followed by Mexican Elena Álvarez, who came just a few steps behind with a time of 38 M 29 S. The Aztec podium was completed by Teresa López, who finished her race with 40 M and 04 S.
It is worth mentioning that this is one of the few races in Mexico that combines asphalt with hills, the famous Loma de Tequila. It mixes cobblestones and trail-type dirt roads. In fact, some competitors don't know whether to wear regular street shoes or trail shoes because climbing the hill always adds a level of difficulty.
For those who completed the full distance of 21 kilometers, the athletic competition ended with a tour of the Cuervo tequila plant, making it unique in the world. The 20th kilometer is inside the tequila factory, and the Sunday shift workers provide support to the runners, who for this occasion totaled more than three thousand.
With this half marathon, professional activity in Jalisco comes to an end. The next major event will be the Guadalajara half marathon, which will take place next February in the capital of the state.