Mexico City

Racing it

1. 01

   Altitude Is the Real Course

   At 2,240 metres the air is thin, so the flat profile won't feel easy. Run the first half more conservatively than your sea-level pace and expect the closing kilometers to hurt.

   From the description

2. 02

   Pre-Dawn Start

   The 06:00 start means arriving in the dark with streets already closed. Sort out transport to the Chapultepec start and your bag drop before the corrals fill.

   From the start time

3. 03

   Cool 14C Morning

   Typical race-day temperature is 14C, so it will feel cool at the start. Wear something you can shed once you're moving and warmed up.

   From the temperature

4. 04

   One-Way Route

   This point-to-point course runs from Chapultepec through Reforma and Polanco to the Zócalo. Decide in advance how you'll reach the start and how you'll leave the finish area.

   From the layout

5. 05

   Flat, But Not Free

   Total climb is only 80 metres across the marathon, so there's no big hill to save energy for. Hold even effort rather than surging on the flats.

   From the elevation profile

In Mexico City

• Race Day on the Metro

  Streets along Reforma and through the center close for the race, so the metro is the reliable way to reach the start area and the Zócalo finish.

• Where to Watch

  Reforma's wide avenue and Polanco give spectators long views of the field, while the Zócalo finish draws the biggest crowds of the day.

• Recovering Afterward

  Altitude slows recovery, so take the day after gently. A walk through Chapultepec Park or time in Roma, Condesa or Coyoacán works well.