The capital's marathons will honor the greatness of its pre-Hispanic roots.

▲ Clara Brugada, Mayor of Mexico City, presented the commemorative T-shirts and medals for the Half Marathon and Marathon. She was accompanied by ultramarathoner Lorena Ramírez (left) and Javier Peralta, head of the Mexico City Sports Institute. Photo courtesy of Indeporte CDMX

Adriana Díaz Reyes

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, June 26, 2025, p. a12

Honoring the founding peoples of Mexico City and the pre-Hispanic roots of our country is the goal of the Mexico City Half Marathon and Marathon.

During the presentation of the 2025 edition's jerseys and medals, Mayor Clara Brugada explained that this time, the more than 30,000 participants will be running in the context of the 700th anniversary of the founding of Tenochtitlan.

These will be very significant races. The Quetzal on the Half Marathon medal represents freedom, resilience, and beauty in motion; Cihuacóatl, on the Marathon medal, speaks of a serpent woman, a mother and warrior characterized by courage and protection of those who refuse to give up. The deities depicted are a good way to honor our traditions , Brugada explained at the Xochipilli fountain.

The competitions are certified and approved by the Mexican Federation of Athletics Associations (FMAA) and the Association of Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

Every marathon has its own history, and this year is special because it commemorates one of the oldest cities on the continent and the greatness of its roots , Brugada added.

Running is nothing new in the city, explained the president, who referred to the painanis, ancient runners of the Mexica empire who traveled long distances to keep the territories united.

Today, those who run these routes follow that same spirit: they overcome altitude, distance, and fatigue with their heads held high and their hearts firm.

The presentation was attended by Javier Peralta, head of the Buenos Aires Sports Institute; Antonio Lozano, president of the FMAA; Natasha Uren, executive director of Chapultepec Forest; and ultramarathoner Lorena Ramírez.

The 18th edition of the Half Marathon (54 percent men, 46 percent women) will take place on July 13. The course will start at the Torre del Caballito and finish at the Angel of Independence.

The 42nd Marathon (69 percent men, 31 percent women) will be held on August 31. Runners from more than 30 countries are expected to participate, including representatives from Guatemala, the United States, and Spain.

Brugada referred to the construction of 100 Utopias (Transformation and Organization Units for Inclusion and Social Harmony) in the city, which will feature sports infrastructure such as athletics tracks, courts, and swimming pools.

What we're aiming for is for everyone to have one within 15 minutes of their home. Sports and culture transform people's lives and educate children , emphasized Brugada, who announced 500 new registrations for the Half Marathon.

Runners who cross the finish line in both races will receive the Painani Award, and all participants will also be given the honorary distinction of ambassadors of sport and peace.

Adriana Díaz Reyes

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, June 26, 2025, p. a12

The appointment of a woman as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has opened the door for more women to aspire to decision-making positions in sports.

Marijose Alcalá, who became the first female leader of the Mexican Olympic Committee in 2021, celebrated the election of Kirsty Coventry, as this represented a vote of confidence for the female gender.

By taking on such a distinguished and important position, she will have the opportunity to demonstrate that women possess the ability, leadership, and discipline. A former athlete and Olympic medalist like her can do a lot for the Olympic movement , Alcalá commented.

Coventry, the youngest IOC official ever and the first African, will face many challenges in the coming years. According to Marijose, the Zimbabwean native will need to strengthen the trust and credibility within the organization.

He now has a great responsibility. In his speech, he mentioned that he will harness the power of sport to maximize collaboration and engagement within the Olympic family. He will also strengthen partnerships to grow economically and lead sustainable development.

According to the former diver, Coventry will have to reinforce the work done by her predecessor, Thomas Bach.

She will represent us well, not only women, but the entire Olympic movement. She must continue the firm leadership left by Bach and continue the themes of gender equity, cross-cutting issues, and autonomy .

Paola Longoria, president of the Chamber of Deputies' Sports Commission, believes it's a good idea for a former athlete to take the reins of the IOC. The racquetball player shared that no one who hasn't experienced high performance can understand the needs of athletes.

▲ The president of the International Olympic Committee arrives with the mission of strengthening the organization's confidence and credibility. Photo AFP

There's new leadership. I'm sure she understands and knows what a national team needs and what needs to be improved. I'm very happy that a woman is leading the IOC; it's a step forward in the struggle we face to demonstrate that we also have the ability to manage such important organizations , she commented.

The racquetball player hopes that Coventry's election will promote equality in issues such as salary payments.

I've always said it: men still excel more in some sports, and the wage bill in terms of prize money is still not the same in both branches. We continue to fight for that equality; together, we're breaking these glass ceilings, opening up opportunities for women in positions that were previously reserved for men.

Women have only one job in sports: to crown champions with wreaths , said Pierre de Coubertin about female participation in the Olympics, an idea Longoria disagrees with.

Today, we have the opportunity to showcase our skills and abilities to compete for decision-making positions. Several women have served on the Sports Commission, such as Marijose Alcalá, Jackie Nava, and Ana Guevara; in recent years, we've grown beyond our wildest dreams. I'm proud to see so many secretaries and representatives supporting sports, and we will continue in the pursuit of equality , the multi-medalist asserted.