Announcing the 1st Half Marathon in the Marías Islands

Our region is preparing for an exciting sporting and tourist event with the unveiling of the “1st Medio Maratón Islas Marías” (Islas Marías Half Marathon). Scheduled for November 18th, 2023, this unique race will take place in Puerto Balleto, a charming and magical town on Isla María Madre, the largest island in the Islas Marías archipelago.

The challenging 21.8-kilometer course promises an incomparable experience in an environment that has never been explored by athletes of this magnitude. With a limited capacity of 200 participants, the 1st Islas Marías Half Marathon 2023 aims not only to shine in the sporting world, but also to contribute to the positioning of this place as a sports tourism destination.

Facts about the 1st Islas Marías Half Marathon:

• The race will take place in the Biosphere Reserve, declared by UNESCO in 2010 to highlight its beauty and biodiversity.
• The route is mainly made up of dirt roads, challenging runners in a unique natural environment.
• Participants will enjoy a journey that takes them between the natural wonders of the Pacific Ocean and the lush deciduous lowland jungle of the island.

The Islas Marías, part of the state of Nayarit, have an intriguing history. From 1905 to 2019, they served as a remote prison for dangerous prisoners. In 2019 their closure was announced, followed by their transformation into a cultural and ecological center.

The best way to get to the Marías Islands is by ferry, departing from the port of San Blas in Riviera Nayarit.

For registration and further information, please visit the Islas Marías Half Marathon website.

Photo by Secretaría de Turismo de Nayarit.