Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta welcomed a surge of sports enthusiasts over the first weekend of November, marking a significant uptick in sports tourism. The city’s picturesque beaches and trails became the nexus of competitive spirits during the Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament and a series of athletic races, including the Half Marathon and the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc competition.
The Los Muertos Beach resonated with excitement as fishermen from various regions such as Guadalajara, Tepic, and other coastal municipalities of Jalisco, from Cabo Corrientes to La Huerta, and even from Manzanillo and Colima gathered. These enthusiasts cast their lines in the 2023 edition of the renowned fishing tournament, hoping to make a big catch.
Parallelly, the city’s streets were treaded by runners from numerous cities across Mexico, participating in the 19th Puerto Vallarta International Half Marathon. This event, established by the late Carlos Arceo Real and now managed by his wife Mercedes Cedano, alongside their children and relatives, has remained an indispensable date in the city’s athletic roster.
The race drew nearly a thousand runners, who took on the challenge of completing 5 and 21-kilometer distances. Notably, about half of the participants were international runners, emphasizing the event’s global appeal.
The Half Marathon was more than a race; it was a display of international unity, with family contingents from Guanajuato, León, Morelia, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tijuana, Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico City, and even as far as Washington, Denver, and Sacramento in the United States. Regular attendees and first-timers alike shared their common attraction to Puerto Vallarta’s allure and the unique experience of racing at sea level.
Moreover, the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc race added to the weekend’s athletic tapestry. Being part of a world circuit of long-distance trails, this race featured rigorous distances ranging from 10 to 100 kilometers, snaking through Puerto Vallarta and encompassing various communities and municipalities along the mountains.
The race attracted close to 2,000 participants, including the Spanish winner Cristofer Clemente Mora, underscoring its international stature. Athletes from diverse geographies converged here, many arriving days ahead to unwind before their challenging runs.
These events collectively contributed to a rise in hotel occupancy, a boon for the local economy in the early November days. Enthusiasts not only participated in the competitions but also enjoyed the city’s offerings, from its scenic vistas to its warm hospitality.
Looking ahead, the sports tourism momentum is expected to continue with the 67th edition of the Puerto Vallarta International Marlin and Tuna Fishing Tournament scheduled from November 8 to 11. This upcoming event is anticipated to draw fishing aficionados from across Mexico and neighboring countries, including the United States and Canada, sustaining the sports-driven influx of visitors to Puerto Vallarta.
As the city basks in the successful weekend, Puerto Vallarta cements its position as a desirable destination for sports tourism, showcasing its capability to host international events and its charm that goes beyond the beaches and into the heart of athletic competition.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta welcomed a surge of sports enthusiasts over the first weekend of November, marking a significant uptick in sports tourism . . .
