Run of the Waiters in Puerto Vallarta

The waiters of Puerto Vallarta celebrated World Tourism Day with the traditional Waiter’s Run at the Agustín Flores Contreras sports complex.

Waiters’ Run is a race that tests the speed that a waiter can carry a loaded tray without tipping it.

The tradition involves a race between local restaurants as waiters run the course balancing a tray of drinks, we have been assured no cocktails were lost.

Waiters from Gabys, Bubba Gump, Westin, River Café, Tinos, and Layla’s took place in the event.

After four qualifying runs, the first place went to Julius Caesar Castillón from Gabys; second, Edgar Rodrigues from Bubba Gump; third, Francisco Javier Contreras of Westin.

The concept is very simple. Waiters have to race as fast as possible holding a loaded tray without spilling its contents. The event dates back to the early 20th Century in Europe. Many rules have been added to the race and according to old videos and photos, it seems that in the former “course des garçons de café” running was forbidden. Indeed, the race was supposed to be a competition between waiters professionals only and waiters never run during their service that’s the reason why only fast walking speed was accepeted during the first races.