Human Race - Mexico City

On a crisp sunny Sunday morning in Mexico City, red shirted men and women filtered into the center of the “Ángel de la Independencia” (the Angel of Independence) round-about which is located caddy corner from Chapultepec forest which is Mexico City’s version of Central Park. The Nike Human Race in Mexico City was underway. Bystanders flocked to vendors who were selling churros (chocolate filled, tube looking pastries) and coffee. As the sun rose, runners moved to the middle of the round-about and began to warm up. A constant and disembodied voice boomed from the loudspeakers telling the runners to stretch their arms and legs in preparation for the race. The same announcer encouraged participants to be at one with all the runners in distant cities where other Nike Human Races were taking place. Designated cheer leaders—clad in hooded red body suits marked “espiritu” or spirit—further built excitement and motivation for both the runners and onlookers.

At 8:00am thousands of runners blasted through the red Nike archway on “Río Misisipi” (Mississippi River) street. On the course, Nike Human Racers passed by the “Museo de Antropología” (National Museum of Anthropology), Chapultepec forest and some of Mexico City’s finest hotels and restaurants. As the first runners neared the finish line, families, friends and excited race watchers cheered on the runners with shouts of encouragement and support. People lined the streets with cameras, food and signs aimed at their loved ones. Many runners carried Mexican flags and one adventurous soul even sported an Aztec head dress!

Mexico City put on a world class race. People came together to get fit and advocate for worthwhile causes like the fight against cancer. 25,000 people ran, large swaths of people enjoyed the early morning event and the race closed with two well-known Mexican bands—Maldita Vecindad and los Hijos del Quinto Patio. All in all, the event was a huge success. See the video for a look at the action!