welcome to mexico
The Lost City Marathon kicks off from the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, México.
The race features both a marathon and a half marathon. The awe-inspiring route follows jungle trails, majestic rivers, picturesque ranches and small villages. It’s a challenging race crossing various surfaces and steep hills.
Palenque is nestled in the dense rainforests of the Chiapas region on the Yucatan peninsula, surrounded by lush vegetation and breathtaking beauty. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of the Maya people which thrived in this once vibrant and powerful city, famous for its well preserved and impressive architecture of the Maya civilization. It has now been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and cultural significance.
A rich birdlife and howler monkeys dominate the jungle and in the open plains hundreds of species of butterflies live.
Only 10% of this magnificent city has been fully discovered. Lets embark on this adventure together!
Travelling Fit is pleased to offer a 9 day package which includes 4 nights in the lively capital of Mexico City to explore iconic landmarks, sample delicious local cuisine, and soak in the energy of the capital before flying to Palenque for the big race.
For those with limited time, you can exclude Mexico City and go straight to Palenque for a 5 day adventure amidst the lush rainforests of Chiapas.
- Packages Include
5 DAY / 4 NIGHT PACKAGE:
- Guaranteed Race Entry (Runners Only)
- Meet and Greet on arrival
- Arrival and departure transfers from/to Villahermosa airport
- 4 Nights accommodation:
Check in: Thu 19 Feb 2026
Check out: Mon 23 Feb 2026 - Meals included as per the itinerary
- Transport included as per the itinerary
- English speaking tour leader
- Local guide and entry to Palenque
- Celebration dinner
- Personalised Travelling Fit Running Top
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients
9 DAY / 8 NIGHT PACKAGE ALSO INCLUDES:
- 4 Nights accommodation in Mexico City:
Check in: Sun 15 Feb 2026
Check out: Thu 19 Feb 2026 - Local guide and entries in Mexico City
- Transfer from Mexico City to the airport on 19 Feb 2026
- Return domestic flights from Mexico City to Villahermosa
- Return transfers from Villahermosa to Palenque
PACKAGE FLYERS
PACKAGE PRICES
The Course
Starting at the Archaeological Zone of Palenque, the race takes you past remnants of the ancient Maya city and guides you along lush jungle trails. After 3km the route transitions to an asphalt path leading downhill until it takes a left turn onto a gravel road. Continuing for a few more kilometres, the route approaches the foothills of the mountains, where it begins to ascend gradually.
The run ends at La Chiapaneca restaurant, where a snack lunch and a soft drink will be served for all competitors.
Please note:
Do not forget that this is first and foremost an adventure. We are far away from comforts of home and this makes it impossible to offer services at the same level usually provided in city marathons.
Testimonials
Race Information
Entry Fees
The entry fee for the Lost City Half Marathon is incorporated into the price of the package you choose and cannot be purchased independently.
Please note that all competitors MUST be 16 years of age on race day
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times for the Lost City Half Marathon.
Start Time
The Lost City Marathon will be started in waves, with the first wave setting off at 07:00 in the morning.
The number of waves to follow depends on the final number of runners. Keep in mind everyone have an 8 hour NET time limit to finish.
Cut-Off Times
Runners have a net time limit of 8 hours, meaning any marathon runner spending more than 8 hours on the route will receive an FNT (Finished No Time) on the results list.
8 hours after the last runner crossed the start line the race will end and runners still on the route will be picked up by race officials and driven back to the finish area.
Race Timing
The Lost City Half Marathon will be timed with timing chip.
All runners will receive one bib number that must be worn during the race. It must be attached to the front of your body and readable – both for safety and for photography purposes. The bib numbers are color-coded according to the distance you are running:
- Marathon bibs – Black
- Half-marathon bibs – Red
Race Packets
Runners will receive the goodie bag with start number and race t-shirt at the race briefing on Friday.
Pace Setters
There are no pace setters in this event.
Aid Stations
Manned water stations will be on the route and in the finish area. Water and electrolyte drink is served at all stations.
The collapsible cup in the Goodie bag is your personal cup for race day and must be used at all water stations during the race. The cup is easily folded and kept in your pocket. There’s no cups at the stations meaning: No cup = No drinks.
It is also allowed to wear a camel bag or bring a cup or bottle of your own choice.
We ask for your patience at the water stations and please keep distance and form a line if necessary to avoid grouping around the stations.
Personal Refreshments and Clothing
It is possible to deposit bags with personal belongings in the starting area. These belongings will be transported to the finish area.
Although the finish area will be manned, depositing personal belongings in the area is entirely each runner’s responsibility and the marathon organizers are not responsible for loss or damage of personal belongings.
Transport
Buses will bring all spectators from their hotels to the start in the morning. The start area will only be open to the official race buses.
No other vehicles will be allowed access.
Expo
There is no Expo associated with the Lost City Half Marathon
Finishes T-Shirts, Medals and Certificates
All finishers will receive a t-shirt, certificate and finishers medal.
All results will be net time, meaning your time starts from the moment you cross the start line.
However, the top three male and female finishers of both distances are decided on gun time – the first three to physically cross the finish line.
Weather Conditions
February is one of the driest months in Mexico, with hot weather and pleasant water temperatures. You can expect an average daily high around 27°C (80°F). Its one of the more popular months to visit, where its not too hot with little to no chance of rain.
Shorts and T-shirt/singlet may be the preferred outfit for most, but some may also like long tights and sleeves to avoid ticks when running through the jungle.
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