Is it unsafe to train for a marathon in Mexico City?

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rhino72032

You might be able to run around the ruins of Teotihuacan-that's not too far from the Basilica de Guadalupe. It would be a long drive into Chapultepec Park for a training run. The air is a little better since they started prohibiting cars from driving in DF one day a week (based on the last digit of the license plate number).
See the link below for more ideas.

Maruca

I've lived in Mexico City all my life and my cousins trained for a marathon and, not only were they OK, training in the high-altitude of Mexico City gives you a better edge if you're running the marathon in a city that is at sea level. Try going to Bosque de Chapultepec, Bosque de Tlalpan (south of the city) or El Sope near Toluca for your long runs.

I agree with you, Mexico City doesn't have pedestrian-friendly streets AT ALL!

Flor

I wouldn't recommend it. Number one, the pollution is horrible. Sometimes my throat gets sore just from being in Mexico City for one day. (I live an hour outside the city.) Number two, the altitude is approximately 7,000 feet. That would take some getting used to. Number three, pedestrians do not have the right of way in Mexico and the traffic is awful. Fourth, it is not safe to run alone, especially a woman. There is a high rate of crime.

larpmanx

Chapultepec is far, far closer to Guadalupe than Teotihuacan, you can get there by city bus (every few minutes) or by subway.

sweetgal2808

Events like marathons are usually pretty well taken care of, specially the big ones like the ones sponsored by big brands. I'm from Mexico City (and in it as well) and Ive never heard of an incident related to unsafetyness.

richard t

why not try the mexico site.a lot more potential answers

OldGringo

Problems you will have at first is the altitude, it is somewhat higher than Denver. There is a lot of pollution in most third world capitals. Many people train for marathons in Mexico City. I would strongly suggest running in parks rather than in the streets.

I live in Mexico, but not Mexico City. I don't run marathons, but have several friends who do.

Dr.Chaos*

Mexico City is a ideal place to train for marathons. It has elevation changes and a unique environment. The protection is a 9 out of 10 rating and the pollution is not a worry unless you breath out of control. the pollution is mainly about as high as the mountain ranges.the streets aren't an ideal running area but yet again on a slow day. I had been living there for 2 years but didn't run at the time, but my sis did and it was quite safe.
Marathons will become a snap!

marci knows best

Check around as see if there aren't some running clubs you could join. They might even have some special facilities available or at least group practice runs you could participate in.

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