Lost City Marathon
Enter the Lost City Marathon or Half Marathon 2025 with Marathon Tours & Travel!
Follow the footsteps of the Maya and experience the colors, flavors, and rhythms of México’s most interesting corners. Nestled in the dense rainforests of the Chiapas region on the Yucatan peninsula, the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, famous for its well preserved and impressive Mayan architecture, marks the start line for a trail Marathon of unrivaled lush vegetation, animal life, and breathtaking beauty.
Only 10% of Palenque has been fully discovered and along with providing a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of the Maya people which thrived in this once vibrant and powerful city, it has now been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and cultural significance.
Featuring both a marathon and a half-marathon, the awe-inspiring route follows jungle trails, majestic rivers, picturesque ranches, and small villages. A challenging race crossing various surfaces, including water and steep hills, but one certainly worth getting your feet wet.
Keep your eyes open and enjoy the rich bird life and look for the different species of butterflies found on the open planes – there are over a hundred! Howler monkeys, scarlet macaws & toucans can be found in the jungle if you step lightly (they often scatter when runners approach). If you are lucky enough to spot a howler monkey, know that they sometimes amuse themselves by throwing small branches from the treetops at onlookers who stop to stare.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners
Guide
English speaking tour leader
Transfers
Airport transfers and ground transportation as described in the itinerary
Accommodation
A choice of standard or deluxe accommodation packages
Entry
Full and half distances available
Celebration Party
Celebration dinner
Excursions
Guided tour of ruins incl. entry ticket (Palenque & Chichén Itza)
Coopah
2 week free trial for Coopah training plans
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Monday 17 February 2025
Arrival Day
Fly in to Mexico City on the most suitable flight for you. From the airport you can make your way to the city center with metro, metrobus, shuttle bus or taxi. Note that taxi fares are fixed between the airport and the city center. Our hotel is located in the historic center not far from the Zócalo.
Please bear in mind that check-in is not guaranteed before 15:00. However, the hotel offers the convenience of storing your luggage if you arrive early, allowing you to freely explore the city centre.
Meals: No meals included this day.
Tuesday 18 February 2025
Mexico City – Guided Tour
We will take a closer look of Mexico City on today’s guided tour. Although the city is massive and impossible to see in one day, we’ll still get a feel for most of it on this tour.
The National Museum of Anthropology not only showcase the most impressive artifacts from Mesoamerican civilisations through time, it is also the perfect place to go to get an understanding of Mexico and how this fascinating nation has been shaped over time.
Even if you’re not a keen museum-visitor the adjoining park will provide a pleasant stop away from the bustling masses of the city.We make our way south to the Xochimilco district where we set out on a canal boat ride on the famous “floating gardens” – Trajineras.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Mexico City – Teotihuacan
After breakfast we start our excursion to Teotihuacan – the famous Sun and Moon pyramids located about an hour’s drive from the city centre.
Our knowledgeable local guide will walk us through the impressive architectural feats, and the mysterious Avenue of the Dead giving us a fascinating glimpse into one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological treasures.
(Breakfast & lunch included)
Thursday 20 February 2025
Domestic flight to Palenque
After breakfast a transfer is arranged from the hotel to the airport to board the domestic flight to Villahermosa. Depending on the final number of participants we’ll use one or two departures, one at 10:30 am and one at 12:35 pm. Flying time is roughly 1:40.
It is possible to request the early or the later departure, but we cannot guarantee your request is met as it depends on the number of participants, the time of your booking etc.Villahermosa is the capital of Tabasco state and from there we have about 2½ hours drive to Palenque where we’ll check in to our hotel and can use the rest of the day and evening to settle in and relax.
Nestled just 8km from the mesmerizing Maya ruins of Palenque, Palenque town is a small and relaxing place to stay. This small and relaxing enclave boasts a lively central square and a collection of excellent restaurants. Upon checking into our hotel, you can immerse yourself in the evening ambiance of the town, setting the perfect stage to transition into “race weekend” mode.
Meals: Breakfast
Friday 21 February 2025
Explore the Maya ruins of Palenque – race briefing
The day before the race, we will journey to the captivating Maya ruins of Palenque, the starting point for the upcoming adventure.
Once a thriving Maya city-state, Palenque endured for nearly a millennium, meeting its demise on the cusp of the 9th century. Despite its medium size on the grand scale of Maya cities, Palenque held immense significance, serving as a vital hub situated between the expansive Yucatan plains and the towering mountains. This unique positioning made it a central point of connection for various city-states, resulting in Palenque boasting some of the most exquisite Maya architecture.
Remarkably, only around 10% of the structures have been unearthed, leaving the remainder of the city shrouded in the embrace of the jungle.
Following a guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this historic site at your own pace before the bus departs. The adventure continues as all participants convene at the Chan-Kah Jungle Resort for a hearty lunch and a comprehensive race briefing led by race officials. Here, you’ll receive your race packs, the most important details about tomorrow’s race will be explained and questions can be asked to the officials and medical team, addressing any queries or concerns.
Upon returning to your hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to unwind in the comfort of the hotel or take a leisurely stroll through the charming town of Palenque.
In the evening, we will indulge in a carb-loaded pasta buffet dinner served at the hotel, setting the stage for a night of excitement before the much-anticipated race day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & pasta dinner
Friday 22 February 2025
Race Day
Today is the big day! You will enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before we take the bus to the start at 06:00 am.
Upon arrival at the Palenque Archeological Zone’s parking lot, all runners will have the opportunity to drop off bags and items for the finish line, with conveniently accessible toilets at your disposal. The race unfolds in waves, commencing with marathon runners leading the charge in the initial waves, followed by half marathon runners in the latter waves.
Ten minutes before each wave kicks off, participants will be granted entry into the Archeological Zone, where they can line up at the start. It’s essential to note that only items actively used during the race may be taken inside, excluding drinks, food, bags, and extra clothing not worn for at least the initial 3 kilometers.
The race officially launches with the first wave setting off at 7:00 am.
The finish line is located by the Chiapaneca restaurant where a post-race meal is included. Convenient shuttle buses will be on standby, ready to transport runners back to their hotels.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch in the Finish Area
Saturday 23 February 2025
Optional excursion and celebration dinner
Following yesterday’s exhilarating run, there are various options for unwinding today. For those seeking relaxation, it’s the perfect day to relax by the pool, while others may opt for an exploration of the Palenque ruins.
For a more adventurous turn, consider booking an excursion with our knowledgeable Adventure guides to the breathtaking waterfalls of Agua Azul, promising a day filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty.
In the evening, buses will be waiting and ensuring everyone reaches the festive celebration dinner. We will rejoice in each others accomplishments and indulge in excellent food and drinks late into the evening.
Meals: Breakfast & celebration dinner (if the excursion to Agua Azul is booked, lunch is also included)
Sunday 24 February 2025
Return to MEX or extension
Our Palenque race adventure has come to an end. Transportation back to Villahermosa is arranged for the flight back to Mexico City. Again – depending on the final number of participants – we will have one or two flights back. One leaving at 09:00 am and one at 11:00 am. Requests can be made, but we cannot guarantee a specific departure as it depends on several factors. hence you should not book your international flight out of Mexico City airport earlier than 5:00 pm this day.
If necessary it’s possible to book a post night at the airport.If you are not done with adventures in Mexico you can also book our Yucatan extension trip filled with colonial cities, 7 world wonder Chichen Itza and tranquil beach relaxation!
Meals: Breakfast
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Extensions
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Post-Race Extension to Yucatán | 5-Night Package: February 24 – March 1, 2025
Features:
- Five (5) Night Hotel Accommodations & taxes according to itinerary
- Bus transportation per itinerary
- Meals per itinerary
- Entry ticket and local guide in Chichén Itzá
- English & Spanish speaking tour leader
Not Included:
- Meals not stated in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Beverages (except those included in All Inclusive package in Playa del Carmen)
- Anything not mentioned under Package Features
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Packages & Rates
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Lost City Marathon Tour | Four-Night Package: February 20 – 24, 2025
Features:
- Four (4) Night Hotel Accommodations & taxes at your chosen hotel
- Airport/hotel transfers & transportation per itinerary
- Meals per itinerary
- Snack lunch and at the finish area after race
- Celebration dinner
- Guided tour to Palenque ruins including entry ticket
- English & Spanish speaking tour leader
- 2-week free trial of Coopah bespoke training plans. Details on how to claim will be sent in your booking confirmation email
Lost City Marathon Tour | Seven-Night Package: February 17 – 24, 2025
Features:
- Seven (7) Night Hotel Accommodations & taxes at your chosen hotel
- Airport/hotel transfers & transportation per itinerary
- Domestic round-trip flight (MEX-VSA-MEX) February 20 & 24
- Meals per itinerary
- Snack lunch at the finish area after race
- Celebration dinner
- Guided tour to Palenque ruins including entry ticket
- Guided tour to Teotihuacan including entry ticket
- Guided tour in Mexico City including boat ride
- English & Spanish speaking tour leader
- 2-week free trial of Coopah bespoke training plans. Details on how to claim will be sent in your booking confirmation email
For both the 4 and the 7 night packages you must choose between a standard or a deluxe hotel for the 4 nights in Palenque, while the hotels for the nights in Mexico City and on the extension tour are set.
Not Included:
- Race entry
- Domestic Flights (unless booked on the 7-Night package)
- International flights to/from Mexico
- Optional excursions
- Travel and health insurance
- Meals not stated in the itinerary
- Tips for local guides, drivers & hotel staff
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned under Package Features
Race entry at £259 includes:
- English-speaking race officials
- English-speaking medical team from Denmark
- Timing and results
- Medal
- Craft Runners T-shirt
- Manned water and energy drink stations along the route
- Collapsible cup for hydration
- Transportation to start area and from finish area to hotel
Note on getting to Villahermosa:
The 4-night package starts and ends at Villahermosa (VSA) airport but does not include flights. Seven (7) domestic flights daily from/to Mexico City (MEX) airport are available. Direct flights between Villahermosa and Cancun are limited and may not fit the itinerary.
Important information regarding Domestic flights:
For guests booking the 7-Night package:
Our 7-Night Package includes domestic flights on February 20th (MEX-VSA) and on February 24th (VSA-MEX). Depending on the final number of participants we’ll use one or two departures from Mexico City to Villahermosa, one at 10:30AM and one at 12:35AM. Flying time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Your return on February 24th (VSA-MEX) will be on one of two departures depending on the number of participants. The first flight will depart at 09:00AM and the second at 11:00AM. It is possible to request an early or the later departure, but we cannot guarantee your request as it depends on the number of participants and the time of your booking. We do not recommend that you book your international flight out of Mexico City airport earlier than 5:00 pm on February 24th.
For guests booking the 7-Night package AND the Extension:
On February 24th your flights will be as above. On March 1st, your trip will end in Cancun and transfer to the Cancun airport is included. Plan to book your international flight home from Cancun.
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Hotels
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Four-Night Deluxe Package: Chan-Kah Resort Village Palenque
All rooms are built as an independent “villa” and located under the trees. The resort pool has been built to resemble a cenote and is ideal for a relaxing day.
Four-Night Standard Package: Maya Tulipanes Hotel OR Plaza Palenque HotelCentrally located in the town of Palenque you will find many restaurants nearby and the town square is a short 10-minute walk away. The hotel has a pool and relaxing courtyard with trees to offer shade during the hottest hours of the day.
Seven-Night Deluxe and Standard PackageNH Centro Historico Hotel, Mexico City (3-Nights): In Mexico City, all guests will stay at the NH Centro Historico for (3) nights. Located one block from the Zócalo and only a few minutes’ walk from the Alameda Park and Chinatown it is a perfect location to explore the city center on foot and with splendid opportunities for shopping and dining.
In Palenque, choose between Standard & Deluxe Hotels as listed for the 4-Night Standard or Deluxe Packages.
Yucatán Extension HotelsWhen booking the extension tour you will be staying at some of the best hotels in the Yucatan Peninsula.
When reaching Campeche for the first night of the extension you will be staying at the 4-star Gamma Campeche hotel.
Located by the water front and with the city centre just a few minutes walk away it is the perfect place to experience the city.On the second night we find ourselves in Mérida where we will be staying at the 3-star Del Gobernador hotel. Located just 2 blocks from the city centre it has a quiet location, but the shops and restaurants are still reached within 10 minutes’ walking.
Finishing the extension tour with 3 nights in Playa del Carmen we will check in to the 4-star Viva Wyndham Azteca hotel. Right on the beach and all-inclusive – can it get any better?
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Event Information
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Run the Lost City Marathon with Marathon Tours & Travel
Race Date:
22 February 2025
Race 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.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 kilometers, the route approaches the foothills of the mountains, where it begins to ascend gradually.
Half marathon runners take a right turn for a nice relatively flat loop on gravel road around picturesque ranches and past the village of Cárdenas, which leads them to the finish line.
Marathon runners keep ascending the mountain towards the village of El Naranjo, but just before reaching the village the route breaks of from the gravel road and ventures onto narrow trails leading further into the mountains and the lush jungle.
The river Chacamax is crossed a couple of times and some very intense hills must be climbed.
After roughly 10 kilometers on mountain and jungle trails, the route takes the runners into the village of El Naranjo. From here on, the path is more or less downhill leading to the intersection where the half marathon runners previously branched off.
Marathon runners will now also run the loop around the green and lush ranches to finish in the same place as the half marathon runners.
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.
Eligibility:
Marathon Tours & Travel, an authorized tour operator, is required to offer travel arrangements in conjunction with guaranteed race entry. All runners must be 18 years or older on race day to be eligible for our guaranteed Full Marathon entries and 16 years or older on race day to be eligible for our guaranteed Half Marathon entries
Cut off times:
Marathon 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. Half Marathon runners will have a 6½ hours net time limit. 8 hours after the last marathon runner crossed the start line, the race will end. runners still on the route will be picked up by race officials and driven back to the finish area.
Number Pickup:
Runners will receive the goodie bag with start number and race t-shirt at the race briefing on Friday.
Weather:
February is one of the driest months in Mexico, with hot weather and pleasant warmer temperatures. You can expect an average daily high around 27°C (80°F). It’s one of the more popular months to visit, where it’s not too hot and 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.Difficulty:
The route is mainly run on gravel road with a few short parts on asphalt and a stretch on the Sendero Motiepa trail. Marathon runners will also have approximately 10 kilometres on narrow mountain trails through jungle forest.
Time Taking & Results:
The Lost City 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:
– Full marathon bibs – “Maya Red”
– Half-marathon – “Maya Yellow”The results will be published shortly after the race is finished.
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Registration & Booking
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On request bookings
Request bookings will confirm that you have accepted our Booking Conditions. Your booking is not however, guaranteed until our partner company confirms availability. Please expect confirmation of place within 1-3 days of making your booking. Your card payment details will still be required for the deposit to secure your space, though please be advised this information will be held securely, and the card will only be debited upon confirmation of booking.
Your details
Please check all the details shown to make sure the names on your booking are the same as each person’s passport. If not, please let us know within 48 hours of making your booking so we can change them. If you don’t let us know straight away you may be charged. Names must be given at the time of booking and any shown as TBA will be classed as a name change and there will be a charge.
Marathon Tours & Travel
Marathon Tours & Travel is part of Destination Sport Experiences. Founded in 1979, Marathon Tours & Travel is a longstanding recognised leader and innovator in the destination travel industry for runners and their supporters. We offer travel packages and guaranteed entry to iconic marathons, half marathons and 10ks both in the UK and abroad. Alongside guaranteed entry, we also offer comprehensive travel and accommodation packages with ideally located hotels, transfers and guide support. The team behind the tours have run many of the events themselves and have years of experience in taking runners to once-in-a lifetime races. With offices in Boston, Manchester and Adelaide, we truly are a global running travel company.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover, including cover for existing medical conditions and any activities you plan to do.
If you are unsure where to start, we’ve teamed up with Bikmo. Bikmo offer tailored insurance packages that cater for both competitive and non-competitive trips, covering you for many of our running events. If you wish to book insurance through Bikmo, you can benefit from an exclusive 5% discount*, simply use the code DESTINATIONSPORT5 at their checkout. More information can be found here.
*7 days European travel cover from £16.85. Bikmo non-competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA number 300317 Bikmo competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered directly by Jackson Lee Underwriting (JLU). This promotion is provided by Bikmo Ltd Glendale House Sandycroft Industrial Estate Flintshire CH5 2QP
Medical Certification
If you are taking part in a running or cycling event in Italy or France you will be required to produce a medical certificate in order to collect your race number. What you need to do and how to get your medical certificate is outlined here.
Special Assistance
If you or anyone on your booking needs any special assistance for reduced mobility, disability or any other medical condition, you should let us know at team@destinationsport.com
We can give you more information about the accessibility of different services and the assistance available from transport and accommodation suppliers, or at venues. Availability and access to certain services/seating may be limited by the service provider so we recommend you talk to us about what you need before booking. If you book online please add details of any special assistance you need in the special request box.
Special Requests
If you have any special requests please let us know. We will do our best to make them happen for you but we can’t guarantee them.
Important travel information
It’s important be up to date with the latest information about where you’re travelling to and what documents you need to have in order to travel.
For information about passports and applying for them, you should check the passport pages of the UK Government Website.
To learn more about the destination that you are travelling to, including specific travel advice and entry requirements, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office (FCDO) publishes up to date information here.
When you travel, you should be ‘Travel Aware’. By following the Travel Aware link, you’ll find a whole list of useful information put together by the FCDO, which will help you be ‘Travel Aware’ for your journey ahead.
You can also find more helpful hints and tips that Destination Sport Experiences have put together on our nifty webpage, right here.
Race Rules
Top Finishers: The top three male and female finishers of all distances are the first three to physically cross the finish line regardless of their net time.
Gear: Nordic walking and trekking poles are not allowed.
Strollers are not allowed.
The use of headphones or earplugs of any kind is not allowed for the first 3 kilometres of the race. This is due to this part of the course containing narrow and difficult trails in places and the need to be able to communicate with your fellow runners is essential. Headphones and earplugs are discouraged throughout the race, but especially when running on the forest trails in the mountains.
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Seven Continents Club ®
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The Seven Continents Club®️ (SCC) offers a unique opportunity for runners to run on all seven continents of the globe, as well as providing numerous benefits to its members. The club operates as a global frequent traveller club for runners, offering waitlist priority for high-demand events, early pre-registration periods for a number of races in popular destinations and tour package vouchers for money off international tour packages. What’s more, Seven Continents Club®️ rewards all its members for the extraordinary achievement of running marathons on each continent with their own special finishers medal and certificate of completion. Join the SCC today!
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