The race

Distances 

• Full Marathon: 42.195 km
• Half Marathon: 21.097 km

Note: Distance changes can be made up until the race briefing, subject to availability. 

Important: Change of distance is NOT PERMITTED on Race Day. Anyone running another distance than what he/she is registered for will not be included in the results list.

Age limitations

Marathon: 18 years

Half Marathon: 16 years 

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.

Runners will receive their goodie bag at the Race Briefing, which contains a start number, collapsible drinking cup, wristband and a race t-shirt.

Start number

• Runners will receive one start number that must be worn during the race.
• The start number must be attached to the front of your body and readable - both for safety and photography purposes.
• Do not fold or bend the start number as it may damage the timing chip attached on the backside.
• Start numbers are colour-coded according to the distance you are running:
  • Full marathon: Black
  • Half marathon: Red 

Wristband

• The wristband ensures entry to the start at the Archeological Zone as well as lunch in the finish area.
• The wristband must be worn on race day and shown to the officers at the gate to the Archeological Zone. Showing your start number is not sufficient to gain entry to the start.
• A broken or loosely attached wristband will not be approved valid to enter the start nor receive lunch.

Route Map

Surface: Gravel, asphalt, and jungle trails

• On single-trail jungle routes, we kindly ask that you communicate with each other if you wish to pass a runner in front of you and make space for runners coming from behind you
• The route is not closed off to the public. Please respect local residents and exercise caution when running on or near the streets.
• Nordic walking/trekking poles and strollers are not allowed
• Headphones or earplugs are not allowed for the first 3 km due to narrow and tricky trails—it's important to hear and communicate with other runners.
  • They are discouraged for the rest of the race, especially on forest trails in the mountains.

The route is marked with orange trail flags, KM signs and arrows at intersections. In crucial sections race officials will be positioned. Race officials, doctors, and race photographers will be moving around on the route in vehicles.

The run ends at La Chiapaneca restaurant, where a snack lunch and soft drink will be served.
You can relax at the finish area and use the pool (bring your own towel).
Shuttle buses will run to Palenque throughout the day.

Spectators are welcome but must pay for lunch, drinks, and the shuttle back to town.

• Manned water stations will be available on the route with a rough interval of 3.5-4.5 kilometers.
• Water and electrolyte drinks are served at all stations.
• A collapsible cup is included in your goodie bag, please use it as your personal cup for race day at water stations. There are no cups available at the stations. No cup = No drink.
• Camel bags or your own cup/bottle are allowed, but it is not allowed to fill camel bags and bottles along the route. Each water station is calculated based on a cup's size pr. runner, so filling up other containers with more than this you will leave too little for your fellow runners.
• Energy gel is offered for marathon runners around the 28km mark.
• Please be patient at the water stations and form a line if necessary to avoid grouping around the stations. 

Half Marathon Time limit: 8 hours

Marathon Time limit: 8 hours

Runners spending more than 8 hours on the route will receive an FNT (Finished No Time) on the results list.

The race will end 8 hours after the last runner crossed the starting line at kick-off, and runners still on the route will be picked up by race officials and driven back to the finish area.

The Lost City Marathon will be timed with a timing chip. 

Live results can be accessed on the Results page.

Prizes

• Top Finishers: The top three male and female finishers of all distances are the first three to physically cross the finish line after completing the entire course, regardless of their net time.
• All finishers receive a medal.
• A small, symbolic prize is given to the winners of both distances for men and women. Please note that there is no prize money. 

Race Day Logistics

• The morning of the race, a bus will bring everyone to the Start area. The Start area will only be open to the official race buses. No other vehicles will be allowed access.
• Race Start: The race will be started in waves, with the first wave setting off at 07:00 AM. The number of waves depends on the final number of runners. 

Personal Belongings 

It is possible to deposit bags with personal belongings in the starting area. These belongings will be transported to the finish area.

*Note: 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 to personal belongings.

February is one of the driest months in Mexico, with hot weather and pleasant water temperatures. You can expect an average daily high of around 27°C (80°F).

Shorts and a T-shirt/singlet may be the preferred outfit for most, but some marathon runners may also prefer long tights and sleeves to avoid ticks when running through the jungle.

Medical Team
On race day a team of English-speaking Danish doctors and Mexican Red Cross paramedics will provide on-site medical assistance to runners in need. 
The medical team have the authority to stop runners if they deem it necessary for health reasons. All decisions made by the medical team are final.

If you get injured and need to drop out, head to the nearest drink station or wait in the shade. The medical team or race officials will transport you back to the finish area as soon as possible. Some wait time is to be expected due to the conditions of the route.

Safety Measures

• We kindly ask all runners to look out for each other and report to race officials or doctors if you see a fellow runner in need of help.
• If you take daily medicine prescribed by your physician or need any other medication, please inform the race doctors in advance by writing to info@albatros-adventure.com 

Fauna and insects

• If lucky, you might spot scarlet macaws, tucans, and howler monkeys. But more likely, most wildlife will run or fly away when they hear the runners approaching.
  • Should you be lucky to spot howler monkeys, keep in mind that they are cheeky and known for throwing smaller branches, nuts, and similar to humans stopping to stare.
• The mountains around Palenque are known to have ticks (Ixodidae). Runners are thus advised to check themselves after finishing the race.
  • To minimize the risk, consider running in long tights, long socks, and long sleeves.
  • Shaving your legs will also reduce the chances of ticks catching on.
  • Consider tying long hair up or using a cap.
  • Using bug spray with DEET. 

The race officials reserve the right to change the course and other aspects of the race without advance notice.

Please note that all decisions made by the race officials and/or medical team are final.

By signing up for this event, you agree to the Terms & Conditions of Albatros Adventure Marathons™️.

2026: February 21st

2027: February 27th 

2028: February 26th  

Please note that this race has a limited capacity, so grab your spot in time.