The race

2026: 21st February

Registration closes 15 January 2026. 

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

Distance 

• 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.

Eligibility 

• Marathon runners: Minimum 18 years old by race day
• Half marathon runners: Minimum 16 years old by race day 

Find the route map below: 
Route Map

Surface

Gravel, asphalt, and jungle trails

Finish area 

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.

Logistics 

• 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.
• Gear: Nordic walking/trekking poles and strollers are not allowed
• Headphones: 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.

Water stations

• Manned water stations will be available on the route and in the finish area. 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.
• Please be patient at the water stations and form a line if necessary to avoid grouping around the stations. 

Half Marathon Cut-off: 8 hours

Marathon Cut-off: 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.

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.

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

Bib number

• Runners will receive one bib number that must be worn during the race.
• Must be attached to the front of your body and readable - both for safety and photography purposes.
• Bib numbers are colour-coded according to the distance you are running:
  • Full marathon: Black
  • Half marathon: Red 

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. 

Watch race recaps from previous and past years here:

Race recaps

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). It's one of the more popular months to visit, when it's not too hot with little to no chance of rain.

Shorts and a 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.

Medical Team Availability
Danish doctors will be on-site during the race. They 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 need to drop out, head to the nearest drink station for a cooling drink and we will transport you back to the finish area. 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™️.