No, I Didn't Run

 

Poster in one of the Mexico City subway stations advertising this year's Marathon  

"Es más que una carrera"... "It is more than a race."

Since 1983 the Mexico City Marathon has been held in late August or early September.  It is considered one of the world's most difficult marathons because of the city's altitude and pollution.  However, it is also considered one of the most beautiful courses since the route passes many of the city's landmarks.  This year's race was held today.

In past years, when going out for Sunday breakfast at one of restaurants near my apartment, I have occasionally seen the participants running down Insurgentes Avenue.  The route used to begin at the Zócalo, the main plaza in the heart of the old city, and end at the Olympic Stadium along the southern stretch of Insurgentes Avenue.  However, this year the course was reversed, beginning at the Olympic Stadium and ending at the Zócalo.  So the runners had already passed this part of Insurgentes by the time Alejandro and I went out for  breakfast.  In fact, while we were eating, the TV in the restaurant was showing the presentation of medals.  The top three places in the men's event all went to participants from Kenya.  I later looked up the results for the women's event, and the top three were athletes  from Ethiopia, Kenya and Ethiopia.