Mexico, a historic and iconic skyrunning location since the early 90’s, will host the 2025 North & Central American Skyrunning Championships on October 11, 2025, in the Atzitzintla municipality, in the state of Puebla, on the Citlaltépetl (or Pico de Orizaba), the highest volcano in North America and one of the highest races – ever.
Athletes from Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and United States will battle for titles and medals at the Reto Vulcano, 40 km long with 2,600m vertical climb summiting at 4,660m altitude featuring the SKY discipline.
The race is rated with a technical level of 2+ on the Course Certified list where all athletes, amounting to some 25,000, are automatically ranked.
The Pico de Orizaba, or Citlaltépetl, is an active volcano and the highest mountain in Mexico. The extremely high altitude will create a daunting challenge for skyrunners who will battle with the low oxygen pressure levels (between 40-60% less than at sea level), close to the glaciers on the upper slopes.
The Skyrunning Continental Championships added Central America after a consistent growth in the area after the first edition in 2023 in Costa Rica. Here, Mexico took home two gold medals thanks to top skyrunning stars, Karina Carsolio and Miguel Angel Perez. This time on home ground there will be strong competition from other countries.
Carsolio, also holder of the bronze medal for the SKY discipline at the 2024 World Championships and currently ranked fifth in the 365-day ranking, expresses her unique and inspirational views. “For me, running is the closest form I’ve found to leave my offering to the mountains. During high level competition, one reaches a state of mindfulness and presence that is comparable to the deepest forms of meditation. The capacity one has to have to endure discomfort, pain and exhaustion during a race is similar to the ways prehispanic people carried out their ceremonial acts. When we are running in a competition, for me, it’s an act of humility towards the mountain. We prepare ourselves for months for this one moment of surrender.
“For me, it’s a gift that this year the North and Central Skyrunning Championships will take place in Citlaltepetl, the mountain crowned by the stars. I’m very grateful for these kind of events which celebrate the sport in different parts of the world with all kinds of athletes and stories. I find it very necessary to continue developing them, and to provide the same opportunities for competition in Latin America.
“I ran the race last year and it’s a very demanding course and although it’s not technical, the high altitude tricks you. The 4×4 trails which you’d normally run on, have you power walking with your lungs bursting out of your throat. October is usually cold, so breathing in the little oxygen available plus the air being chilly, is very demanding for the cardiovascular system.
“I won’t be participating this year, but I’ll be happy to be there cheering everyone on! Thanks for hosting this event, and for making it possible for all Latin American people.”
Gabriel Mejia, Reto Vulcano race director stated, “For the Reto Vulcano committee, it is an honour to host this Continental Championship. Without a doubt, Mexico offers a very interesting range of terrain, with the ideal characteristics for skyrunning races.
“Reto Vulcano carries the slogan, ‘The Greatest Challenge in the Americas’ as it is the highest 42 km race in the region. It represents the greatest challenge for the skyrunners who will be present on October 11 in Atzitzintla, Puebla, to conquer the Citlaltepetl. We’re excited for the countdown to begin for the runners to conquer the skies of Mexico!”
More info
Course Certification
Race website (updating mid-May)
