The Binational Race runs from San Diego to Playas de Tijuana on Oct. 25, crossing at El Chaparral

The Binational Race returns on Sunday, Oct. 25, with a course that starts in San Ysidro and ends at the lighthouse in Playas de Tijuana. Its Race Roster registration page lists a 6:50 a.m. start and three distances: a half marathon, a 12K that is new this year and a 10K. The race caps entries at 5,000 and says it expects to sell out.

The half marathon starts at the west end of Las Americas Premium Outlets, follows Camino de la Plaza to Dairy Mart Road and passes through the Tijuana River Valley Park around kilometer 5. Around kilometer 10 it crosses into Mexico at the San Ysidro–El Chaparral port of entry, in the far right lane of Interstate 5, according to the registration page. The 12K also starts on the California side, while the 10K starts in Tijuana at the Sánchez Taboada boulevard bridge, by Costco. All three finish at the Faro de Playas de Tijuana, where organizers plan a finish-line festival.

Baja California’s Tourism Secretariat promoted the race this week as a showcase for the Cali-Baja region, and the state will set up a space at the event to promote its seven tourist destinations, according to San Diego Red and En Línea BC. Tourism Secretary Miguel Ángel Badiola Montaño said Cali-Baja is much more than a region that shares business, tourism and a border. Runners can also make optional donations to Fundación Castro Limón in Tijuana and to Casa Familiar and Fundación Emilio Nares in San Diego County.

Before you sign up

• Documents: the race tells runners to carry the usual immigration documents for their nationality or status, both to reach the start and to return to the U.S. after the finish. Check its FAQ for the rules for your distance.
• Packet pickup: Friday, Oct. 23, 3 to 7 p.m. at Road Runner Sports, 5553 Copley Dr. in San Diego, and Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Las Americas Premium Outlets.
• There is no gear check this year because of customs issues, the race says. A shuttle from the finish back to San Diego is sold during registration.
• Time limits: 3 hours 30 minutes for the half marathon (with the first 10K inside two hours), two hours for the 12K and 90 minutes for the 10K.
• Driving into Tijuana early that Sunday? Keep in mind that runners will be using a lane of I-5 at El Chaparral.

More sports and weekend plans are on our calendar.