### Tijuana to Charge Runners at Local Races and Half Marathon in 2025
Starting in 2025, runners participating in Tijuana’s local athletic series and the half marathon will face a registration fee. Previously free, these events aimed to promote physical activity among residents. However, according to the upcoming 2025 Income Law proposal, the government has decided to implement charges to offset costs.
The councilor Sandra Magaña Ríos has criticized this decision, citing that the medals, shirts, and drinks provided at these races are already subsidized through sponsorships. The new fee will be 249.71 pesos per runner, which is equivalent to 2.30 Units of Measurement and Update (UMAS).
Magaña Ríos has raised concerns about what additional benefits participants will receive in return for this fee. “Will athletes be offered insurance in case of injuries? Since sponsorships already cover these costs,” she questioned. These concerns underscore the broader objective of these events, which is to foster a culture of physical fitness rather than serve as revenue streams.
Last year, the half marathon attracted 6,000 participants, and the local series saw 5,000 to 6,000 runners. Despite the introduction of fees, the city maintains that the primary goal is still to promote active lifestyles and community health.
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### In Other News: Enhancing Tijuana’s Sports Facilities and Tourism Promotion
**Rehabilitation Needed for Tijuana’s Sports Facilities:** The need for urgent refurbishment of Tijuana’s sports units has been highlighted due to their deteriorating conditions. Upgrading these spaces is seen as essential for encouraging greater community participation in sports.
**Tijuana Showcases Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles:** In a bid to boost tourism, Tijuana recently presented its most popular attractions in Los Angeles. The event aimed to attract more visitors and stimulate economic growth in the region.
**Border Patrol Challenges and Legal Crossings:** The Chief of the Border Patrol in San Diego has reported that traffickers are using tire deflation devices to disable patrol vehicles. Meanwhile, Mexico’s government is preparing for a potential rise in deportation numbers by maintaining a 70% occupancy rate in its federal shelter.
**Migrant Crisis at the Border:** Activists have noted that many migrants arriving in Tijuana are aiming to cross into the United States illegally due to prolonged waits after attempting to secure asylum through official channels.
**Local Crimes and Safety Issues:** The community grapples with various safety challenges, from finding abandoned bodies near border areas to reports of murders, reinforcing the need for heightened security and better resources for law enforcement in Tijuana.