**UABC Reaffirms Invitation to Half Marathon Event**
The Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) in Tijuana, specifically through its Faculty of Sports, is extending an open invitation to the community for its anticipated UABC 2024 Half Marathon 21K. This event is scheduled for Sunday, November 3rd. The marathon route has been officially certified by World Athletics and endorsed by the Mexican Federation of Athletic Associations, A.C. Participants are welcome in various age categories ranging from 18 to over 70, and special categories are available for visually impaired, wheelchair, crutches, and hearing-impaired athletes.
A total of over 140,000 pesos in prizes will be awarded. The absolute winners will receive 15,000 pesos for first place, 10,000 pesos for second place, and 5,000 pesos for third place. Other category winners will acquire 3,000 pesos for first, 2,000 pesos for second, and 1,000 pesos for third. About fifty percent of race slots have already been sold, so interested participants are encouraged to register online to secure their spot, as no registrations will be accepted on the day of the event. Race kits will be distributed on Saturday, November 2nd at the University’s Theater on the Tijuana campus.
Haydeé Gomez Llanos Juárez, the Vice Chancellor of the Tijuana campus, stated that this will be a flagship event for the university and that significant efforts are being made to ensure it is well organized. “We invite everyone to participate and make history with us,” she said. Juan José Calleja Núñez, the Deputy Director of the Faculty of Sports in Tijuana, expressed gratitude towards the university authorities and sponsors for their support in organizing the event. The route, which begins and ends at the Faculty, spans 21.0975 kilometers, traversing the Otay industrial zone and nearby areas, ending with 300 meters on the athletic track.
Among the attendees at the announcement were Roberto Luna from the event’s official sponsor “La Naranja,” Nelly Duarte Gallegos, operational coordinator, and Iván Sánchez Sánchez, technical coordinator.
**In Other News: Growing Popularity of Half Marathons Worldwide**
In recent years, half marathons have gained significant popularity globally. They hit a sweet spot in distance, challenging serious runners while still accessible for amateurs. This surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors including the rise of health consciousness, increased social sharing on fitness achievements, and the universal appeal of running as an exercise.
Cities around the world have embraced this trend, setting up events that not only focus on competition but also community involvement and drawing in tourism. According to a recent report by RunRepeat, the number of half marathon events has increased by more than 30% worldwide in the last decade.
Running enthusiasts have cited various reasons for their participation in half marathons, including personal health goals, a sense of achievement, and the opportunity to explore new cities. Marathon experts suggest that training for a half marathon is easier to integrate into everyday life compared to a full marathon, making it a more appealing goal for many.
With more events being hosted annually, organizations have brought innovative approaches to cater to diverse groups, including offering virtual races for those who cannot travel and introducing eco-friendly practices to minimize the environmental impact of such large events.
This growing trend highlights the transformational power of running events in fostering camaraderie and promoting a healthy lifestyle.