​52 KM ULTRA MARATHON RACE
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025 - CERRO PELON MONARCH SANCTUARY, MEXICO

The main event this year is in Mexico - A 52 km ultra race in the Cerro Pelón Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary! In this race, runners will have the opportunity to run through beautiful rural areas towards the mountains where the monarchs spend their winter. This run is organized in collaboration with Nacion Verde and it will be part of the International Monarch Butterfly Festival celebrated in Zitácuaro from March 14-16, 2025. Zitacuaro is a Mexican city located in the northeast corner of Michoacán state. This picturesque city lays at the base of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, where millions of monarchs spend their winters. A true spectacle that has made monarchs a symbol of Zitacuaro.

The race starts and ends at the foothills of the sanctuary. The route takes runners along mountain trails, with a total elevation gain of close to 9,000 feet (2,250 feet per loop) for the 52km distance. Other distances includes: 5km, 13km relay, 52km. The region is known for its wild, remote, and mountainous terrain, this is a trail runner’s dream with the route taking place in the stunning Sierra Madre mountains.
The race will be part of the annual celebration of the International Monarch Butterfly Festival (Feria Internacional de la Mariposa Monarca). The festival features cultural dances, music performances, films, environmental presentations, Indigenous ceremonies, and art displays, among others. If you come for the whole weekend or longer, we encourage you to visit and tour around Michoacan. Some places to visit outside of town include a hike to the monarch sanctuary and a visit to San Felipe los Alzati, an archeological site with impressive views of the valleys.
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How to get there?
The closest international airport is in Mexico City. Plan to fly to Mexico City. From there, it's a 165 km road trip to Zitácuaro. You can take a taxi, shuttle bus or public bus to Zitácuaro from the airport. The drive to Zitácuaro takes approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes. 

Where to stay?
Rancho San Cayetano: [email protected]
Hotel Ciclovia: [email protected]
Hotel Casa Iturbe: [email protected] / [email protected]
Hotel-Boutique La casa de los recuerdos: [email protected]
Hotel Los Solaches: [email protected]
Hotel Conquistador: [email protected]
Hotel Rosales del Valle: [email protected]
Maria Fernanda INN: [email protected]
Hotel Tabachines: [email protected]
Hotel Agua Blanca: [email protected]