​50 KM ULTRA MARATHON RACE
SUNDAY, NOV 26 - ZITACUARO, MEXICO

The main event this year is in Mexico! A 54 km race from Zitácuaro to the monarch sanctuary (Cerro Pelón). 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 Zitácuaro and it will be part of the International Monarch Butterfly Festival celebrated in Zitácuaro that weekend.

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 run starts in Zitacuaro and finish at the monarch sanctuary. The runners will go  through colonial streets, farming landscapes, and mountain trails. An uphill road with a elevation gained of 500 metres to the monarch sanctuary of Cerro Pelón will be a challenge for most runners with will also be delighted with the forest and spectacular views of the mountains.
This run will be part of the annual celebration of The Monarch Butterfly International Festival. The festival is a celebration of the monarchs and the sanctuaries which environmental presentations, several performances, exquisite local gastronomy, movies, and much more.
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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. So plan to fly to Mexico City. From there, there's a 165 km road trip to Zitácuaro. You can take a taxi to Zitácuaro from the airport or we you can arrange a pick up for you. Mentioned how many people are traveling and they can organize an airport pick up/drop off for you.  The drive to Zitácuaro takes approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes. 

Where to stay

Rancho San Cayetano: hotel@ranchosancayetano.com
Hotel Ciclovia: hotelciclovia@gmail.com
Hotel Casa Iturbe: hotelcasaiturbe@hotmail.com / sauces21@hotmail.com
Hotel-Boutique La casa de los recuerdos: hotellacasadelosrecuerdos@gmail.com
Hotel Los Solaches: lossolacheshotel@hotmail.com
Hotel Conquistador: info@hotelconquistador.com.mx
Hotel Rosales del Valle: hotelrosalesdelvalle@prodigy.net.mx
Maria Fernanda INN: hotelmariafernanda@hotmail.com
Hotel Tabachines: hotelranchotabachines@gmail.com
Hotel Agua Blanca: info@aguablanca.mx

Hotels can be booked directly via email or through some internet booking options, such as booking.com and Expedia.com.

You could also arrange hotel reservations, airport transfer, and local tours with Tzitseje Tour Operator
Contact: Teresa Carapia - touroperadoratzitseje17@gmail.com

Here's an example itinerary:
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Thursday, Nov. 23 - Fly to Mexico City, transfer to Zitácuaro
Friday-Saturday, Nov 24-25 - Monarch Festival, day trips
Sunday, November 26th - 50km Race
Monday, November 27th - Group hike to the sanctuary
Tuesday, November 28th - Departure home
The Zitácuaro race is part of the Feria Internacional de la Mariposa Monarca (International Monarch Festival) that will be celebrated on November 24-26, 2023. The festival features cultural dances, music performances, environmental presentations, indigenous ceremonies, movies, art displays, among others. Below are some photos from the 2022's festival.