More than 5,200 runners have registered for the 31st International Tijuana Half Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, July 26. The Tijuana Municipal Sports Institute (IMDET) confirmed that 5,269 participants have signed up, surpassing organizers’ expectations for one of the city’s longest-running annual races.
The event draws local, national, and international competitors to the 21-kilometer course through Tijuana. Registration remains open for runners who want to join the field before race day.
Three Decades of Running in Tijuana
Now in its 31st edition, the International Tijuana Half Marathon is one of northwestern Mexico’s most established distance races. The event has grown steadily since its founding in the mid-1990s, becoming a fixture on the regional running calendar. Tijuana also hosts the Binational Race, a separate event where runners cross the San Ysidro port of entry on foot, but the half marathon is the city’s flagship standalone road race.
IMDET, which operates under the Tijuana municipal government, organizes and promotes the race each year. The institute coordinates with local police and transit authorities to manage road closures along the course.
What Cross-Border Visitors Should Know
Runners and spectators crossing from San Diego should plan for traffic disruptions in Tijuana on July 26. Major roads along the race route will close during the morning hours. The San Ysidro and Otay Mesa border crossings themselves are not affected, but surface streets near the course may be difficult to navigate.
For those considering registering, the half marathon distance is 21.1 kilometers (13.1 miles). Past editions have used the RunSignUp platform for registration, though participants should check IMDET’s official channels for the current signup process and entry fees.
The 2024 edition of the race took place on July 28, following a similar summer schedule. With 5,269 runners already confirmed for 2026, this year’s field is shaping up to be one of the largest in the event’s history.
Registration details and course information are available through IMDET. The race was first reported by Zeta Tijuana.