Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - As one of the world's great tourist destinations, every year, Puerto Vallarta incorporates different activities and first class attractions that improve the experience of its thousands of visitors. In the year of its centenary, the opportunity is unbeatable for the organization of new events, such as the First Puerto Vallarta Centennial Marathon 2018, which will be held on Sunday, April 15th.

The race is part of the calendar of festivities set to be held this year as Puerto Vallarta celebrates its 100th year as a municipality and 50th anniversary as city on May 31, 2018.

According to the director of the race organizing committee, Humberto Muñoz Vargas, the 42.195 kilometers (26.219 miles) marathon will cover the city's main tourist routes. In addition there will be a 21,097 kilometers (13.1 miles) half marathon and a 5 kilometers recreational race with the intention that a greater number of people can participate in what is intended to be a great sports party.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust congratulates the organizers of this sporting activity that will undoubtedly be one of the great events on the destination's annual calendar.

In addition to applauding the runners and generating a special atmosphere, spectators will be able to enjoy various recreational activities during the event, such as live music, dance and stage performances along the main avenue.

This will be the first time that Puerto Vallarta has hosted a sporting event of this magnitude. Organizers expect to welcome 2,500 athletes from Mexico and around the world, including high-level runners who want to experience this challenge in the most Mexican beach destination.

SCHEDULES AND ROUTE

The First Puerto Vallarta Marathon and the Half Marathon will start at 6:30 am on Sunday, April 15, while the 5-km recreational race will begin at 8:30 am. The time limit will be six hours for the Marathon and three hours for the Half Marathon. There will be cash prizes for the first three absolute places and the first three of each category.

The start and finish line will be on Avenida Francisco Medina Ascencio, in front the Integral Port Administration facilities, where the Puerto Mágico (the new maritime terminal) is being built. From there it goes to the Agustín Flores sports stadium, turns around, and heads back along the boulevard to the intersection of Fluvial Vallarta.

The route meanders through Fluvial until you reach the main avenue where you will run to the return crossing the bridge over the Ameca River. On the way back, you'll detour through Marina Vallarta to run along Paseo de la Marina from north to south, before returning to the main avenue to race towards the finish line at the maritime terminal. Click HERE for a map of the marathon route.

The general director of the Marathon, Humberto Muñoz, assured that there is a close coordination in terms of logistics with the municipal, state and even federal authorities for the partial closure of the roads along the route, as well as to ensure the safety of the participants. As such, there will be plenty of hydration areas and port-a-potties along the race route, as well as specialists for medical attention and vehicles for emergency transfer in case it is required.

We invite you to live the experience of running in Puerto Vallarta! Registration is now open on the MaratonPV Facebook event page, website, or at Innovasport stores in Vallarta and throughout Mexico.