Hesiquio Flores Romero clinched victory at the 36th Lala International Marathon, which took place on March 2, 2025, along the borders of Durango and Coahuila. Despite not achieving his personal best, Flores's time of 2:18:18 was sufficient to secure the win, marking his first appearance at this prestigious event.
The marathon kicked off at 6:30 AM from the Parque Industrial Gómez Palacio and concluded at the Bosque Venustiano Carranza in Torreón. A total of 4,500 runners participated, showcasing the significance of this certified event, recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the Mexican Federation of Athletics Associations (FMAA).
Flores, who originally hails from Acajete, Puebla, faced considerable challenges during the race. After briefly running alongside teammate Axel Arcega, who fell behind at around the 16-kilometer mark, Flores found himself running over 30 kilometers alone. "It’s very complicated to run 42 kilometers solo; it’s very tough. My companion only stayed with me for 11 kilometers," he stated. Despite this, he focused on maintaining his pace and pushing through without losing momentum.
Marco Antonio Martínez Salvador secured second place with a time of 2:21:44, followed by Luis Enrique Arenas Tapia who finished third at 2:25:58. Juan Salvador Ruiz Gaona and Víctor Omar Martínez Ruiz rounded out the top five, finishing at 2:26:52 and 2:27:17, respectively.
On the women's side, Fanny Oropeza from Jalisco broke through to claim first place, ending the streak of the previous champion, Argentina Valdepeñas. Oropeza finished strong with an impressive time of 2:37:00. Second place went to Alejandra Rodríguez Machorro with 2:43:46, and Valdepeñas could only secure third with 2:48:31, marking her first non-victorious appearance after two consecutive wins.
Oropeza expressed her elation, saying, "This is my first time running at the Lala Marathon. I really liked the route and the atmosphere on the streets. The organization is top-notch. I’m sure I’ll return next year." She confidently took the lead from the start and never relinquished it, even when fatigue set in after the 35-kilometer mark. Reflecting on her race, she noted the significance of her achievement, especially having trained diligently for two months leading up to the event.
Valdepeñas, on the other hand, faced difficulties during the race. "It was tough, and it wasn’t my day. Since running in Guadalajara, I haven’t felt at my peak, and at times I thought about abandoning. But I pushed through, especially motivated by my family and familiar faces along the route," she lamented.
While the weather was favorable, it was the fervor of the supporters lining the race routes which made the event particularly special for Flores. "The route is ideal for a marathon; it’s flat, and the support of the people is fundamental; it motivated me to keep going. I intended to run under 2:14:00, but couldn't this time," he said. The community’s energy inspired him, and he expressed gratitude to his family, coach, and sponsors.
The Lala International Marathon continues to be one of the most prominent athletic events in Mexico, attracting both local and international talent. Following this win, Flores plans to rest for three weeks before returning to the track to increase his speed and possibly target another marathon at sea level later this year.
Marathon management and security were handled effectively, with the Public Security of Torreón deploying 300 personnel to monitor the event. Organizers took pride in showcasing the rich athletic tradition embedded within the community, emphasizing safety and enjoyment for participants and attendees alike.
The atmosphere surrounding the marathon proved to be electric, with supporters cheering enthusiastically. Flores’s experience at this event is just the beginning; he’s determined to leave his mark on future marathons, aiming to surpass his personal records.
For both veterans and novices alike, participating in the Lala Marathon was not just about the race itself but also about personal achievements and the celebration of the running community. Many participants already look forward to the next edition of the marathon, eager to soak up the energetic vibe and camaraderie.
Marathons symbolize resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of community. The Lala International Marathon 2025 not only exemplified these qualities but also showcased the best of Mexican athletics. With spirited performances and community support at its core, it's clear this marathon tradition is set to continue flourishing for years to come.