The XL Carrera Atlética de la UJAT, held on March 23, 2025, in conjunction with the Festejos Juaristas, attracted over 700 competitors eager to showcase their athleticism and competitive spirit. This year, Luis López Reyes stood out as he raced to victory in the Libre Varonil category, clocking an impressive time of 33:47 minutes.
Starting promptly at 6:30 a.m. from the División Académica de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades (DACSyH), participants embarked on a scenic 10-kilometer route along the Bulevar Bicentenario. Under the watchful eye of the rector of UJAT, Guillermo Narváez Osorio, competitors hit the pavement with determination and energy.
In the Libre Femenil category, Belén Valdés made headlines by securing the top spot with a remarkable finish of 40:12 minutes. Following her were Alejandra Balderas Flores, who placed second with a time of 41:40 minutes, and Lorena Valencia Jiménez taking third place with a time of 47:11 minutes.
The Libre Varonil category also featured fierce competition, with Antonio Romero Aguilar finishing in second place and Felícito López Torres following closely in third. As competitors crossed the finish line, supporters cheered them on, highlighting a true sense of community.
Safety remained a priority during the event, thanks to meticulous planning that included support from the Guardia Nacional and local police. Participants were also covered by an insurance policy, ensuring their well-being throughout the race.
In addition to the main competitions, various categories recognized even more athletes. In the Máster Varonil and Femenil categories, Guadalupe Ramón Villareal, Abraham Noguez, and Cruz de la Cruz Córdova claimed the top three spots in the male category, while Claudia Ortiz Reyes, María del Carmen Villamil González, and Catalina López Guerrero took home honors in the female category.
Veterano categories saw great performances as well, with Patricia Ocaña Jiménez taking first place among women, followed by María Isabel Subiaur and Primavera Liévano. In the men's category, Víctor Ascencio Sánchez led the way, with Ricardo Guzmán Perera and José de la Cruz Naranjo close behind.
A special mention should be made of the Estudiante UJAT categories, which showcased the talent of the university's students. In the female student category, Dulce Chávez Valencia emerged victorious, followed by Alejandra Margally Cordero, Kelly Díaz Peñate, Luz Torres Campo, and Fernanda Gaspar Fernández. Meanwhile, the male student category awarded prizes to Erick Gil Hernández, Ismael Bautista Sánchez, José López López, Emmanuel Hernández Ramón, and Alexis Aguilar Sánchez.
As the event came to a close, it was clear that the XL Carrera Atlética de la UJAT was not just a competition but a celebration of community spirit, sportsmanship, and healthy living. The merger of safety, enthusiasm, and competitive camaraderie made it successful once again, as participants and supporters alike look forward to future events that further unite the community.