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6th Annual Don Diablo Trail Run
9K | 18K | 37K

NOVEMBER 17th, 2024

6:00 am, Rancho Cacachilas, BCS, México

 

10 International Trail Races Worth Traveling to in 2023 — OUTSIDE MAGAZINE

10 Best Trail Running Races in Mexico in 2018 — TRAIL RUNNING EN MÉXICO 

Welcome to the Don Diablo Trail Run!

After 5 successful events, in our much-anticipated 6th edition, we have included a 9K route for beginner trail runners, an 18K route for those seeking a challenge, and our impressive 37K route for experienced athletes. We will open the doors of Rancho Cacachilas so that the community can learn about our regeneration projects and our facilities. 

The Don Diablo race invites runners to intimately experience the Sierra de las Cacachilas, connecting with nature and the community through one of the sports with the lowest environmental impact. In this race, each checkpoint is an opportunity to be cheered on by the ranch team, ensuring that every runner’s experience is safe, fun, and memorable. 

Our race is a symbol of tradition and community rather than competition. It is a moment of camaraderie and celebration, amidst the natural charm of Rancho Cacachilas, honoring the history of our land. 

 

THE RACE IN NUMBERS
SINCE OUR 1ST EDITION IN 2017

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Women

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Men

Nationalities

Total Runners

Editions

THE STARTING & FINISH LINE

The race will take place on the trails of Rancho Cacachilas, the same paths once traversed by Don Victor Navarro, the famous Don Diablo, as he searched for hiding spots or herded cattle.

The start and finish of the race will be at “Gaspareño,” the first meeting point of the ranch, after entering from the La Paz-Los Planes highway in Baja California Sur. See map. In this area, you’ll find our gardens, saddle room, and the space where we keep our mules. Here, various activities will be available for companions, as well as food, beverages, and official Don Diablo merchandise for sale. 

Runners of all three routes will position themselves in the designated starting area, and at the sound of the gun, they will cover the first meters of their exciting journey on one of our wide trails before reaching the entrance to the narrow trails, characteristic of our race. 

9K ROUTE

Participants will line up at the starting line in Gaspareño to begin their journey. They will follow the same direction as the competitors in the other routes, taking the wide path before encountering the singletrack, where they will climb a gentle slope and then reach the fork for the different routes. Further along, they will arrive at the first checkpoint, offering drinks and nutritious snacks. They will then proceed on level ground, surrounded by the wild flora characteristic of our state, and descend with beautiful views of the sea. The last checkpoint is 3km before the finish line, with our staff ready to provide support and resupply. Finally, they will reach the finish line at Gaspareño, where staff, friends, and family will be waiting to greet them with a commemorative medal and lots of applause. 

18K ROUTE

At the start of the route, participants will encounter a subtle but steady climb, enough to get warmed up and gradually increase intensity. Soon, they will reach the first checkpoint at Chivato, where our Adventure Camp is located. They will continue their journey up a climbing trail, reaching the second checkpoint at La Trinidad. After that, the path descends until arriving at the third checkpoint at Dos Hermanos, a historic site where Don Víctor Navarro worked for part of his life, and where we have erected an altar to honor his memory. In this area, you’ll also find our seed gardens, goat stables, and our cheese factory. From there, they will head back to the Chivato checkpoint through one last climb before descending along the narrow trail toward the finish line, where friends, family, lunch, recovery drinks, and a participation medal will be waiting to honor their effort. 

37K ROUTE

The 37K route shares the path with the 18K route until the second checkpoint at La Trinidad. From there, it diverges and continues along narrow and winding trails through the Sierra, passing oases with streams, palm trees, and large granite boulders, and going through the 3rd and 4th checkpoints. 

Following our characteristic signs marked on rocks, palm trees, and stone walls, runners will reach the 5th checkpoint at Batequitos, where they will begin the most demanding ascent of the route until reaching the 6th checkpoint at Cerro Alto, the highest point of the race. Here, our staff will greet them with joy, provide hydration, and give them a bracelet to document their arrival at the summit. This is where they will enjoy the most spectacular view of the Sierra de las Cacachilas, with the Bahía de la Ventana and Isla Cerralvo to the east, the city of La Paz, El Mogote, and Isla Espíritu Santo to the west, the Sierra de la Laguna to the south, and the sea in front of Las Cruces to the north. They will run along the mountain ridge where the vegetation changes, with oaks growing among cacti and torote trees, and where they will enjoy stunning panoramic views. 

After this section of the race, they will begin a contemplative descent, first with beautiful views of the Arroyo de León Canyon, visualizing the finish line in the distance, and then a steep descent toward Arroyo de El Jato. During this descent, they will pass the 7th and 8th checkpoints. They will reach the finish line amid cheers and words of encouragement from all the spectators, receive a well-deserved massage, a delicious lunch, hydrating drinks, and a commemorative medal for completing this feat. 

ROUTES MAP

At the checkpoints, runners will find our famous refreshing lemon electrolyte drink, which we prepare at the Ranch using natural ingredients (we add honey from our beehives). We will also offer a variety of snacks and fruits to provide them with energy. 

IMPORTANT: Please note that the trails of Rancho Cacachilas, where the race will take place, are private, and access is only possible by reservation. This allows us to minimize the environmental impact on the area and ensure the safety of our visitors. The only day we will open our doors to runners and their companions will be on special events and on race day. 

PRIZES

We will reward the achievement of the top three finishers in the women’s and men’s categories of the 37K route, highlighting their endurance, speed, and skill. In addition to the satisfaction of their accomplishments, they will receive cash prizes in recognition of their success. 

37K FEMALE WINNERS

1st — 5,000 MXN

2nd — 3,000 MXN

3rd — 1,500 MXN

37K MALE WINNERS

1st — 5,000 MXN

2nd — 3,000 MXN

3rd — 1,500 MXN

Get ready, trail runners! The first runners to conquer the summit of Cerro Alto on the 37K route will receive an additional mountain prize. Who will take the glory? 

SIGN UP FOR THE RACE!

Get ready to lace up your trail running shoes!

Choose your preferred distance:

9K Route: $700 MXN *

18K Route: $950 MXN *

37K Route: $1,900 MXN *

*If you are a resident of Baja California Sur, and you register before September 30, 2024,  you will receive a special discount.

Read more about the rules and regulations.

BY REGISTERING YOU WILL OBTAIN THESE BENEFITS 

  • A high quality Dry-Fit T-shirt in the size of your choice 
  • Runner’s bib with a chip for electronic timing and live tracking
  • Commemorative race medal  
  • Water, electrolyte drinks, and various snacks at the aid stations and checkpoints along the route 
  • Hydrating drinks at the finish area 
  • Medical expenses insurance 
  • Special rates on accommodations at Rancho Cacachilas
  • For 18K and 37K runners: Lunch at the finish line after the race 
  • For 37K runners: Recovery massage at the finish line 

SPONSORS

RUNNER REVIEWS

The Don Diablo race was an enriching experience where I could test my body and mind. When I ventured into the desert on the single trails, I enjoyed every kilometer, especially the vegetation in this unique ecosystem. If you love trail running, you must participate! The excitement and adrenaline of running those paths were an incredible athletic challenge with two unmatched rewards: the breathtaking view of the sea from the highest point of the route and the indescribable satisfaction of crossing the finish line. The logistics are top-notch, and the Rancho Cacachilas team stands out as exceptional hosts. I’m sure I’ll participate in the next edition.” 

[Translated from Spanish]

Luisa Castorena 
DD 2023 Runner

This race is important for me because when I run it I can combat my fears, find new challenges. This route is special because you discover trails that have stunning views; when I run it I feel thrilled, you can feel the adrenaline; the route is very well marked, I recommend it, also the refreshments, everything is very well prepared; when you get to the finish line you feel the satisfaction of finishing it. I’m already waiting for the next edition to keep on running kilometer by kilometer“. 

[Translated from Spanish]

Neonato Lucero
DD 2022 Runner

The Don Diablo race is one of the most important days of the year for me. The scenery is espectacular, about half of the race is done in uphill, so that’s very challenging, there are creeks, palm trees, beautiful rocks, it’s really spectacular scenery there, and the other part of the race is mostly downhill, over the same type of terrain, when you get to the top, you start to see the Sea of Cortez and it’s really inspiring. At the stations there are great people who always have a smile. This race is the one that made me start trail running, it’s an event I look forward to, I think about it almost every day of the year, my most important goal is to finish it and the camaraderie with the friends I’ve gotten to know over the years.” 

Steve Nachtman
DD 2022 Runner

 

“I have run the Don Diablo race four times and the next one will be fifth. What I like most about the race are the trails, they’re very well done, very well marked and the views and landscapes are unmatched, at the checkpoints, the people who are there will always be supporting you in the best way, the Rancho Cacachilas’ staff is the most committed and dedicated staff that I’ve met. I’m sure that the next race will be a success like all the previous ones, I’m determined to run it again“. 

[Translated from Spanish]

Yaz Gajon
DD 2022 54K Winner

 

“The Don Diablo is the best adventure trail race in which I’ve participated! The course offers much variety, challenge, and unparalleled beauty. The trail crosses some rugged and remote terrain making it all the more interesting, sandy washes, beautiful arroyos, and the view to the ocean was spectacular. Despite the remote location, the race is extremely well organized and supported, and had a fun community feel to it. I loved meeting the vaqueros who were working the first aid station at kilometer 10.”

Diana Welch
DD 2018 Winner

 

Here is a video from the previous edition.

ADD MORE EXCITEMENT TO YOUR EXPERIENCE BY STAYING WITH US 

Prepare for the race or wrap up the event with a stay at our Adventure Camp. Rest in our Palapa-Casitas or Ranch Suites surrounded by vegetation and under the stars. During your stay, enjoy the views of the Sierra de las Cacachilas and the Sea of Cortez, and savor dishes prepared with ingredients from our gardens. You can also cool off in the pool, sit around the campfire, and explore the race trails by foot, mule, or mountain bike. 

To learn more about Rancho Cacachilas, click here. 

We will have special rates on reservations to pamper our runners. If you’re interested in staying with us, contact: 

WhatsApp: +52 612 131 0144  
Call to book: 612 114 0472 
contact@ranchocacachilas.com 

The above contact information is for accommodation and activity reservations only. If you have questions or want more information about the race, email info@dondiablotrailrun.com or contact us via Facebook and Instagram