6th Annual Don Diablo Trail Run
15K | 37K
COMING SOON
Congratulations to all the runners who participated in our 5th edition!
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 four successful events, our 5th edition offers exciting new changes, including a new 15K race, while still offering the more strenuous 37K. We aim to attract more people to trail running and to continue promoting this noble sport. In addition, we will open the doors of Rancho Cacachilas so that the community can learn about our regenerative projects and facilities. We have also adapted the routes to honor the trails traversed by Don Diablo, the cowboy who inspired the creation of this race.
The Don Diablo race highlights the values of Rancho Cacachilas, inviting runners to intimately experience La Sierra de las Cacachilas, connecting with nature and the community through one of the most environmentally friendly sports. At each checkpoint during the race, our ranch team willl cheer on the runners and ensure that their experiencs are safe, fun and memorable.
Our race is a symbol of tradition and community that allows runners and their companions to appreciate and enjoy nature through invigorating physical activity.
More than a competition, The Don Diablo is a celebration of camaraderie and history, amidst the rustic charm of Rancho Cacachilas.
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
For the first time, the Don Diablo race will take place entirely on Rancho Cacachilas trails, the very same trails that Don Victor Navarro, the famous Don Diablo, used when looking for hiding places or when herding cattle.
The start and finish lines of the race will be located at Gaspareño, the first ranch that one comes to after entering the Rancho Cacachilas property from the La Paz-Los Planes highway. See map. This area includes our gardens, the saddle room, mule facilities, a large palapa, and parking.
Runners will position themselves in the designated starting area, and at the sound of the gunshot, they will run the first meters of their exciting journey on one of our wide trails until they reach the narrow trails that are representative of our race.
15K ROUTE
At the beginning of the route, runners will find a subtle but steady climb that will warm up their engines and gradually increase in intensity. Soon they will reach the first checkpoint in Chivato, where our Ranch Adventure Camp is located. Continuing along an uphill trail, they will reach the second checkpoint, La Trinidad, after which they will descend to the third checkpoint at Dos Hermanos, the historic place where Don Victor Navarro worked part of his life and where we have erected an altar in his honor. This ranch is also where our seed gardens, goat stables, and solar-powered creamery are located. From Dos Hermanos, the trail continues to the fourth and final checkpoints, along a wide road. Upon arrival to the finish line, runners will be greeted by friends and family, and they will be offered a delicious lunch, recovery drinks, and a participation medal honoring their hard-earned efforts.
37K ROUTE
The 37K route shares the same beginning as the 15K, up until the 2nd checkpoint, La Trinidad. From there, the route deviates and continues along narrow and winding trails through the Sierra, crossing oases with streams, palm trees and large granite boulders, and passing through the 3rd and 4th checkpoints.
Following our characteristic trail markings on rocks, palm trees, and stone walls, runners will arrive at the 5th checkpoint, Batequitos, where they will begin the most demanding climb of the route. When reaching the 6th checkpoint, Cerro Alto, runners will be welcomed by our staff and offered hydration and a bracelet to document their arrival to the highest point of the course. Here they will enjoy the most spectacular view of La Sierra de las Cacachilas: the Bahía de la Ventana and Cerralvo Island to the east, the city of La Paz, the Mogote, and Espiritu Santo Island to the west, La Sierra de la Laguna to the south, and the sea beyond Las Cruces to the north. Running along the edge of the mountain, where the vegetation changes, with oaks growing among cacti, breathtaking, panoramic views will provide inspiring encouragement.
Finally, runners begin the long descent, first with beautiful views of El Arroyo de Leon Canyon, glimpsing the finish line in the distance, and then with a steeper section down to El Arroyo de El Jato. During this descent, they will pass through the 7th and 8th checkpoints, and ultimately arrive at the finish line amidst cheers and words of encouragement from all the spectators. Runners will receive a well-deserved massage, a delicious lunch, hydrating drinks, and a commemorative medal for completing this extraordinary feat.
ROUTES MAP
At the checkpoints, runners will be offered our famous, refreshing, lime drink — made on the ranch from natural ingredients including our own honey — as well as fruits and other high energy snacks. At some checkpoints, runners can even taste our artisanal goat cheeses.
IMPORTANT: Please note that the trails of Rancho Cacachilas, where the race will take place, are private and accessible by reservation only. This minimizes environmental impact and ensures the safety of our visitors. The day of the race is exceptional in that we will open our doors for that one day to all registered runners and their companions.
PRIZES
The top three male and female finishers of the 37K race will be honored for their endurance, speed, and skill. In recognition of their success, they will also receive cash prizes.
37K FEMALE WINNERS
1st — 3,000 MXN
2nd — 2,000 MXN
3rd — 1,500 MXN
37K MALE WINNERS
1st — 3,000 MXN
2nd — 2,000 MXN
3rd — 1,500 MXN
Get ready, trail runners! The first man and woman to conquer the peak of Cerro Alto in the thrilling 37K race will receie an additional Mountain Award! Who will claim this glory?
JOIN THE RACE!
Get ready to put on your trail running shoes!
Select your preferred distance:
Route 15K: $850 MXN *
Route 37K: $1,800 MXN *
*If you are a resident of Baja California Sur, and you register before August 30, 2023, you will receive a special discount.
2023 Race Registration Is Closed
Roundtrip and one-way transportation will be available from and to La Paz or El Sargento and can be purchased through this link until September 30. 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 number with chip for electronic timing
- Commemorative race medal
- Water, energy drink, and healthy snacks at the checkpoints along the route
- Lunch and soft drinks at the finish line area
- Medical insurance
- Special prices on accomodation at Rancho Cacachilas (to be announced).
- For 37K runners: a quick, relaxing massage at the end of the race.
RUNNER REVIEWS
Here is a video from the previous edition.
ADD MORE EXCITEMENT TO YOUR EXPERIENCE BY STAYING WITH US
Get ready for the race with a good rest, or close the event with a flourish, by staying with us at our Ranch Adventure Camp. Enjoy one of our Palapa-Casitas or one of our cozy Ranch Suites surrounded by vegetation under the light of the stars.
During your stay, you can focus on the adventure you are about to live, or remember all the moments you just experienced, while taking in the spectacular views of the Sierra de las Cacachilas and the Gulf of California. Fortify yourself with delicious ranch to table meals that we will prepare for you, with fresh ingredients from our gardens.
If you wish, refresh yourself in our pool or sit around the campfire while gazing at the starry sky. When you stay with us, you can also enjoy one of our adventure experiences, hiking, mule riding, or mountain biking on the same trails that are part of the Don Diablo race.
Live the full experience by staying with us!
Book one of our special packages that include lodging, food, and activities at a special price for Don Diablo runners.
SPECIAL LODGING PACKAGES FOR RUNNERS