Tezcatlipoca is one of the most complex, powerful and enigmatic deities in Aztec culture. His name in Nahuatl, the Mesoamerican indigenous language originally spoken by the Nahua peoples, means “Smoking Mirror.” This mirror, made of obsidian — a volcanic rock abundant in the surroundings of Huasca de Ocampo (Hidalgo State) — was not just a physical object for the indigenous people, but a spiritual and philosophical symbol in which one could glimpse their destiny, essence, or even their darkest side. In this magical region of Mexico, athletes will seek their true selves and their future in the 2025 Golden Trail World Series (GTWS), which next Sunday will reach its sixth race of the season at Tepec Trail with a course of 34 kilometres and 1,850 m+ elevation gain.

Mexico makes its debut on the GTWS calendar. In fact, it’s the first time the competition visits Latin America. Tepec Trail promises a fast course that, over the past few days, has been affected by rain, leaving wet and slippery sections that are even more technical amid varied landscapes ranging from lush pine and oak forests to arid terrain with desert vegetation and obsidian deposits — the same stone that will be used to craft the winners’ trophies. The course, a true reflection of Mexican culture and countryside, ranges between 2,200 and 2,800 metres above sea level.

With one eye on the weather forecast and the other on the course, some athletes were able to scout parts of the route this week. “Running here is different — we’re at altitude, but there’s also a lot of humidity. There are some sloped areas, gentle climbs and descents, and a few technical downhills. I think it has a bit of everything and it’s going to be a fun race,” says Rachel Tomajczyk (USA – Merrell). “The terrain is really muddy and more rain is expected towards the end of the week, so the ground could get even more slippery,” adds Joyce Njeru (Kenya – NNormal). “If it rains, it’s going to be a crazy race,” concludes Nicholas Turco (USA).

MEN’S RACE: ATHLETES TO WATCH

The leader of the 2025 GTWS and reigning 2024 GTWS champion, Elhousine Elazzaoui (Morocco – NNormal), will once again go head-to-head with Patrick Kipngeno and Philemon Kiriago (Kenya – Run2gether On Trail). Everything suggests there will be a rematch of last week’s battle at Broken Arrow Skyrace, featuring the same three frontrunners who have dominated every race this season.

  • Elhousine Elazzaoui (Morocco – NNormal). He arrives in Mexico as the leader of the 2025 GTWS ranking, aiming for his third consecutive win after his victories at Zegama – Aizkorri and Broken Arrow Skyrace — two demanding triumphs in very different races against strong competition, proving his versatility and excellent form. Once again, he will face the team tactics of the Kenyans Kipngeno and Kiriago, with whom he has shared all the season’s wins so far.
  • Philemon Kiriago (Kenya – Run2gether On Trail). His second win of the season narrowly slipped away at Broken Arrow Skyrace. Despite that, Kiriago has shown remarkable consistency since the start of the season, securing one victory (Il Golfo dell’Isola) and three second-place finishes (Kobe Trail, Jinshanling Great Wall Trail Race, and Broken Arrow Skyrace just a week ago), keeping him in second place in the 2025 GTWS ranking.
  • Patrick Kipngeno (Kenya – Run2gether On Trail). After an undisputed start to the season with two victories on the Asian leg (Japan and China) and a break during the European leg (Italy and Spain), Kipngeno returned to competition last week at Broken Arrow Skyrace, where he once again proved his consistency with another podium finish. This time he couldn’t stay as close to Kiriago or Elazzaoui in the final stretch, but at Tepec Trail he’ll have another chance to secure his third win of the season.

There will also be a strong field of local athletes, including Juan Belman, Eder Belmont, Miguel Ángel Pérez, Juan Carlos Carera, Júpiter Carera, and Moisés Martínez.

WOMEN’S RACE: ATHLETES TO WATCH

  • Madalina Florea (Romania – Scott Running). The Romanian’s consistency has been outstanding since the first race. In five appearances she has claimed one win (Il Golfo dell’Isola Trail), two second places (Kobe Trail and Broken Arrow Skyrace), and a third place (Jinshanling Great Wall), making her the current leader of the ranking.
  • Joyce Njeru (Kenya – NNormal). After a start to the season far from her best form, the reigning GTWS champion found her top level again last weekend at Broken Arrow Skyrace, where she took the win and set a new course record. That victory puts her right back in the fight for the top spots in the ranking.
  • Lauren Gregory (USA – Nike). She will line up for her second race of the 2025 GTWS season after showing excellent form in recent weeks, proven by her second place at the US Mountain Running Championships and fourth place at Broken Arrow Skyrace.

As for the local field, standout names include Carmen Ramiro, one of Mexico’s most internationally experienced athletes, Josefina Pérez, a young up-and-coming trail running talent, along with Patricia Olivos and Reyna Rivera.

SCHEDULE AND HOW TO FOLLOW

The race will have real-time updates on the Golden Trail World Series and Tepec Trail social media channels. Additionally, on July 7, an extended highlights show featuring the best moments of the race will air on Eurosport 1 (7:30 PM – UTC+2).

  • Women’s race: Sunday, June 29 – 8:00 AM (UTC-6)
  • Men’s race: Sunday, June 29 – 8:20 AM (UTC-6)

THE MAGIC OF THE SIERRA DE HIDALGO

Located in the heart of the Sierra de Hidalgo, Huasca de Ocampo is one of the most iconic Pueblos Mágicos in central Mexico. Its mining history, linked to the old 18th-century haciendas de beneficio, blends with a stunning natural environment. Just minutes from the town center are the basaltic prisms — unique volcanic formations surrounded by waterfalls and pine and oak forests. The landscape is perfect for nature lovers and ecotourism, offering everything from hiking and mountain biking to boat rides on reservoirs, tours filled with local legends, and starry nights in cozy mountain cabins.