Ensenada doesn’t just make wine and fish tacos. We also know how to host a serious race with a not-so-serious vibe. On Sunday, August 17, the city’s waterfront turned into a giant track for the 22nd Powerade Ensenada International Half Marathon, drawing thousands of runners, cheerleaders, and more than a few tired legs.
Over 2,500 athletes took on the 21k challenge, while another 2,300 participants joined the 2k fun run. The combination made the boulevard feel less like a street and more like a moving, sweaty parade.
Starting with honor
The event began on a note of respect and tradition. A civic ceremony opened the day, featuring the Banda de Guerra and Escolta from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Campus Ensenada, under the leadership of psychologist Carlos Cortés. The beat of the drums and the sharp presence of the escolta gave the runners a sendoff that was as solemn as it was motivating. It’s not every day you lace up your sneakers to the rhythm of a UABC marching band.
The men’s showdown
The men’s race quickly turned into a battle of pace and grit. Daniel “Pollito” Valdez López of Mexicali stole the show with a winning time of 1:09:22.0. His performance had fans cheering and earned him bragging rights as the fastest bird on the boulevard.
Second place went to César Mireles Barrios, also of Mexicali, who crossed the line in 1:09:46.6. Hot on their heels was Bernard Kibet Too from Zacatecas, finishing third with 1:10:09.4. With less than a minute separating the top three, the finish line tension could have been cut with a butter knife.
The women’s drama
On the women’s side, Natali Naomi Mendoza of Uruapan, Michoacán, claimed victory in 1:16:47. Close behind was Argentina Valdepeñas at 1:17:47, with Mary Akor taking third in 1:21:19.
Now here’s where the race gets more than just athletic. Word around the finish line is that Mendoza might be the girlfriend of Pollito himself. We can’t confirm it, but if true, Ensenada may have just crowned running’s new power couple—literally crossing the line as champions together. Move over Kardashians, the running world has its own golden duo now.
Local pride on the course
Not every hero wears a bib number in the single digits. Some wear a newspaper bag. Our very own Alberto Rosas Hernández, who delivers the Gringo Gazette in southern Ensenada, finished the 21k with an official time of 1:44:41. When he’s not dropping the Gazette on doorsteps, he’s clearly putting in the miles. Alberto is living proof that community heroes aren’t just behind steering wheels or desks—they’re on the course, racing with heart.
Scenes from the finish line
If you camped out at the finish line like we did, you got more than just split times. Some runners gave every last ounce of energy and collapsed dramatically as they crossed. Volunteers rushed to help, and thankfully, everyone was okay. Others, fueled by who-knows-what, celebrated with push-ups—because apparently 21 kilometers just isn’t enough.
The most emotional scenes, though, came from families. Kids sprinted across the last meters to grab the hands of their parents or siblings. Hugs, tears, and cheers filled the finish line, reminding everyone that running is just as much about love as it is about endurance.
Big rewards and bigger smiles
The event wasn’t only about medals. With a record 274,500 pesos in prize money and more than 100 raffles from generous sponsors, the marathon felt like a blend of competition and raffle night. Even those who didn’t crack the top spots had a shot at walking away with something—besides sore calves.
Why Ensenada wins again
What sets Ensenada apart isn’t just the fast times or the scenic coastal course. It’s the atmosphere. From the UABC band giving the sendoff, to rumors of a running love story, to Alberto’s community-powered finish, this was more than a race. It was a reminder that the city doesn’t need much of an excuse to come together and celebrate.
The 2025 Ensenada Half Marathon was everything at once: athletic, emotional, hilarious, and unforgettable. Runners collapsed, others did lagartijas, kids stole hearts, and yes, Pollito and Natali might have stolen the show—and maybe each other’s hearts.
