This October, the blazing sun of Sonora will once again set the stage as Mexico’s most imposing desert welcomes hundreds of runners from across the globe to face the Great Desert Race (GCD)—an event that combines endurance, natural beauty, and a deep cultural spirit.
The fourth edition of the GCD will take place on October 18–19, 2025, in Puerto Peñasco, along the majestic Sea of Cortez.
“This is not just a sporting event, it is an international tourism product that showcases the very best of our state,” Roberto Gradillas Pineda, Sonora’s Secretary of Economy and Tourism, said. “We expect an economic impact of at least 5 million pesos ($267,800 USD), but most importantly, we want participants to take with them the culture, cuisine, and ecosystems of Sonora.”
Joining him on the panel were Brenda Córdova Busani, Sonora’s Undersecretary of Tourism; Fernando Del Olmo, Director of Sabino Producciones; and ultramarathoner Pablo Gil, champion of the 2022 edition, who shared the thrill of running 75 kilometers through the desert’s darkness:
“It’s indescribable what it feels like to run in that landscape. You feel small against its immensity, but at the same time, invincible,” he said.
A Challenge Forged in Sand and Silence
Sand dunes that rise like waves, canyons etched into the earth like scars, and breathtaking lunar landscapes will be the battleground for more than 600 national and international athletes, competing in distances of 10, 25, 35, 50, and 75 kilometers.
An accumulated prize pool of 120,000 pesos ($6,427 USD) will be awarded to winners, and starting tomorrow, special registration with discounted rates will be open for those eager to join the adventure.
Ancestral Runners on the Track
One of the race’s most anticipated highlights will be the participation of Rarámuri, Totonaca, and Tohono runners—Indigenous peoples renowned for their superhuman endurance and spiritual connection to the land. For many competitors, sharing the trail with them will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“To visit Sonora is to live it,” said Brenda Córdova Busani. “In October, we will welcome runners from 12 countries, ready to push their own limits and discover the magic of the Altar Desert.”
More Than a Race, a Cultural Celebration
The GCD will not only test the physical and mental strength of the runners: it will also offer parallel activities in tourism, culture, and community, allowing companions and visitors to experience Sonora’s festive and hospitable spirit up close.
The event already boasts a legacy of unforgettable feats: from the victory of Fernando Nazario (Brazil) to that of Chloe Behrman (Canada), athletes who proved that the Sonoran desert can be both a fierce adversary and a glorious stage.
Puerto Peñasco, Ready for the Next Chapter
With registrations open and meticulously designed routes, Puerto Peñasco is preparing to welcome the new heroes of trail running. With every step, across scorching dunes and endless skies, a new story of endurance and greatness will be written.
The Great Desert Race is not merely a competition—it is a journey to the limits of body and soul, an encounter with Mexico’s living culture, and a tribute to the indomitable power of the desert.
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