Mara Lezama Opens 20th Bacalar Open Water Marathon with Record International Field

Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa officially started the 20th Open Water Marathon in Bacalar, Quintana Roo, highlighting the event’s two‑decade history as a showcase for sport tourism. The 2026 edition attracted 1,595 athletes from five nations—Canada, the United States, Israel, Iran and Mexico—and participants from across Mexican states. Registrations included 905 women, 683 men and seven athletes with disabilities, ranging in age from 11 to over 80.

Competitors contested six distances (250 m, 1.25 km, 2.5 km, 5 km, 7.5 km and 10 km). Local champions such as silver‑medalist Iker Eloan Galindo García, double national aquathlon champion Claudia Torres, multi‑medalist Fernando Betanzos and three‑time Oceanman world champion Jesica Dabdoub were highlighted. Officials emphasized the economic boost for Bacalar, noting increased hotel occupancy and spending in restaurants and shops as athletes, coaches and families arrived for the weekend.

The marathon’s growing international profile reinforces Quintana Roo’s position as a key destination for competitive open‑water swimming and broader sport‑related tourism.