Trail running course near Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, MX
Puerto Vallarta by UTMB

Puerto Vallarta by UTMB 37K

37K·Puerto Vallarta
mountainforesttrailcoastalqualifier

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Distance37K
Date16 Apr 2026
Difficulty4/5

About This Race

The Puerto Vallarta by UTMB 37K runs through the Sierra Madre Occidental, where Pacific coastal humidity meets highland terrain just east of one of Mexico's most established resort destinations. The course delivers a full mountain experience—technical footing, sustained climbs, and tropical conditions—while staying within reach for runners ready to move beyond marathon distance into their first true ultra. This distance sits in the middle of the Puerto Vallarta series, offering more challenge than the shorter options without the multi-hour night sections required by the 80K and 100K. Runners work through varied ecosystems including agave-planted hillsides and dense jungle stretches, encountering the kind of rooted, rocky trail that demands attention throughout. The April timing places the race after the dry season has firmed up trails but before the full heat of late spring settles in. The UTMB World Series qualification points and international field draw runners treating this as both a destination race and a strategic step in their ultra progression. Puerto Vallarta's coastal location means extensive lodging options and straightforward logistics, though the mountains themselves remain genuinely remote once you leave the trailhead.

The route climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Madre, moving through terrain that shifts from exposed agricultural land into shaded jungle sections as elevation increases. Trails include technical singletrack with roots and rocks alongside wider stretches where runners can settle into rhythm. The course requires navigation attention and solid footing skills throughout—this isn't groomed park trail.

Runners encounter the contrast between open sun exposure on ridge sections and humid, enclosed jungle passages. Water and aid station spacing follows UTMB standards, but the combination of heat, humidity, and technical terrain makes pacing discipline essential from the start.

Location

Practical Info

Weather

April conditions typically bring daytime temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit with high humidity. Morning starts can be humid and warm, with afternoon heat building throughout the race.

Nearest Airport

PVR - Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport

Accommodation

Puerto Vallarta offers extensive hotel and vacation rental options across all price ranges, from the Zona Romántica to Marina Vallarta. Race headquarters and shuttle logistics typically center in the hotel zone, with organized transportation to the start line.

Best For

experienced_trail_runnersultra_runnersinternational_travelers

Other Distances at This Event

5K

200m gain

The shortest distance emphasizes the cultural and scenic aspects of Puerto Vallarta, likely featuring the coastal elements and iconic Malecon finish. This distance welcomes runners of all levels to experience the event's unique atmosphere.

20K

The route navigates mixed terrain through the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental above Banderas Bay. Runners encounter technical singletrack sections that demand attention, interspersed with wider trail segments that allow for rhythm. The coastal proximity influences the character of the course, though specific routing details are managed by UTMB and subject to finalization closer to the event date. The mixed terrain classification reflects varied surface conditions including natural trails, some exposed sections, and potentially technical rocky passages typical of this region's geography. Runners should prepare for heat management even on this shorter distance, as humidity remains a factor in coastal Mexico even during the dry season.

53K

The course navigates the western slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental, beginning near sea level in Puerto Vallarta before climbing into the mountains. Runners encounter true jungle singletrack in the lower elevations—technical, root-laden trails where humidity sits heavy—before transitioning to more open terrain as elevation increases. The middle sections pass through working agave plantations, where the trail opens up and sun exposure becomes a significant factor. Terrain varies throughout, mixing technical singletrack with wider trail sections and brief stretches of dirt road that connect trail segments. Footing ranges from smooth packed dirt to rocky, root-crossed jungle trail. The mixed terrain designation is accurate—this isn't a pure singletrack experience, but rather a course that uses whatever trails and paths are available to create the route through this landscape.

81K

The course begins in the upper elevations of the Sierra Madre Occidental before making its way toward the coast through varied terrain that includes forest trails, exposed mountain passages, and the agricultural landscapes of Jalisco's backcountry. Runners should expect technical sections that require solid footing skills, though the terrain varies throughout. The descent toward Puerto Vallarta brings warmer temperatures and changing vegetation as altitude decreases. The beachfront finish provides a memorable conclusion, though runners should prepare for the full spectrum of conditions the route presents. Those familiar with other UTMB World Series events will find comparable technical demands, though the tropical setting and elevation profile create a distinctly different experience than alpine races in the series.