Regulations



1. Organization:

Mexico Sky Challenge (MSC) is an organization dedicated to Sky Running events in Mexico. Our experience and passion for this sport have led us to join forces by merging two renowned organizers, Xtrail México and Trail Run Hidalgo. Together, we've created a race where Sky enthusiasts can challenge their limits and enjoy unique experiences in the Mexican sky. As MSC, we are committed to delivering thrilling events and promoting the Sky culture in the country. Join us on this exciting adventure!


2. Definitions:

SKYRUNNING: Mountain racing discipline where the slope exceeds 30%, and climbing difficulty does not exceed grade II. Poles and hands can be used to aid progress.


3. Distances:

Mexico Sky Challenge is an event that includes four competitive mountain races. Performance takes place mainly on mountainous terrain, with a designated start and finish line. Your participation in this route contributes to the ranking of the global skyrunning circuit.


4. Rules:

Every participant must be familiar with and accept the conditions of this regulation. By registering, each athlete declares acceptance of the content of this regulation. Any incidents in the race will be resolved by the Mexico Sky Challenge Competition Jury.


5.Participation, Requirements, and General Information:

- Races are open to all interested parties, following the stipulations in this regulation.

- Register correctly by completing the form and making payment within 3 days of registration.

- Submit the liability waiver in the days leading up to the race, on dates and at locations to be announced by the organization (see program). All documents can be downloaded from the official race website.

- Participants must respect the environment in which they participate and keep it clean. Failure to comply results in immediate disqualification. This can be reported by any member of the race organization.

- Participants must adhere to road usage rules and are also obliged to respect cultivated areas and private property in general. Participants will be responsible for any damages caused to third parties and the resulting indemnities.

- Aid stations established by the organization will have organization members present. Medical and/or rescue services will also be available at various checkpoints.

- Self-Sufficiency: Participants must have acquired, before the race, a real capacity for self-sufficiency, allowing them to manage issues induced by this type of race, particularly adverse weather conditions: wind, cold, fog, rain, or snow.

Age Requirements: For athletes participating in SKY 35, they must be at least 18 years old on the day of the race.

For distances of 24, 14, 6, athletes who are 16 years old at the end of 2024 are allowed to participate, provided they meet the requirements below. For the registration of athletes under 18 years old in the races of 24 - 14 and 6 kilometers, it is mandatory to obey the following requirements together: present the respective parental authorization mentioned below. 

Athletes participating in the KIDS race must also present the respective parental authorization.


Physical and Mental Preparedness: Participants must be aware of the distance and peculiarities of the race and be sufficiently trained for it. They must be prepared to face physical and mental issues resulting from extreme fatigue, digestive problems, joint and muscle pains, among others.

Prohibited Actions: It is strictly forbidden to receive assistance or any items outside the race route, except at points defined by the organization (100 meters before and after the checkpoint). Running accompanied by individuals not registered as athletes in the race is also prohibited.

Race Bibs: Bibs will be distributed on the date and at the location announced by the organization. 

Athletes must perform the check-in and pick up the Kit with materials provided by the organization themselves, presenting the properly signed Liability Waiver and identification document.

Bibs must be worn on the abdominal area at the front at all times during the race, in a visible manner, and cannot be cut, folded, or modified. Non-compliance with this rule will result in the immediate disqualification of the athlete.

Race Course Compliance: Throughout the race course, athletes must follow the instructions of organization members. Non-compliance with this rule will result in the immediate disqualification of the athlete.

Abandonment and Material:


6. Registrations 

Registration is personal and implies acceptance of all rules established by the organization, as described in the race regulations and other additional instructions. Registration must be exclusively done through the forms established on our website. Each participant must correctly fill out the registration form and pay the registration fee, with the participant being responsible for the accuracy of their data. The organization is not responsible for any possible liability denials by the insurer(s) resulting from incorrect data entry in the registration form by the participant. To have the registration accepted in the MSC, the participant must present a printed certificate of completion of a mountain half-marathon, the link to the race results, or the sports resume duly verified in the terms described in these regulations. Registrations will only be validated after the payment of the respective registration fee, which must be made within 3 days of registration.

Payment must be made when registering through debit or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express), or Oxxo reference (only for athletes residing in Mexico). After payment confirmation, the name will appear on the list of registered participants within 72 hours. The registration period will extend until the organization decides. The organizing entity reserves the right to exclude any participant from the race, even before its start, who, through their behavior, conditions the management and/or proper functioning of the race. In case this happens, the athlete will not be refunded the registration fee.

According to the VAT Code, the issuance of the receipt with the intended tax identification number must be requested prior to the act of registration/payment, and its issuance is possible.

The registration fee includes:

- Provision of solids and liquids during the competition at designated stations.

- First aid at designated stations.

- Transportation from the nearest accessible point to the vehicle to the finish line in case of abandonment or being prevented by the organization from continuing the race.

- Finisher Medal.

- Event T-shirt.


7. Registered Participants

The organization will limit the total number of participants across all race distances. The registration period is therefore conditioned by the number of athletes registering, up to the limit of available spots for each race. Once the limit is exceeded, a waiting list will be created to fill vacant spots due to withdrawals that may occur until the payment deadline.

The registration fee entitles participants to:

- Event T-shirt

- Bib

- Liquid and solid hydration during the route and upon arrival

- Finisher Medal

- Timing

- Event tracking

- Organization, logistics, and permits

- Marking and route tracing

- Awards


8. Cancellation of Registration

Starting April 1, 2024, no trial alterations are allowed. Registration changes are permitted, subject to availability. The alteration incurs an administrative fee of 100 pesos. In the case of an alteration to a race with a higher registration fee, the participant must pay the difference, with values in effect at the time of the change, plus the administrative fee. If it is for a race with a lower registration fee, there will be no refund of the difference, but the administrative fee must be paid. Registration transfer is allowed. To do so, the currently registered participant must request, via email to the organization, the transfer of their registration to the person to be registered (indicating full name and email). The person receiving the registration will be contacted by the organization to complete their registration according to the provided instructions. The registration transfer does not entitle the person transferring the registration to any refund. The registration transfer incurs an administrative cost of $100 for any race, to be paid by the person transferring the registration. After April 1, 2024, the transfer of registration will not be allowed.

9. Awards:

Podium awards will be for the top 3 finishers in each category and subcategory, except for the absolute category of Mexico Sky Challenge, which will be up to the 10th place (Male and Female). These awards are not cumulative across all categories and subcategories. Trophies and prizes will be awarded only to the winners, who must be present at the podium award ceremonies. Any delegation to another person must be communicated and justified to the organization at least one hour in advance. The trophy presentation will take place in the "Finish Area" at the time established by the organizer in the runner's guide.


Prize Table

10. Disqualifications:

Participants who do not comply with this regulation, do not complete the entire route, cut outside marked trails, damage or litter the environment, do not wear their bib visibly, or disregard the instructions of the Organization/Volunteers/Referees will be disqualified.

11. Route Modifications:

The Organization reserves the right to make modifications to the itinerary/schedules deemed necessary based on various factors, as well as the suspension of the race if weather conditions or other force majeure circumstances advise it. The Organization reserves the right to cancel the race if there are situations of risk, at the discretion of the organization, that could endanger participants, volunteers, and the organization. In no case will the registration fee be refunded.


12. Responsibility:

Participants are obligated to assist the injured and respect traffic rules on road sections. The Organization declines all responsibility in case of accidents, negligence, as well as the deterioration or loss of each runner's belongings. Participants absolve the Organization of any responsibility in case of accidents or injuries. Any matter not covered in this regulation will be subject to the Organization's discretion. However, medical services will be available during the race.


13. Physical Condition:

Participants must have the physical condition and health suitable for the characteristics of this demanding race, which combines high mileage, long duration, mountainous terrain, steep slopes, exposure to sun and night, wind, and rain.


14. Mandatory and Recommended Gear:

Depending on weather conditions, participants may be required to wear a waterproof jacket with a hood, long tights, gloves, hat/bandana, and sunglasses.

Mandatory Gear:

Participants must wear suitable footwear for the race. Gear checks will be conducted at the START, FINISH, and any point along the route, and participants must comply with the gear check, with potential penalties/disqualifications.

15. Tips:

It is advisable to drink at all aid stations and eat appropriately. Participants should consider carrying additional personal liquids and/or solids. The race takes place in a protected area of great natural beauty, and it is the obligation of all to preserve the environment. Littering outside control and/or aid stations results in disqualification.


16. Safety:

The race organization will have the logistical support of Civil Protection, Firefighters, Local Police, as well as competent organizations in ensuring the safety of the event.


17. Protection of the Natural Environment:

This race promotes environmental care, with waste bins at all aid stations and the finish. No cups will be provided at aid stations or the finish; each runner must carry their liquid container. Route marking uses recycled marks and reusable flags. Recycling of all waste generated during the race. The use of fabric bags for kit delivery to each runner. Elimination of plastic bags commonly used to package the giveaway T-shirts. Trail maintenance and cleaning collaboration with the municipality on cleaning days in our mountain range.


18. Data Protection:

We comply with the Personal Data Protection Law in Mexico, which requires entities collecting personal information to inform individuals about how their data will be used. Participants, by providing their data, consent to its inclusion in an automated list owned by the organization. The Organization will have exclusive rights to images, photographs, videos, and information from the race that may include participants. It also has the right to use this material for advertisements, public relations, or other journalistic or promotional purposes for the event. Obtaining consent from the Organization is a prerequisite for any media or advertising project. By registering for the race, participants transfer their data and consent to the organization using it for race management and any promotional purposes related to their participation. This includes activities involving event sponsors or collaborators. Those who request it can exercise their rights of access, rectification, cancellation, and opposition to their data and images by emailing contacto@skychallenge.mx


19. Acceptance of the Regulation:

All participants must be familiar with this regulation. Registering and participating in the race is considered acceptance of it, as well as the final provisions that the Organization may be forced to take. For anything not covered in this regulation, the race will be based on the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) Regulations. The race will be overseen by ISF international referees.