Nado en río 3 km Y 5 km

General Emiliano Zapata did not simply choose Tlaltizapán as his tactical base in 1916; he turned its river banks into a sanctuary for his Liberation Army of the South. As you prepare for the 3km or 5km swim, you are effectively entering a landscape defined by that revolutionary era, where the remains of the old mill still loom near the water, serving as a reminder of the strategic importance of these coordinates. The Las Estacas spring, a geological marvel that has pulsed with 6,700 to 7,000 liters per second for approximately 10,000 years, provides the medium for your race. This immense, constant discharge maintains a consistent thermal range of 22°C to 24°C, creating a predictable environment that contrasts with the volatile history of the surrounding Morelos region.

The river's legacy

Navigating this river requires more than just stroke technique; it demands an awareness of the landscape’s layers. Along the banks, you may notice the echoes of the Yautepec River's indigenous healers, whose traditional practices were often forced into the shadows during the colonial era. The name of your venue itself, 'Las Estacas', traces back to the practical necessity of driving wooden stakes into the riverbed to manage irrigation, a method that allowed local agriculture to survive alongside the turbulent shifts of power in the 19th and early 20th centuries. While you swim, you are traversing a corridor that has served as both a lifeline for farmers and a refuge for soldiers.

Race day mechanics

Scheduled for August 8, 2026, the event offers both individual and relay formats. The registration fees, ranging from 47 to 55 EUR, support the intensive logistics required to manage the river's flow and safety, including the coordination of heats starting at 8:00 AM. If you are looking for other challenges in the area, you might consider the Cruce Teques, though the unique spring-fed nature of Las Estacas remains distinct. Wetsuits and fins are permitted, though they will place you in a separate competition category. The 10:30 AM cutoff is strictly enforced by the organizing staff, ensuring that the water remains managed for all participants throughout the morning. The race is a stark contrast to the historical violence the town faced during the 1916 conflicts and the 1918 pandemic, transforming the site into a space focused on physical exertion within the steady, perennial flow of the springs.