General information, distances, regulations and code of conduct.
The GRAVEL MÉXICO 2026 race will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the Day of Our Lady of Refuge of Sinners.
The event features two official distances:
The distances will be officially identified as:
Each distance will have a different host location and start point. Both distances will finish at the same finish line.
Estación Catorce, Municipality of Catorce, San Luis Potosí.
The official time limit to complete either distance is 13 hours, counted from the official start time of each distance.
For safety, terrain and logistical reasons, no competitor will be allowed to remain on course beyond the official cut-off. Any participant who has not completed the distance within the time limit must abandon the race, follow the instructions of the Organizing Committee and/or event staff, and will be considered outside of competition with no right to classification or awards.
Refusal to abandon the course after the cut-off may result in disqualification and releases the Organizing Committee from any further responsibility.
To receive the race number and packet, competitors must present a valid official photo ID and sign for receipt at the time of pick-up. No packets will be delivered without official identification or signature.
If a third party collects a packet, they must present a physical copy of the registered participant’s ID and their own official ID. Photos, screenshots or digital files will not be accepted as substitutes for the physical copy.
Failure to meet these requirements will result in non-delivery of the packet, without exception.
For both distances, only the following overall categories will be established:
Overall classification will be determined by order of finish at the finish line based on official recorded time.
Additionally, in SAN LUIS CAPITAL 240 competitors will be classified into age groups (for symbolic in-kind awards only):
Competitors under 18 will be registered in the 18–29 age group and must submit a liability waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian, explicitly acknowledging that the event is considered a high-risk sporting activity.
Competitors who place 1st, 2nd or 3rd Overall (Women or Men) will not be eligible for age-group awards.
Symbolic in-kind awards will also be presented to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place (Women and Men) in the age groups listed above. Overall podium finishers (Women and Men) will not be eligible for age-group awards.
Symbolic in-kind awards will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd Overall finishers, Women and Men.
Any type of bicycle may be used, except electric bicycles (e-bikes). There will be no categories by bicycle type.
Streets, paved roads, dirt roads, trails and crossings used by the race will remain open to traffic. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will continue normally during the event.
The routes pass through roads used daily by local communities. Even where traffic is light, these roads are essential to residents’ everyday activities.
Competitors must always respect:
Many roads lack formal signage, so common sense and responsible riding are essential: keep to the right and slow down in populated areas.
Total elevation gain:
Climate:
Desert climate; dry, with temperatures between 28–30°C (82–86°F).
Technical recommendations:
The race is held under a self-supported format.
Aid stations are basic and intended only as supplemental support. Each competitor is responsible for carrying and managing their own hydration, food, energy gels and supplements.
Certain local shops along the route may be indicated; competitors are advised to carry cash. Availability of these shops is not guaranteed and does not replace the obligation to be self-sufficient.
In case of abandonment due to mechanical failure, exhaustion or other non-life-threatening causes, sweep vehicles will transport competitors to strategic points for later transfer to the finish area.
There is no guaranteed response time, as some dirt-road sections are slow or difficult to reach. Competitors should recognize excessive fatigue and abandon responsibly if their safety is at risk.
Private vehicles or crew assistance are strictly prohibited outside of official aid stations designated by the Organizing Committee.
Not all aid stations will allow crew access, due to narrow or difficult access roads where traffic could endanger competitors or disrupt the race.
The following is strictly prohibited:
Any violation will result in immediate disqualification.
At the finish line, competitors will have access to food, beer and mezcal. Food and beverages will be available for purchase for spectators.
The awards ceremony will take place at the finish area starting at 3:30 p.m., or once most of the top three finishers per category of SAN LUIS CAPITAL 240 have arrived. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to adjust the schedule as needed.
GRAVEL MÉXICO 2026 is a point-to-point race, so vehicles may not remain parked all day at the start areas.
An optional paid driver service is available to transport vehicles from the start areas to the finish line, so that upon arrival competitors will have their vehicle available.
Vehicles not using this service must be removed from the start areas after the race begins, according to the Organizing Committee and local authorities’ instructions.
Vehicle transfer service cost: $2,400 MXN.
Both distances are considered high-risk sporting events. The Organizing Committee is fully released from responsibility for any injury or damage resulting from the competitor’s physical condition, health, terrain, traffic or route characteristics.
GRAVEL MÉXICO 2026 will not make aggressive interventions in the routes or natural environment.
All services and products will be locally sourced. Waste generated will be transported to the city of San Luis Potosí for proper handling and recycling. Non-recyclable disposable products will not be used.
All competitors must conduct themselves in an ethical, responsible and respectful manner before, during and after the event. Failure to comply may result in penalties, immediate disqualification or exclusion from future editions.
Registration for the event implies full acceptance of these Rules and Regulations and of this Code of Conduct.
