How to enjoy the 2023 AsTri Triathlon in La Paz
On the heels of the 4th annual L’Etape La Paz bike race by Tour de France, comes the biggest and most important of the La Paz triathlons - the AsTri La Paz 2023!
Internationally recognized and endorsed by the Mexican Triathlon Federation (FMTRI), the event being held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 will host nearly 1,000 competitors of all ages.
The AsTri La Paz Triathlon is one of the most anticipated by both racers and onlookers alike because it’s the only of its kind set to the backdrop of our famous Sea of Cortez sunset. The final event is timed so that the competitors swim in the daylight, bike as the sky flushes red, pink and purple, and then will cross the finish line running under the moonlight. How motivating!
Here’s a list of the race categories and their respective start times (the first event of a triathlon is always swimming, so the start locations listed below are on the beach in front of these streets):
6 to 13 years - 9:00 am from staggered locations just to the right of the Kiosco
14 to 15 years - 10:45 am from 400m to the right of the Kiosco (awards at 1:00 pm)
Elite Division - 2:30 pm from calle Heroes de Colegio Militar (awards at 7:30 pm)
Olympic Division - 2:40 pm from calle Heroes de Colegio Militar (awards at 7:30 pm)
Sprint Division - 5:00 pm from calle Guadalupe Victoria (awards at 8:00 pm)
For those of you who plan on being in La Paz for or during this triathlon, here are 3 things you should know:
1. There are lots of ways to feel part of the race, even if you’re not in it!
The centre of the fun will surely be the Kiosco on the Malecon. Located where calle 16 de Septiembre meets the Malecon, this is the Transition and Recuperation Zone, so station yourself nearby here to catch all the race action, the emotional highs and lows of competition, and the entertainment around the awards ceremonies.
If you prefer to “ooh and aah” at the pure athleticism of each passing competitor, or keep an eye out for someone you’re cheering on, you could station yourself anywhere along the Malecon route. To cross from the city side of the Malecon street over to the beach side, please wait for the go-ahead from AsTri Triathlon staff and volunteers who will guide you to pass when it is safe to do so and when you won’t interfere with the racers.
Know somebody racing and want to follow their progress after they zoom past? Live tracking is available via the Asdeporte app - simply download it and click on “live tracking”, then without needing to be an Asdeporte user you can enter a runner’s number or name and follow them throughout the competition.
2. Road closures will occur on race day, for the protection and safety of the athletes.
We know road closures can be modestly inconvenient for those not directly involved with the triathlon, but here’s all the info you need to be aware and plan accordingly. The day can be a success for all - racers and non!
The cycling route for the Olympic category is 49 kilometres long, departing from the Kiosko to u-turn at Balandra Beach, before returning to the Kiosko finish line. Since the road between La Paz and Balandra is only one lane in each direction (and yes, there’s just one route), it must be completely shut down for the athletes to do their thing. This means that any destinations from Balandra on, such as Tecolote Beach or the incredible desert oasis of Rancho San Lorenzo, will be unreachable for a few hours by car or bus.
If you need to travel this road on March 4th and your schedule cannot be adjusted, then plan to leave before 1:00 pm and know you will not be able to return until at least 5:30 pm. Also, note that the only access to this road will be from El Molinito (the small windmill pavilion on the Malecon) because the whole of the Malecon south of that will be shut to traffic from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm. Municipal Police will be in charge of closing and reopening the roads, so please follow their directions no matter what, if you run into them!
3. Accommodations and tourist experiences will sell out quickly!
Along with the almost 1,000 competitors come their family and friends to cheer them on towards the finish line! Do they come to breathtaking La Paz for only one or two days, race and go?! No way!
Most of the sport-tourists in town for the weekend of March 4th will choose to extend their stay by at least a couple of days. This means you should reach out as soon as you read this to Tripandhomes.com in order to select and secure that perfect respite for your La Paz stay, as well as reserve your date for one of their iconic experiences!
Sip and savour your way through a mezcal tasting with certified specialists in this artisanal product. Glide over clear waters on your private yacht into the most beautiful beach in all of Mexico - Balandra Bay. Or, live the ranchero lifestyle while riding on horseback through cacti and across deserted beaches.
We hope this post has given you more information on what La Paz will be like during the 2023 AsTri Triathlon. Good luck to all the competitors!
The Trip&homes Team