Akumal Race 2026: Huellas que Protegen

Run the place of the turtles this December

On Sunday, December 20, 2026, runners line up at Plaza Ukana for the first ¡Huellas que Protegen! (Tracks That Protect), a 5.5 km race along the Akumal coast organized by Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA). Akumal means "place of the turtles" in Maya, and race proceeds support CEA's sea turtle conservation program.

Make it a race weekend. Book a new stay at one of Akumal Direct's participating Half Moon Bay condos by November 27 that includes the night of December 19, December 20 or both, show us your race registration, and we'll take $50 USD off your reservation. One- or two-night stays are welcome, so you can come just for the race or stay for the holidays.

About the race

¡Huellas que Protegen! is a flat 5.5 km run that starts at 7:30 am, about ten minutes after sunrise, and heads north along the coast road toward Half Moon Bay. Full course details are in Akumal MX's race guide.

The route runs from Plaza Ukana toward the water, past Akumal Dive Shop and La Buena Vida, then loops back at the far end. Hydration stations are marked on CEA's course map. The real challenge is not the distance but the heat and humidity, so start hydrating the day before.

The race is organized by CEA, a nonprofit working in Akumal since 1993, and proceeds support its sea turtle conservation program. CEA also works on coral reef protection and environmental education.

Kit pickup, the registration deadline and age categories had not been announced at the time of writing. Follow CEA on Facebook for updates.

Runners save $50 on race weekend

Registered runners get $50 USD off a new reservation at a participating Akumal Direct condo, booked by November 27, 2026, that includes the night of December 19, December 20 or both. One- or two-night stays are welcome, so you can stay the night before the race, the night after, or both.

How to claim it

1. Register for the race through the official form.
2. Choose one of the five participating condos listed below.
3. When you request your booking, mention the runner offer and send proof of registration, such as a screenshot of your registration confirmation or entry payment, to info@akumaldirect.com.

Offer terms

• Book by November 27, 2026.
• One $50 USD discount per reservation.
• The stay must include the night of December 19, 2026, December 20, 2026, or both.
• Valid only at participating condos: Lol Ka'naab, La Joya, Yool Caanal, Luna Azul and Playa Blanca. One- and two-night stays are welcome.
• Valid proof of race registration is required.
• New reservations only. Existing reservations are excluded.
• Cannot be combined with any other discount, special or promotion.
• Subject to availability. Standard rates and booking policies apply.

Start your holidays with a finish line

Race day falls five days before Christmas, so a December 19 arrival turns a 5.5 km run into the first morning of your holiday in Akumal. Fly into Cancún International Airport, drive south on Highway 307, and settle in the night before the start.

After you cross the finish line:

• Snorkel Akumal Bay. It is a protected refuge, so book a certified guide to swim with the turtles.
• Float through Yal-Ku Lagoon at the north end of Half Moon Bay.
• Join posada season, nine nights of celebrations that run from December 16 to 24.
• Stay on through Christmas and New Year's, steps from the sand on Half Moon Bay.

Race-week tips for visiting runners

• December can bring nortes, cool northern fronts, so pack a light layer for the start.
• Arrive early, wear a hat or visor, and hydrate well before the start.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen if you head into the water afterward.

Where to stay for race weekend

For the shortest trip to the start, stay on Half Moon Bay, where the course heads after it leaves Plaza Ukana. The runner offer is valid only at these five participating condos, and all of them welcome one- or two-night stays for race weekend.

Ready to book? Pick a participating condo above, then email info@akumaldirect.com or use our contact form. Book by November 27, mention the runner offer and attach your race registration.