Background and Relevance of the Event
In Cancún, Quintana Roo’s Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa initiated the 20th edition of “El Cruce,” a renowned open-water swimming event. The competition features 1,502 participants, including 779 women and 723 men from 28 countries and 32 Mexican states. Among the competitors is Sharon Van Rouwendaal, the Olympic champion from Paris 2024.
Event Details and Impact
“El Cruce” is part of Quintana Roo’s 50th-anniversary celebration and Cancún’s 55th anniversary, taking place on November 17-18. The event offers three categories: Half Iron Swim (1.9 km), Iron Swim (3.8 km), and the Full Crossing (10 km). This year, it is estimated that 10,200 hotel rooms will be occupied, with over 5,000 attendees for approximately four days and three nights. The economic impact is projected to be around 51 million pesos.
Governor’s Support and Encouragement
Accompanied by Benito Juárez municipal president Ana Paty Peralta de la Peña, Governor Lezama encouraged and wished success to 107 Quintana Roo competitors. In her humanist, feminist-hearted administration, sports are a priority and a means to build peace.
Participant Demographics
Competitors range from 11 to 70 years old, with 80% being Mexican and 20% foreign. The event’s categories include:
- Half Iron Swim: 1.9 km
- Iron Swim: 3.8 km (on Saturday)
- Full Crossing: 10 km (on Sunday)
Event Organizers and Collaborators
The event was attended by Rafael Hernández Benet, General Director of Starc Producciones and organizer of “El Cruce”; Jacobo Arzate Hop, President of CODEQ; and Alejandro Luna López, Director of the Municipal Sports Institute.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is “El Cruce”? It’s an annual open-water swimming event in Cancún, Quintana Roo, featuring three categories: Half Iron Swim, Iron Swim, and Full Crossing.
- Who are the notable participants this year? Among them is Sharon Van Rouwendaal, the Olympic champion from Paris 2024.
- What is the significance of this event for Quintana Roo? “El Cruce” reinforces Quintana Roo’s status as an ideal host for world-class sporting events and promotes Cancún through competitors’ social media sharing.
- What are the event’s categories and distances?
- Half Iron Swim: 1.9 km
- Iron Swim: 3.8 km (on Saturday)
- Full Crossing: 10 km (on Sunday)
