A 10k race between America and Mexico will shut down parts of two El Paso border crossings this weekend.
The International U.S.-Mexico 10K Race will close several lanes of the Paso Del Norte and Stanton Street border crossings from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. January 17, according to a press release from Customs and Border Protection.
The Stanton Street crossing will close its single easternmost lane for runners, while the Paso Del Norte crossing will close its two easternmost lanes.
International crossings will mostly be open during this time, with limited capacity. But users of SENTRI, CBP’s frequent crossing program, at the Paso Del Norte bridge will have to use the Stanton bridge during this time.
“It is recommended that travelers coming from Mexico, who are not participating in the race, use the Bridge of the Americas and Ysleta ports of entry to avoid traffic and delays due to the race in downtown El Paso and Ciudad Juárez,” the release reads.
“Run Internacional” is planning the U.S.-Mexico 10K, the group’s 7th such event. According to its website, the race will begin at 8 a.m. in El Paso, on Oregon Street next to San Jacinto Plaza.
Runners will pass Southwest University Park, loop around the plaza, then pass iconic local murals. They will then pass the El Paso County Courthouse, near a water station. Runners will head to the Consulate General of Mexico and run through Segundo Barrio – with another water station – before crossing into Mexico on Stanton Street.
In Ciudad Juárez, runners will pass City Hall, the Bullring (Plaza de Toros), and the Old Customs House, where American President William Taft met Mexican President Porfirio Díaz in 1909. They will also pass the Mexican Revolution Museum, which offers a water and first aid station. Runners will then go on to the Mission de Guadalupe, the Juarez Cathedral, and the Kentucky Club bar and grill.
Runners will make their way back to America, with the finish line at the top of the Paso Del Norte bridge, where the U.S. and Mexico meet. Organizers are also planning a first aid station at the bridge.
“Get ready to cross two countries and two cities for an exciting race,” organizers wrote on the race’s website.
To participate, runners will need to bring travel documents such as a passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license, foreign passport with a visa, border crossing card, green card, or SENTRI or Global Entry card.
American citizens or legal permanent residents do not need a Mexican visa to visit Ciudad Juárez – but they will still need a valid American document to return to El Paso.
The State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory – “reconsider travel” – for Chihuahua, the Mexican state containing Ciudad Juárez.
Across the state, officials warn there is a risk of violence from “terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations,” and Americans have been kidnapped. Within Ciudad Juárez, federal employees are subject to travel restrictions in certain areas.
CBP officials pointed to the agency’s website for more information on preparations and precautions for international travel.
