In Oaxaca, economic challenges can limit access to quality sports gear. For Diana Carolina Cinco Pérez, a 21-year-old duathlon athlete and long-distance runner from Oaxaca de Juárez, training shoes are not a luxury. They are an essential tool.
Thanks to a private donation coordinated by Oax Sport and funded by a U.S.-based supporter, Diana received a new pair of ASICS NOVABLAST 5 shoes in size 24.0 cm. This support will help her continue her training with more comfort, safety, and confidence.
Diana is a university student and member of the Squalo Multisport Team. She competes in duathlon, athletics, and cycling, with duathlon as her specialty.
Her training plan regularly exceeds 80 kilometers per week. She recently placed 2nd overall at the 2025 National Duathlon Championship in Villahermosa, Tabasco. That result confirms her competitive level as she prepares for international events.
She is now preparing for the Pan American Championship in Cali, Colombia, and the World Championship in Pontevedra, Spain. She competes in the Under-23 Elite category and currently ranks 34th in the world.
Her coach, Ayax Niño Cruz, guides her with structured, intense training sessions. You can follow Diana at @caroliina_cinco to see her progress.
“I want to sincerely thank Oax Sport and the donor for my shoes. It’s a big help that allows me to keep working toward my goals in sports. I really wear out my shoes, at least one pair every two months, because of all the mileage and intensity. They’re my main tool. I’m truly happy and grateful because this helps me get closer to my objectives.”
Diana’s athletic record includes a 2nd place finish at the 2023 Duathlon World Championship in Ibiza, Spain, and a 4th place finish at the 2024 Pan American Championship in Cali, Colombia. She also won the state athletics title in the 800 m and 1500 m events in 2024.
Her personal bests are 18:10 in the 5 km and 38:35 in the 10 km. She recently won the Ricardo Villalobos Memorial Road Race, a 60 km cycling event followed by a 3 km run. It was a demanding race and showed her endurance and range as an athlete.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is a daily training shoe with cushioning and response. For a high-mileage athlete like Diana, having shoes in good condition can help reduce discomfort, support training volume, and make preparation safer.
In the United States, ASICS lists the NOVABLAST 5 at $150 USD. In Mexico, ASICS Mexico shows NOVABLAST 5 models around $3,199 MXN, with some related versions such as NOVABLAST 5 TR listed around $3,399 MXN. Prices can change by size, color, availability, and store.
This difference matters. For many athletes in Oaxaca, a pair of performance running shoes represents a major expense. When an athlete trains more than 80 km per week, shoe wear also becomes a constant cost.
That is why direct gear donations can have an immediate effect. They are not symbolic. They are practical tools that help athletes train, compete, and protect their bodies during demanding seasons.
Model reference: ASICS NOVABLAST in Mexico
Joanne Phipps, Oax Sport’s Eastern USA Liaison, helps coordinate these donations. She works directly with athletes and donors to make sure resources reach people with clear goals and real needs.
“I’ve been part of Oax Sport for two years, mainly working on bringing donations from the U.S. and helping with grant writing. We aim to build bridges between donors and grassroots athletes, especially young women, so they can train, compete, and grow with the confidence that they’re not alone in this path.”
Athlete’s Dream: Abu Dhabi 2026
Diana has shared a special goal: to represent Mexico at the 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Abu Dhabi. World Triathlon announced Abu Dhabi as host of the event, which will include duathlon, cross duathlon, long-distance triathlon, long-distance aquabike, aquathlon, and cross triathlon.
For Diana, this goal means more than one competition. It is a chance to meet athletes from other countries, experience another culture, and show that an athlete from Oaxaca can compete on an international stage.
We invite donors and sponsors to support Diana’s path. A contribution can help cover expenses such as flights, visa, lodging, food, registration, local transportation, and competition equipment.
All monetary donations designated for Diana are passed through at 100% value for her approved expenses. Oax Sport does not deduct administrative fees from designated funds. Support Diana’s path to Abu Dhabi and help an athlete from Oaxaca continue competing at a high level.
In-kind donations are also welcome, especially equipment suitable for duathlon. Diana has difficulty finding a race-ready bicycle that fits her smaller frame, size 47. Help sourcing, donating, or lending a properly fitted bike can have a direct impact on her preparation.
Diana’s new shoes were delivered as part of Oax Sport’s direct athlete support program. This donation is one of several made this season to help athletes across Oaxaca train and compete in better conditions.
Behind each donated pair of shoes is a clear message: keep going, we see you, and you have support.
Gallery: Training and Donation Moments
Scenes from Diana Cinco’s training week and shoe donation in Oaxaca. These photos show her discipline, joy, and the community support behind her preparation.
Gear Donated
- ASICS NOVABLAST 5, size 24.0 cm
About Oax Sport
Oax Sport Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Texas. We support athletes in Oaxaca, Mexico, through training assistance, competition access, and essential resources such as gear, mentorship, and logistics support.
Our work focuses on transparency, respect for local talent, and direct support for real needs.
To learn more or support athletes like Diana, visit Oax Sport.
Disclaimer: Oax Sport is not affiliated with ASICS, its distributors, or any commercial footwear brand. Product names are included only for transparency in reporting donations.
Did Diana’s story inspire you? Share this post or leave a comment to cheer her on toward Abu Dhabi 2026.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Discover more from Oax Sport
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.