Canadian Trail Runner Venky Explores Oaxaca’s Camino de Juarez

The early morning of November 23rd marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Venky, a trail running enthusiast from Canada with Indian roots. His adventure on the Camino de Juarez, an experience he booked through Airbnb, was guided by our very own athlete, Juan Victoria.

Our day started with picking up Venky from his accommodation in La Noria, a serene neighborhood in Oaxaca. The excitement was palpable as we drove to the trail’s endpoint near the imposing Monumento Benito Juarez. Parking our car, we continued in a shared taxi to El Punto town, our chosen starting point for the 26 km run back into the city.

The ascent from El Punto presented us with a steep uphill challenge, made easier by the recently constructed stairs integrated into the trail. Venky, embracing the ruggedness of the mountains, shared, “The trail’s design respects the natural terrain, making the climb both challenging and enjoyable.”

As we traversed, we encountered the friendly faces of rural life – cows, donkeys, cats, and especially the welcoming dogs who are a staple presence on the trail. Venky, delighted by these encounters, remarked, “It’s these small interactions that add a unique charm to trail running.”

Reaching the peak of our route, around 2,800 meters at La Cumbre Ixtepeji Indigenous Park, we were greeted by a kaleidoscope of autumn colors. The trees around us transformed from lush green to vibrant yellow. “The beauty of fall here is just mesmerizing,” Venky observed, captivated by the scenery.

Our descent to the city was filled with engaging conversations about Venky’s life and career. An accomplished electrical engineer, he shared insights from his time at Apple and his current role at a leading tech company. “Technology and nature both inspire me in different ways,” Venky explained.

Juan Victoria, our expert guide, ensured a steady pace and engaging dialogue throughout the run. “Guiding Venky was an enriching experience. It’s always a pleasure to share the trails with someone who appreciates both the challenge and the beauty,” Juan said.

The diversity of cactus trees along the route fascinated Venky, who had never seen such a variety before. “Each cactus here tells a different story of survival and adaptation,” he commented, intrigued by their resilience.

Completing our journey in 3 hours and 45 minutes, we reached the trail’s official endpoint at the Monumento Benito Juarez in the city. In appreciation of the adventure, Venky invited us to breakfast at Oscuro Brebaje, a favorite local haunt in La Noria. There, over artisan burgers, chilaquiles, and locally made coffee and cola, we shared stories, laughter, and plans for future runs.

Venky’s experience on the Camino de Juarez was not just about the physical challenge; it was a celebration of cultural exchange, the beauty of Oaxaca, and the connections forged on the trail. As we parted ways, Venky expressed, “This run has been an unforgettable journey, both in distance and in the memories created.”