Updated: May 21, 2025
Oax Sport Post-Event Report: Xalapa 2025
In May 2025, Oax Sport proudly supported two dedicated athletes, Juan Victoria and Mane Peña, at the 7º Festival Nacional Infantil, Juvenil y Libre Xalapa. This prestigious event brought together hundreds of runners from across Mexico and was held at the Estadio Xalapeño “Heriberto Jara Corona” in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. From May 9 to 11, the stadium hosted athletes ranging from the Under-8 to Senior levels. The festival was officially recognized by World Athletics and supported by international sponsors, adding to its significance on the national calendar.
The competition featured a fully certified track, electronic timing systems, and professional organization that ensured high-quality conditions for all participants. Events were held across multiple age categories, and the competition served as both a showcase of national talent and a training ground for future elite performances.
See Official Results: World Athletics – Xalapa 2025
Juan’s Experience
Juan Victoria competed in the 800m and 1500m events. Prior to the competition, he expressed his gratitude and excitement in a personal message:
“Este evento me permite tener un panorama real de mi preparación. Ya no tengo muchas oportunidades de salir del estado, así que agradezco profundamente esta chance de competir en una pista certificada con buen nivel de rivales.”
Leading up to the event, Juan trained intensively but acknowledged the challenges of maintaining form without institutional support. On the morning of May 9, the team departed from Oaxaca early and arrived in Xalapa around 1:00 p.m. Unfortunately, the long travel left him dizzy and nauseated. Later that day, weather conditions worsened with lightning and heavy rain. Races were postponed, and the athletes returned to their hotel soaked and exhausted.
The rescheduled races took place the following morning. Although Juan was ready physically, the delay disrupted his mental preparation. He struggled to regain momentum and focus. Nevertheless, the experience helped him identify key areas for improvement—namely race tactics, mental resilience under pressure, and adapting to challenging weather.
“Agradezco a todos los que creyeron en mí. Sus donaciones me permitieron cubrir cada gasto de esta competencia. Volví a sentir lo que es estar en la línea de salida, con nervios, con emoción. Gracias a ustedes, tengo la motivación para seguir adelante.”
Juan also emphasized the difference in training and racing environments:
“Competir fuera del estado es otra cosa. Aquí las carreras son más tranquilas. En Xalapa, el nivel era altísimo, con grandes grupos. Me recordó lo mucho que tengo que mejorar.”
Mane’s Experience
Mane Peña participated in the 1500m and 5000m events. She reported that both races represented her season-best times, though she believes there is still progress to be made. Mane had never competed at an event of this scale and was impressed by the number of participants and the high level of organization.
“Fue una experiencia increíble. Nunca había estado en un evento tan grande. Me motivó mucho ver el esfuerzo de tantos atletas. Me recordó por qué me gusta competir.”
Navigating crowded race starts was new for her, and it revealed tactical elements she wants to improve. Despite the rain, she described her races as memorable and fulfilling. Her favorite part of the event was running under the rain—something that added a layer of difficulty but also made the accomplishment feel more rewarding.
“Estoy muy agradecida con cada persona que donó. Su apoyo fue fundamental para que yo pudiera asistir a esta competencia. Regresé a casa con mucha motivación para seguir entrenando y superarme.”
Mane traveled with athletes from Club Titanes and Club Búhos de Zaachila. Although their regular coach could not attend, they received warm support from the Búhos coach, who monitored races and offered direct feedback.
She highlighted the emotional and practical impact of the experience:
“Competir como equipo, compartir el hospedaje, reírnos bajo la lluvia… todo eso suma. No es solo correr, es sentirte parte de algo más grande.”
Collective Impact
Both athletes emphasized the importance of traveling with teammates and feeling part of a larger athletic community. Shared experiences—long bus rides, rainy warmups, group meals—created bonds that supported their performance. These are the intangibles that make sports more meaningful.
The trip was fully funded through private donations to Oax Sport. Each peso covered specific needs: lodging, food, registration, affiliation, race gear, and transport. For Juan and Mane, who do not benefit from public scholarships or government stipends, this support was vital.
“Gracias al apoyo de ustedes pude asistir sin preocuparme por el dinero. No habría sido posible de otra manera.”
– Juan
“Ver que hay personas que creen en nosotros, en atletas oaxaqueños, es un regalo. Gracias por confiar.”
– Mane
Event Overview
- Event: 7º Festival Nacional Infantil, Juvenil y Libre Xalapa 2025
- Date: May 9–11, 2025
- Venue: Estadio Xalapeño “Heriberto Jara Corona,” Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
- Certified by: World Athletics
- Participants: Hundreds of athletes across age groups from all over Mexico
- Conditions: Wet weather, rain delays, and highly competitive heats
This festival is one of the most inclusive and professionally organized track events in Mexico. Recognized by World Athletics and supported by sponsors like BannerWorld and Seiko, the festival sets the bar for domestic competition. It is a stepping stone for athletes seeking national qualification or simply looking to test themselves against strong fields.
Financial Overview
Total Contributions: $12,800 MXN
Total Spent: $12,800 MXN
Remaining Balance: $0 MXN
Donations were used for:
- Round-trip transportation
- Lodging (3 nights)
- Meals and hydration
- Registration and affiliation fees
- Equipment (shoes, uniforms, recovery supplies)
Acknowledgments
We extend our deepest thanks to the following donors and supporters:
- Kevin (New Jersey)
- Emma (France)
- Sara (California)
- Ginger (Colorado)
- Sydney (Colorado)
- Areli (Oaxaca)
- Win (Seattle)
And to those who provided equipment and guidance:
- Coach Uber Clain
- Club Titanes Sport Clinic
- Club Búhos de Zaachila
- Felinus Oaxaca
- Daniel Legaria (physical therapy)
Your generosity allowed two athletes to compete with dignity and determination, proudly representing Oaxaca, Mexico.
About Oax Sport
Oax Sport is a nonprofit organization founded in 2020. Based in Oaxaca, Mexico and Austin, Texas, we are a registered 501(c)(3) in the United States. We work to provide talented athletes from underserved backgrounds with the resources they need to compete at higher levels.
Learn more and get involved at:
https://oaxsport.org
What inspires you to support local athletes like Juan and Mane?
