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4 Replies Last post: Feb 10, 2006 8:13 AM by ribblette  
Click to view ribblette's profile Amateur 10 posts since
Jan 16, 2006
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Feb 8, 2006 9:00 AM

running on vacation - Playa Del Carmen

I am headed to Mexico next week and was wondering if anyone had any experience running in this part of the world. Would it be safe to run in rural areas and cities? I would like to go out on the roads, not just beaches.
Click to view RunninRob's profile Expert 51 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
1. Feb 8, 2006 1:45 PM in response to: ribblette
Re: running on vacation - Playa Del Carmen
I would not advise this based on the traffic style - but you could run with the local soccer clubs who run daily on the beach. Check it out when you get there.
Click to view hellnotholy's profile Amateur 19 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
2. Feb 8, 2006 1:55 PM in response to: ribblette
Re: running on vacation - Playa Del Carmen
My daughter and I spent a week in Playa del Carmen last month. We stayed in Playacar and ran on the sidewalk along the main drag, Paseo Xaman Ha, as did others, because there wasn't enough beach to run on where we were. Personally, as a female, when I travel, I always avoid running in remote areas away from other people and tourists. We had a great time, though, but it was definitely a case of more margaritas than miles!
Click to view gbrett001's profile Rookie 4 posts since
Jan 23, 2006
3. Feb 9, 2006 11:20 AM in response to: ribblette
Re: running on vacation - Playa Del Carmen
I ran in Playa the last time down while on vacation. As mentioned, the best place to run is the sidewalks along the hotel row. I'd avoid the actual city part.

The route is pretty civilized, with considerable tourist foot traffic. The one drawback - throughout the morning, all of the local construction workers will be arriving and using these same sidewalks to travel to their worksites. I didn't have any problems with that, but I'm not female either. That may be something to consider.

There is a golf course which appears lovely for a run. I was actually looking for it, but ran past it without noticing. Signs are posted to prevent non-golfers from being on the course, but I'd bet that if anyone said anything, they'd only ask you to leave. That might be a good option for you too, especially if you run early.

Good luck.