Puerto Vallarta will mark International Women’s Day with a public 5K called “8M por la Igualdad.” The Municipal Women’s Institute is presenting the run as an entry point for broad participation. It is open to women, men, and families, and it allows walking, jogging, or running. That format matters in a city with many residents who are not regular runners. Officials have linked the event to the local “Año de la Mujer 2026” program. The message is tied to a specific demand: women’s right to live free from violence. In Mexico, March 8 often brings public activity that mixes commemoration and protest. This race sits on the commemoration side, while still naming the core issue. For expats, the race can feel like a practical way to show up without taking the microphone. Participation is not framed as a fundraiser or a competition. It is framed as a visible, shared action in a public space.
What the safety plan says about the morning
The planning for the morning also signals how the city expects the event to function. Municipal Civil Protection and Fire officials say they will run a special operation along the course. They describe the race as “cardioprotected,” meaning medical support is staged for quick response. The deployment includes two ambulances, a quad bike, and two motorcycles. Hydration points are planned, and staff will be positioned on foot along the route. The course is set on Avenida Francisco Medina Ascencio, a major north–south artery. That choice keeps the run visible, but it also raises the need for crowd control. For residents, this is the part that can affect a normal Sunday morning. Expect a busier area around the municipal stadium before and after the start. Drivers may experience slowdowns near the avenue’s access points. The stated goal of the operation is simple: prevent medical emergencies and reduce risks in a mixed crowd of walkers and runners.
How to join without missing the point
Organizers have set the meeting time for 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, with the start area on the stadium esplanade. Registration is free and can be completed by scanning an official QR code. People can also register or ask questions by WhatsApp at 322 294 6806 or by phone at 322 596 1174. The published contact hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you plan to participate, arrive early and expect basic check-in steps. If you are visiting, plan transport with the route in mind, since the avenue is a key corridor. If you prefer not to run, you can still support the event by giving the start area space and respecting staff instructions. The point of the morning is not pace or finishing time. It is a public marker that the date is being observed and that the issue is being named. That framing is part of why the city chose a simple distance and a central location.