Route: La Bufa (Guanajuato), out-and-back to the summit cross
Date: Dec 5th ‘25
Start time: 12:34
Total time: 52:18
Recording device: COROS Apex Pro
I completed this route solo, unsupported, I carried 200ml of water and a large mazapan, both of which were consumed during the attempt. This was my second FKT of the day and boy did I feel it. I strongly encourage people to go and run here … anyone with a decent set of legs and lungs will snatch this in no time! I’d like to go back trained and fresh to give it a proper go.
Route notes + GPX clarification
The official FKT GPX track seems to stop slightly short of the summit cross, but the written route description clearly states that the turnaround point is the cross itself. I followed the written description and ran all the way to the summit cross before beginning my descent. If needed, I can provide a marked GPX segment showing the exact turnaround point. I spoke to the original FKT holder and we verified that he did indeed go all the way to the cross.
Climb
The stairs leaving Guanajuato immediately reminded me that I had limited energy after the earlier effort. That said, the fatigue pushed me into a steady rhythm I’m not sure I’d have found otherwise. Once I hit the steep trail, things got tougher. On fresher legs this terrain is normally my strength, but on this outing it was a grind from bottom to top.
I reached the summit slightly behind my projected split but still with enough margin to complete the descent safely. I stopped briefly at the cross to confirm the turnaround point and take in the view. Conditions at the summit were patchy cloud, dry, and windy.
Descent
The descent from the summit is exactly the kind of terrain I usually thrive on — steep, fast, technical. Under normal circumstances I believe I could run this significantly faster, but today the earlier effort caught up with me. At roughly one-third of the way down, I felt the first twinges of cramp in both hamstrings. By two-thirds, approaching the town streets, the cramping shifted into my quads.
At that point I backed off my effort slightly to ensure I could finish cleanly and avoid a fall or a complete lock-up. I maintained forward progress without stopping and descended into the city to finish on the steps of the Teatro Juarez.
Crowds were heavy through the historic centre.
Conditions
Weather: patchy cloud, windy at the summit
Surface: Dry. Some parts are looser than others, but for the most part the whole route is solid runnable terrain.
Obstructions: Tourist congestion in final urban segment (normal for this route)
Navigation: No deviations from the intended line
Post-run note
This was my first day running in this region, and even with the fatigue, the route was outstanding. The mountains around Guanajuato are world-class, and I fully intend to return and give this another go with fresh legs.
Happy to provide any additional evidence that I can, time breakdowns, or supporting files as needed.