Puerto Vallarta Sets Kids Pata Salada Race at Río Pitillal

The sun is just starting to rise over Zona Romantica, and the smell of fresh bread is still in the air from my bakery on Basilio Badillo. But today, the excitement is about the upcoming Día de Muertos kids race in Puerto Vallarta. Starting at 7:00 a.m. on November 1, 2026, the Carrera Infantil Pata Salada will take off from Parque Lineal Río Pitillal in El Pitillal, just inland from the hotel strip.

Children from 6 to 17 can choose from 600, 1,200, 1,500, or 2,000 meters, with cash prizes for the winners. After the kids’ races, there will be a 4-kilometer family run. And if that isn’t enough, there are raffles with prizes like a bicycle and a Nintendo Switch. Registration costs 350 pesos per person and includes a dry-fit shirt and a medal.

City officials are promoting this event as a way to bring families together, support a local public school, and find new athletic talent. As someone who’s been a resident since 2019, I can see the joy in families gathering for a morning run. The kids will be dressed in their finest, perhaps with papel picado decorations in their hair, ready for a fun day out.

Whether you’re planning a Día de Muertos celebration or not, this is a great early morning activity for the whole family. It’s a perfect way to start the holiday season, with the light filtering through the trees, and the cool morning air. If you’re in town, make sure to sign up early to secure your spot. The race offers a mix of fun and community, just like the spirit of Día de Muertos itself.