Xodhé Challenge – Aguas Abiertas

Long before the modern starting buoys were deployed in the Zimapán Dam, the rugged terrain of the Sierra Gorda was a theater of persistence. Indigenous groups like the Chichimecas and Jonace historically utilized this landscape as a defensive bastion against colonial expansion, turning the mountainous corridors into a strategic barrier. Today, as you glide through the water, you are tracing a path through a territory where human history is etched into the very soil beneath the surface. Archaeological investigations at the Cueva del Tesoro, just a short distance from these banks, unearthed wooden artifacts including the 'Atlatl Violeta', a hunting tool dating back to the first century CE. These findings confirm that human presence in this basin spans nearly two millennia, long before the 1640 establishment of Cadereyta as a military outpost.

The water and the challenge

The Xodhé Challenge, organized by Spinser, brings swimmers into this ancient reservoir for distances of 1km, 3km, and 6km. The event requires the use of a mandatory safety buoy, a practical necessity to ensure visibility across the expansive lake surface. Participants must pass through designated timing mats to validate their performance, with the chip worn strictly on the right wrist to ensure accurate registration. The logistical complexity of the site, characterized by narrow access roads and limited parking, dictates a precise schedule, with check-in operations finalized early on race morning. This event provides a distinct contrast to the atmosphere found at the Cruce Isla Tzibanzá, which takes place in September; here, the focus remains on navigating the dam’s specific currents and the vast, open water.

Nature on the shores

While you prepare for your start, the local environment offers a glimpse into a unique botanical legacy at the nearby Finca Schmoll. This site houses a collection of desert flora that mirrors the extreme ecological shifts of the Querétaro region, ranging from arid scrublands to lush pockets of vegetation. The town itself, designated as a 'Pueblo Mágico' since 2011, centers around the historic temple of San Pedro and San Pablo, which stands as a silent observer to the weekend's activity. Whether you are aiming for the 6km absolute podium or testing your pace in the shorter distances, the experience is defined by the intersection of this arid, mountainous environment and the deep-seated history of the Zimapán basin.