Governor Salomón Jara Cruz marked the opening of the sports games in San Melchor Betaza as part of the Guelaguetza Serrana 2026 festivities. This indigenous celebration emphasizes pride and tradition in the region, located in the Sierra de Juárez. Jara's attendance underscores the importance of sports as a means to foster community engagement and honor local heritage.

The event featured an 8K Trail Race, which was open to the public, reflecting inclusivity and encouraging participation from the local community. More than 40 participants took part in the race, receiving commemorative shirts and medals, thereby enhancing the sense of community and collective achievement among participants. The incorporation of traditional elements into modern sports events highlights a blending of culture and contemporary athleticism.

Awards were presented in both the women's and men's categories. Fabiola Ponce emerged as the top female athlete winning five thousand pesos, reinforcing the encouragement of female participation in sports within the region. Meanwhile, Reynaldo Pacheco Rojas claimed the first position in the men's category, illustrating the competitive spirit present in local events and the support for emerging athletic talent.