And they won’t stop until they reclaim them all
Protests and demonstrations have made an impact, but much work remains. For years, many hotels and developers have violated public access rights along the coast.
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at around 5:00 a.m., over 100 people, mostly runners, participated in a symbolic race along the coastal road to Cabo del Este. Their goal: to advocate for the preservation of spaces they believe have always belonged to the public.
The route started at Buzzard’s Restaurant in the El Encanto de la Laguna area and ended at Punta Gorda Beach. As participants arrived, they began running, walking, or jogging along the coastline. Some brought pets, while others rode bicycles to make the journey more accessible.
One notable group was “Urban Runners,” made up of more than 30 members who gathered to demand the restoration of the coastal path. Coach Ricardo Brayet explained that they had been unable to exercise in the area for the past four years due to fences blocking access.
“We want to show that this land truly belongs to everyone. The coast is not for sale; it belongs to the people of Mexico. We haven’t been able to enter this area for four years because privatization shut it off,” he said.
Runners noted that it’s becoming harder to find spaces for physical activity, whether in the mountains, on roads, or along the coast, because of development-related obstructions. For example, paths on Cerro de la Chivahave been blocked off. Residents say the route highlights the importance of the coastal path as a vital community space. They hope more community members will join the movement in the coming weekends.