We were lucky to catch up with Valeria Rivera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Valeria , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The Binational Race was born from a deep desire to create something that went beyond running , something that could quite literally cross boundaries and build bridges. As co-founder, we launched the race with the mission of uniting two vibrant communities, San Diego and Tijuana, through a shared experience that celebrates culture, endurance, and connection.

Growing up and living along the U.S.-Mexico border, I’ve always been shaped by both sides. This race is deeply personal — it represents the blending of identities, languages, and stories that define our region. The Binational Race is the first event of its kind, allowing participants to run from the U.S. into Mexico, legally crossing the border mid-race. But the real magic lies in what it symbolizes: unity, resilience, and a breaking down of both physical and perceived barriers.

Our mission is to foster cross-border collaboration, promote health and wellness, and amplify the shared spirit of our binational community. For many runners, this is more than a finish line — it’s a statement that we’re stronger when we come together. The Binational Race is not just an event; it’s a movement that reflects who we are and what we can build when we run forward, together.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Valeria Rivera, and I’m a long-time endurance athlete, community builder, and the co-founder of the Binational Race, the first half marathon and 10K where participants cross an international border mid-race, running from San Diego, California into Tijuana, Baja California.

My journey into this space began with my love for running. Over the past 13 years, I’ve completed multiple marathons, two Ironman 70.3 races, and over 30 half marathons. Running has always been a way for me to connect with myself, with others, and with the places I call home. That passion, combined with my deep connection to the U.S.-Mexico border region, is what sparked the vision for the Binational Race.

We launched the event to offer something bold and meaningful: a race that isn’t just about the miles, but about the message. The Binational Race breaks barriers, both literal and symbolic, and offers a space for athletes and everyday runners to experience what unity across cultures truly looks like. Our mission is to promote cross-border collaboration, celebrate cultural diversity, and create a platform for stories of endurance and connection.

We provide a one-of-a-kind race experience that includes seamless binational logistics, community activations, a cross-border expo, and opportunities for brands and organizations to engage in a meaningful cultural moment. What sets us apart is not just the route, but the heart behind it — this is a race built on purpose, rooted in community, and powered by a vision of togetherness.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve made in just our first year, seeing thousands of runners from both sides of the border come together, crossing that finish line not only with pride, but with a deeper sense of what’s possible when we unite. We’re not just building a race; we’re building a movement.

Whether you’re a runner, a sponsor, a supporter, or simply someone who believes in the power of connection, the Binational Race is for you. And we’re just getting started.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the biggest tests of resilience came in the months leading up to the first edition of the Binational Race. We were building something that had never been done before — a race that crosses an international border — and while the idea was exciting, the logistics were daunting. Coordinating with government agencies in two countries, aligning permits, creating a safe and legal route through the border, and securing sponsors for an unproven event felt at times nearly impossible.

There were also many people — even runners — who didn’t believe the event would actually happen. Because it had never been done before, and because there was no image or precedent to point to, there was skepticism. Some thought it was too ambitious, too complicated, or simply not feasible. That doubt was hard to hear, especially as we poured our hearts and countless hours into making it real.

What kept us going was our mission: to create a symbol of unity and resilience for our binational community. That purpose gave me fuel when resources were low and motivation when challenges stacked up.

Crucially, we had incredible support from both U.S. and Mexican government agencies. Without their trust and collaboration, the event would not have been possible. Their belief in the vision and their commitment to making the cross-border logistics work gave us the foundation we needed to succeed.

Seeing thousands of runners cross the finish line on race day — many with tears, flags, and stories of their own — reminded me why we started. Resilience isn’t just about overcoming roadblocks; it’s about holding onto your purpose, even when others can’t yet see the full picture. And now, that picture is real — and it’s just the beginning.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met my co-founder, Benjamin Castillo, on a treadmill — literally. We both went to the same gym, and at the time, I had just started running. I didn’t know much about the sport; I had simply read that running was one of the best ways to lose weight, so I gave it a try. What began as casual treadmill runs quickly turned into daily chats, and over time, Benjamin became not only a gym buddy, but a great friend.

Benjamin was the first person who truly believed in me as a runner. I remember one day he mentioned he couldn’t attend an upcoming half marathon and asked if I wanted his race ticket. I immediately said, “No way, I’ve never run more than 8 kilometers—I don’t think I can do that.” But he just looked at me and said, “Of course you can. Think about it and let me know.”

That simple encouragement planted a seed in my mind. A few minutes later, I called him and said, “Yes, I want the ticket.” That became my first half marathon — and it went surprisingly well. Since that day, I haven’t stopped running.

Over the years, Benjamin and I always talked about organizing a race that could represent who we are and where we come from. The Binational Race started as one of those big, maybe-one-day dreams — and today, it’s our shared reality. What makes our partnership special is that it was built on shared values, mutual belief, and a genuine friendship that started with something as simple as showing up to the gym.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.binationalrace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/binationalrace/
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/binationalrace/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/binational-race?trk=public_post-text
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PErrXzyuAw
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@binationalrace