42K: Alejandro’s Race for a Cause
Alejandro Carranza Guzmán is 28 years old and has a goal: to run not just for passion, but with purpose. Three years ago, his life took a turn that led him to become an international marathon runner. And in 2025, his story becomes intertwined with a cause that has been part of his life for as long as he can remember: Fundación Dibujando un Mañana.
Alejandro works in finance. But his true passion comes alive when he runs. In 2022, he made a New Year’s resolution to compete in a high-performance race. That decision marked the beginning of his journey—starting with a half marathon in Mexico City, followed by another in Toronto, Canada. After finishing the 21 km with energy to spare, he took the leap into full marathons.
His first marathon was in Berlin in 2023, a life-changing experience. Then came the challenge of running in Mexico City in 2024, facing the altitude and demanding course. In May 2025, he ran in Orange County, and now he’s preparing for the big event: the New York City Marathon on November 2.
But this year is unlike any other. Alejandro won’t be running for himself. He’ll be running for the girls, boys, and adolescents of Mexico. He’s running for “Kilómetros con Causa,” a campaign by Fundación Dibujando un Mañana—an organization he’s known since childhood thanks to his father, Alex Carranza, who once served as its president. This emotional connection inspired Alejandro to choose it as the cause that fuels every kilometer.
Through the “Kilómetros con Causa” campaign, the goal is to raise $42,000 to refurbish the furniture of a playroom at the Centro de Desarrollo Integral Comunitario (CEDIC) in the State of Mexico, which was recently affected by flooding. This project will ensure continued care for 43 babies and children under the age of 4, who attend the center with their parents or guardians. It’s a safe, educational space designed to support early childhood development through play and stimulation activities.
Preparing for a marathon is both physical and mental. Alejandro describes intense weeks with runs over 25 km, strength training, stretching, and a strict diet. But he also emphasizes the power of the mind: “There are moments when your body wants to give up, but if you stop, it’s harder to start again. Persistence is key.”
That persistence is the message he wants to share with children facing adversity. “It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t work the first or second time. What matters is to keep trying. Persistence makes things happen,” says Alejandro.
His story is a powerful example of how dreams can turn into concrete action. From playing guitar as a child to running marathons for a cause, Alejandro embodies the strength of combining talent, discipline, and heart—just like so many Mexicans who rise above life’s challenges every day.
His participation in “Kilómetros con Causa” marks the beginning of a new chapter for Fundación Dibujando un Mañana, which seeks to inspire more people to join efforts so that children in Mexico can fully enjoy their rights.
How can you get involved?
By donating to the campaign on GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/60b2ff271 or by following Fundación Dibujando un Mañana on social media—every contribution counts.
Donate, follow, and share! #kilómetrosconcausa
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