Running With The Rarámuri
An introduction to the legendary Tarahumara Indian runners, or Rarámuri, who will be taking part in Ultra X Mexico 2019.
The stage is set for Ultra X Mexico to be one hell of a race. Toeing the start line are a host of world beaters from across the globe: Jason Schlarb, Meredith Edwards, and Gediminas Grinius, to name a few. However, defending their home turf there are a group of local runners who are not going to be beaten without a fight.
One of the reasons that the Copper Canyons in Mexico is so well known is due to their indigenous population: the Rarámuri or Tarahumara, whom many know from Christopher McDougall’s famous book Born to Run. They are renowned for their long-distance running ability, developed through necessity for inter-village communication, transportation, and hunting.
We are absolutely delighted to have some of these local legends participating in the inaugural Ultra X Mexico and cannot wait to see the race unfold. If you’ve read Born to Run you will recognise these names…
They will be running in sandals and fuelled on pinole (the Tarahumara corn gruel) but write them off at your peril!
Arnulfo Quimare
The Tarahumara runner who defeated Scott Jurek in the 2006 race that was featured in the book Born to Run. Described in the book as “the greatest living Tarahumara runner” he is undoubtebly a true legend of the sport.
Silvino Cubesare
Silvino is also one of the protagonists from Born to Run. He comes from the remote village of Huisuchi, yet despite having no coach and primitive equipment he is one of the finest ultra runners on the planet, as featured in Red Bull’s Running in Two Worlds series.