Q’s & A’s
Where is the Copper Canyon?
In a mountain range that extends southward through Northwestern Mexico, beginning roughly 280 miles southwest of El Paso, Texas. This range, the Sierra Madre Occidental, is a continuation of the Rocky Mountains and is also known as the Sierra Tarahumara. The Copper Canyon, or Barrancas del Cobre, covers over 21,000 square miles and is actually made up of five major gorges, each over 5,500 feet in depth, and more than 20 canyons. Copper has never been mined in large quantities, but copper-green lichen flourish there on canyon walls.
Do only Tarahumara people live there?
No. The forebears of indigenous Tarahumara, or Rarámuri, people have lived there for thousands of years. The more direct ancestors of today’s Tarahumara fled to the region to escape the northward progress of the Spanish conquest. Well-irrigated portions of the area were first settled by Europeans in the late 16th century. In the ensuing colonization of Mexico, villages and ranches comprised of Hispanics and Meztizos (people of mixed indigenous and Hispanic descent) formed there and still remain. Some Meztizos are descended from marriages among Rarámuri and Hispanic people, but most originated from other parts of Mexico.
Why do the Rarámuri run?
Because their people have always run. It is a way of life, as transportation, sport and traditional culture.
Are they Superathletes?
In a sense. Many are losing connection with their running culture, but there are still dozens who excel at long-distance races. Their abilities equal and often exceed those of well-known North American and other International athletes.
What does Norawas de Rarámuri do in the Copper Canyon?
Our organization was formed to support Rarámuri in their training for and competition in races. Most of this support is of maize that the athletes use to fuel their own running, and to benefit their home communities.
In the spirit of friendship and respect, we seek to encourage the renewal of Rarámuri running traditions, respect for their culture amongst other peoples of the world, and the health of indigenous families.
The work in the Copper Canyon itself is done and organized by Micah True, the race director of the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon. In 2003, Micah organized two small longdistance races to be run by a few Rarámuri and himself. For these races and another in 2004, Micah distributed seed and maize to the Rarámuri runners as awards, as gifts in a time of drought. The following year, he invited a handful of accomplished runners from the USA to join in. He continues to do this work, running in friendship with indigenous athletes.
What will contributions to this organization be used for?
Norawas does not underwrite the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, pay staff or conduct any commercial ventures. The dollars you contribute are spent on nutrition and other direct awards to Rarámuri runners who train for and participate in races, both traditional and Western-style, in Mexico.
Are my contributions tax-deductible? Absolutely.
Please make a contribution; click here: Donate
Norawas de Rarámuri is a not-for-profit organization registered in the State of Colorado and is an approved tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501 (c)(3).
Information about the Rarámuri, their history and their homelands, was largely gleaned from the following text: “Rarámuri Souls, Knowledge and Social Process in Northern Mexico”, William L. Merill. Published by The Smithsonian Institution, 1988.
–Deborah Hirsch Bezanis, Board of Directors
