All Copper Canyons Endurance Runs events take place in the Sierra Tarahumara, a mountain and canyon range that is part of the Sierra Occidental. The lands are better known as las Barrancas del Cobre or the Copper Canyons. The area consists of six main canyons that in parts are deeper and wider than the Grand Canyon in the US. The Copper Canyons are home to the Tarahumara peoples, or as they would refer to themselves ‘Raramuri’ (believed to translate as ‘The Running People’). The lands are a true treasure that because of the remoteness has remained mostly unspoiled and has retained its beauty and local culture.
Our friend Micah True (Caballo Blanco) said “We are the Messengers.” Micah may no longer be with us, but his simple message of love, and peace and people from all over the world coming to run and experience the beauty of the peoples and the lands of the Sierra Tarahumara will last forever. The seed that Micah planted with the (now named in his honor) Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco continues to be one of running’s most magical events. It is our goal to do all we can to carry on Micah’s message and introduce more of the lands, and bring more athletes together and create more opportunity for these loving communities of the Barrancas del Cobre.
Ultramarathon course
Some 50Ks are basically a Marathon plus a few miles – this isn’t one of them. This course earns the ‘Ultramarathon’ label. It’s going to be super challenging, but it’s also going to be easy. Easy because you will be running free, running because you want to run, running with friends new and old. and running among the Oaks and Pines on amazingly scenic trails that have been ran by local Raramuri runners for generations. Yes, you can race this event but you likely will find yourself just running free and taking in all the blessings that running offers us – this event has a way of doing that.
Starting in the beautiful Cerocahui Valley during the Cultural Festival weekend you will head up out of town and follow a river up-up-up! After just a few short miles you will come to best mid race selfie location ever – the Cascadas de Cerocahui (a spectacular waterfall). Keep climbing up a gorgeous trail to the top of the Sierra and you find yourself among the Oaks and Pines. A couple “easier miles” of mostly rolling, some more up and up and soon you will pop out and have the view you have been waiting for as the whole of the Urique Canyon is below you. Next is an out-n-back that you will be telling the stories about forever (we will leave it at that for now). Now on the second half of the course turning back toward the finish you run through the Tarahumara community of Porochi and back down another river valley with scenery that only the Copper Canyons can provide – including a a spectacular Box Canyon and ancient inhabited caves. A left turn for a couple miles and back to finish among the cheers and all the energy of the Festival!
Marathon & Half Marathon
The Copper Canyons Marathon and Half Marathon are a magical cultural and athletic journey in the Barrancas del Cobre, the deepest and largest canyon system in North America. You’ll meet and compete alongside the indigenous peoples of these lands, the famed Tarahumara (Raramuri) endurance runners who most came to know via the best-selling ‘Born to Run’ by Christopher McDougal. Your running experience will take you on ancient trails and pathways that reveal some of the most beautiful and challenging landscapes on the planet. You will run up a steep mountains, down technical descents, over a fertile valley and experience a run that will become etched in your mind for life.
In addition to your running adventure, the trip will expose you to a full immersion into the culture and beauty of the Barrancas through music, dance, food, a full day adventure park, craft education, and story telling, all cumulating with the magnificent Festival de Cerocahui!
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