The Caballo Blanco Ultramarathon (Also known as the Copper Canyon Ultramarathon) is a 50-mile (80km) Race run at the bottom of the Urique canyon, in the Barrancas Del Cobre or Copper Canyons of Mexico, held between the local Tarahumara (Raramuri), Mexican nationals and foreign runners who come together to celebrate peace and the long-living traditions of the Running People.
This unique event was created by Caballo Blanco, also known as Micah True, after he met the Raramuri at the Leadville Ultra in the 1990's and decided to travel down to the canyons, inspired by their simple ways and physical capabilities. With the intention of celebrating and promoting the running culture of the Raramuri, he created an event where foreign champions and runners would come all the way down to Urique to meet them, share and celebrate together.
Every runner who participates in the CCUM and completes a segment of the race wins. Runners completing the first segment (20 miles) win one 100-pound bag of corn. If they complete 2 segments (40 miles), they win 3 bags. Finishers (50 miles) win 5 bags of corn, which means 500 pounds of food. Since the very first race, all the winnings earned by foreign runners were given back to the Raramuri as Korima, the Circle of sharing, a tradition at the heart of their culture.
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Caballo Blanco distributing race numbers to gringo and Raramuri runners[/caption]
Foreign runners, generically called gringos or chabochis, travel from all corners of the world for the chance to run with the Raramuri in a beautiful, remote environment that is sure to leave lifetime memories. After the race, they get called "Mas Locos" and join an international community, rich in human values and new friendships.
The race is held yearly on the first Sunday of March, when the weather in the canyons is not yet in the highs of summer. Race headquarters are in the town of Urique and the event is one of the biggest celebrations in the year for local people, who celebrate the Raramuri as true champions and welcome the Mas Locos and aspiring Mas Locos cheerfully.
To honor Micah's memory and perpetuate this unique event, a group of Mas Locos, helped by many supporters, are currently working at the 2013 event, and beyond.
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The Caballo Blanco Foundation was created to maintain Micah True's vision of supporting the Raramuri running tradition and to continue with the Caballo Blanco "Copper Canyon" Ultramarathon.
