Friends of Norawas : Keith Ramsay

This series of articles pays hommage to our collaborators in the Copper Canyons. Without them, our projects with the Raramuri communities would be almost impossible. They invest their time and their hearts, away from the limelight, and help make our common vision of peace and sharing a reality. We present this acknowledgement as our humble thanks for all they do, and for being our friends.

Keith Ramsay is a calm, quiet man who, like Caballo Blanco, came in the Canyons with a vision and a dream. His was of a lush garden and a peaceful retreat, under the shade of fruit trees. He built a large property by the Urique River called Entre Amigos. Over the years, the place has become famous for its organic garden, its friendly people and the beautiful, simple way of life it offers.


Every year, around race time, Entre Amigos fills with familiar and new faces; Mas Locos and «hopefuls», or first-time runners, gather to enjoy some community time and prepare for the big day. Everyone is welcome to use the organic garden, which is ripe with leafy greens, beans, sweet beets and many other wonderful, healthy crops.


With his work, Keith has not only created a small Eden in the Barrancas; he also quietly promotes an alternate lifestyle, based on cooperation and simplicity, through his own humble example. He partnered with local people in the management of the property, positively affecting their income and their lives, bringing the dignity and pride of honest work.



As a supporter of the Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco, Keith hosts dozens of Mas Locos in his hostel, private cabins and campground. He also provides Norawas with local, logistical support for our various projects. But most of all, Keith is a good man and a dear friend who contributes in making each of our visits in the Barrancas a fulfilling, joyful and meaningful experience.

Friends of Norawas : Josue Stephens

This series of articles pays homage to our collaborators in the Copper Canyons. Without them, our projects with the Raramuri communities would be almost impossible. They invest their time and their hearts, away from the limelight, and help make our common vision of peace and sharing a reality. We present this acknowledgement as our humble thanks for all they do, and for being our friends.

Josue Stephens was an early Mas Loco and was inspired by Micah True himself to become a race director in Nicaragua, where he created the now internationally-known Fuego Y Agua ultra event, on Isla de Ometepe.

As the child of a traveling family of misionaries, Josue spent part of his childhood living in the Copper Canyons, in the Batopilas region. He speaks Spanish fluently and has developed strong ties with many communities in Central and South America.

When Maria Walton was left with the task of perpetuating Caballo Blanco's race, Josue stepped up and offered his extensive experience and resources. As a personal friend, a Mas Loco and a philanthropic race director, Josue was a natural choice and a great partner for Maria. Together, they not only continued Micah's vision and dream, but also brought new dimensions to it with events like the children's race, which has now become an important part of the Copper Canyons race week.

Josue's dedication and professionalism, coupled with his values of social justice and philanthropy, make him not only an incredible asset to Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco, but also a valued collaborator and friend to Norawas de Raramuri.