A video by Barefoot Ted McDonald from the 2006 Race featured in Born To Run
Raramuri in the 2012 Copper Canyon Ultra
Reflections of Micah, from our friend, Robert
Scanning the crowd at the Leadville Trail 100 pre-race briefing in 1987 my eyes paused on a striking, tall, long-haired character wearing a “I Support Woman’s Athletics” t-shirt. As if by gravitation, my wife Jean Ward and I introduced ourselves to the free spirit with the unique name of Micah True. Jean and I had just returned to the U.S. from three years in New Zealand and were living near Nederland, Colorado. Micah informed us that we were nearly neighbors and suggested getting together soon for running adventures. So began a friendship I cherished deeply over the years and I am so thankful to Micah for being part of my life.
While I was unable to complete the 1987 Leadville race, Micah finished 10th and was the subject of quite a bit of media attention. He was asked about the whereabouts of his dog, a crowd favorite. Micah reported that True Dog was recovering from a fight with a cougar. Such was fodder for True myth.
It rained quite a bit at that race and Micah wore a poncho fashioned from a trash bag. Marathoner Frank Shorter, who was color commentator for the race film, made a disparaging comment in regard to Micah’s rain gear. Micah replied that it was “just as good as Frank Shorter gear, but a hell of a lot cheaper”.
Jean and my first social rendezvous with Micah was at his home off of Magnolia Road. From a small pull off we followed a faint trail that led to a tent he shared with True Dog. Truly Micah was living a Thoreau-like existence where material possessions were minimized relative to life experience. Among the prized possessions he did have was a yellowing newspaper clipping chronicling his kick boxing days where he was known as the “Gypsy Cowboy”.
After many a mountain run we would retire to Neo’s in Nederland for massive calzones and hearty conversation. Micah told how he paid expenses by moving people (both physically and spiritually as it turned out). That work provided him with sufficient funds to spend about half the year in Guatemala. Struck by his tall stature, long blond hair, and persistent running, the Guatemalans named him “El Caballo Blanco”.
One powerful memory I have of a conversation on one of our runs was Micah’s response to my voicing a shared passionate desire to run for many, many years to come. He replied that at 33 we were “pups among ultrarunners”. I have often thought of those words as I progressed from puppyhood to old dog status.
Jean and I left Colorado late in 1987 and moved to Oregon, then Montana, and then Alaska where we have lived for 20 years. Over those years we only visited with Micah a few times, seeing him at races. However, the connections of the heart remained strong and Micah and I shared periodic emails speaking of the possibility of my joining him on adventures in the Copper Canyon and his visiting Jean and I in Alaska. Regrettably, neither of those possibilities came to pass.
I miss you Caballo Blanco. Your spirit will forever burn brightly in me and all you have touched. Until we meet again my brother…
If you are interested in one of these gorgeous posters, please use the Paypal Link to submit payment and we will one out to you!
POSTERS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE 2013 EVENT!
Purchases will be used to help cover the following costs for the 2013 Event
- Corn for the Raramuri
- Transport to/from event for the Raramuri
- Food for the Raramuri
*Please add $8.00 for shipping internationally (Non USA or Canada)
Mario Muñoz, the coach for the Equipo Caballo Blanco running team, is hosting a 60k ultra in Cerocahui near Urique this October. See flyer for details.
Thank you to everyone for your patience.
We have now rolled out a new website with more travel information, course info and an improved look.
Feel free to provide feedback by emailing us at info@ultracb.com
Run Free!
Last Friday, 20 close friends and members of the Mas Loco family reunited with Maria Walton at Chautauqua in Boulder to pay homage to Micah True and return his ashes to his beloved mountain trails.
He now roams free, carried by the winds over the Enchanted Mesa trail.
Boulder reporter Michael Sandrock attended the ceremony and reported in the Daily Camera.
