The History of Norawas de Raramuri: Friends of the Running People

Norawas de Raramuri was a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization, started in 2008 by a group of Mas Locos and Micah True. They were friends of the Raramuri, also known as the Tarahumara, the native inhabitants of the Copper Canyons of Mexico. Norawas celebrates their way of life and their culture, which revolves around the joy of running and the importance of sharing with others.

With respect and love, Norawas maintains the great bridge that was created by Micah True, Caballo Blanco, between the Raramuri and runners of good will from all over the world.  

While Norawas is no longer an active 501c3 nonprofit, all the friends and those involved still are active in supporting the peoples and communities of the Canyons.

We maintain this website to preserve the history of Norawas and to honor our founder Micah True and his Message of ‘Run Free’ and all that it encompasses. Please follow along as we continue to update this website and introduce our new projects. We greatly appreciate your help and Korima.

Donations

Norawas is no longer accepting donations. If you would like to support the Raramuri community, in addition to visiting to visiting and sharing in the beauty of the Barrancas, we recommend truemessages.org which is also a nonprofit and total volunteer organization supporting our Raramuri friends and also Tierra Nativa which has been supporting the peoples of the Canyons for over 20 years.

Our Mission

Norawas de Rarámuri was a US- based nonprofit organization that worked to support and reinvigorate an ancient and unique running culture that has endured from long before the arrival of Europeans on their continent. Known as the Tarahumara, or Rarámuri in their own language, they are an indigenous people living dispersed throughout Mexico’s magnificent Copper Canyon.

Norawas de Rarámuri supports Rarámuri participation in local and international foot races created to celebrate and encourage continuation of Rarámuri running culture and the health of their communities. 

We worked to provide maize, non-GMO seed corn, and cash awards for participating Rarámuri runners, men and women alike. In this way Norawas offered both nutrition during drought and support for a tradition of small farms necessary to both physical and cultural survival.

Historical Projects

With the help of many, Norawas de Raramuri created projects revolving around the health and culture of the Raramuri People of the Copper Canyons. These projects brougt support and sustenance by working locally and unobtrusively, whether through providing corn and non-GMO seeds as prizes to Raramuri runners or developing health or education initiatives.

Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco 
Norawas de Raramuri provided funds to purchase tons of food and seeds over the years that was awarded as prizes to Raramuri runners competing in the international event Micah True created in the Canyons - which was later depicted in the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.

According to the race's tradition, "Everyone wins". Every Raramuri who runs 1 loop (20 miles), 2 loops (40 miles) or 3 loops (50 miles) in the event is guaranteed to be awarded vouchers for the purchase of basic food products at government-regulated stores throughout the Canyons. Furthermore, all top ten male and female finishers receive additional quantities of corn as prizes.

The Caballo Blanco Trail Renovation and other Trail related Projects
Norawas supported many trail creation and trail restoration projects in the Urique and Batopilas areas of the Sierra Tarahumara

Norawas De Raramuri was composed only of volunteers who had at heart the values and well-being of the native families of the Copper Canyons. All the historical funds raised went directly to the communities in a spirit of inclusiveness and sustainable development.

Norawas did not see themselves as providers of outside help. What they brought to the Barrancas, they did humbly, always addressing the Raramuri as true equals. They were merely messengers, sharing the good will, respect and friendship from Running People the world over. They came from different countries and had different backgrounds, but were united by the spirit of Korima.

The Team that was behind Norawas:

Micah True | Norawas Chief Inspiration & Founder
Norawas de Raramuri would not have existed without the determination and the dreams of Micah True, known to the world as Caballo Blanco. By reaching out in respect and friendship to the Raramuri, Micah created a bridge solidly rooted between Running Peoples, in and out of the Copper Canyons. Our values, actions and goals all aim at honoring Micah's memory and upholding his beautiful vision.

Maria Walton | Run Free Movie | Norawas President/Chair

Growing up in the farmlands of Indiana, brought appreciation for the blessings of family, community, and honoring the bountiful gifts from Mother Earth. Raised with six brothers, running brought a sense of freedom. My family encouraged me to follow my passion of servitude with humility and grace.As a Marathon Coach, I’ve had the joy of making a difference in the lives of others, one step at a time, as we celebrate this magical journey across the finish line, while raising funds for medical research to find a cure for blood-related cancers. 

In 2009, a group of dedicated athletes established a U.S.-Based Non Profit, Norawas de Raramuri (Friends of the Running People), to encourage the running traditions of the Tarahumara/Raramuri families of the Copper Canyons of Chihuahua, Mexico. Through the opportunities gained from their sponsored events, the communities are encouraged to run free, and sustain one another through agricultural, educational, and nutritional support. In 2002, through the simple dreams of Micah True, El Caballo Blanco, an Ultra Marathon foot race was created, to unite the running cultures of the Tarahumara Indigenous Indians, Mexican Nationals, and International athletes worldwide. My sincere love for the music of Mother Earth, community, and poetry strengthens my spirit every moment I run. 

Michael Miller | Norawas Treasurer
Michael Miller is a long-time Mas Loco and a personal friend of Micah. With his extensive experience in business and partnerships, he brought financial expertise and creative ideas to Norawas. His generous heart and compassion and his true love for all things running connect him with the Raramuri as well as with all the Running Peoples of the world.

Luis Escobar | All We Do Is Run | Norawas Board Member
Luis Escobar is a professional photographer, distance runner, race director from Santa Maria California. "In 2006, I was fortunate enough to participate in the very first Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon. Like so many, I became friends with Micah True. Today, I am excited to be part of Norawas de Raramuri. Working together to continue the work of Caballo Blanco." 

 Francois "Flint" Bourdeau | Flintland | Norawas Board Member
Mas Loco, long distance runner, backpacker, writer, and overall hedonist who discovered great truth in the words "Run Free" and felt a personal call when Micah True said, while running the trails of the Mexican Copper Canyons, "We are messengers".

Josue Stephens | Fuego y Agua Endurance | Norawas Board Member

Friend of Micah True, Mas Loco and Race Director Extraordinaire. Josue lived in the Copper Canyons as a missionary kid and helped organized the Ultra Caballo Blanco with Maria Walton and Norawas after Micah passed in 2012. 

Tom Norwood | Friend of Norawas
Tom helps facilitate Leadership and Emotional Intelligence classes at Seattle University. His world got turned upside down when he read Born to Run and he learned to run pain free for the first time in his life at the age of 42. He has run the Caballo Blanco Ultra twice and is forever grateful for the inspiration of both Micah True and the Raramuri people.