In 1993, two Rarámuri men from the rugged canyons of northern Mexico—Victoriano Churro and Cerrildo “Chacarito”—traveled to the mountains of Colorado and stunned the world. Without coaches, sponsors, or modern gear, they competed in the Leadville Trail 100, one of the most grueling ultramarathons on the planet: 160 kilometers at over 3,000 meters above sea level.
Their preparation was anything but conventional. They wore huaraches made from recycled tires, carried no energy bars or sports drinks, and fueled themselves with pinole (a traditional corn-based mix) and water. Their training? Running for hours through the canyons of Chihuahua as part of daily life—not as a sport, but as a cultural tradition.
Against elite athletes equipped with high-tech shoes, GPS watches, and scientific training regimens, Victoriano crossed the finish line first with a time of 20 hours and 2 minutes. Chacarito followed close behind, securing a historic 1–2 finish for the Rarámuri people.
The feat left spectators and fellow runners in awe. Neither man spoke English, and both came from a community where running is a spiritual and communal act, not a competitive pursuit. Victoriano, over 50 years old at the time, was a farmer—not a professional athlete.
Their victory transformed global perceptions of endurance and athleticism. The Rarámuri, long known in oral tradition as “the people who run all day,” had proven their legendary stamina on the world stage. More than a race, their journey was a testament to ancestral wisdom, cultural resilience, and the power of running with heart.
To this day, their story continues to inspire runners and non-runners alike across the globe.
Source: OEM
