Ultra Maratón Caballo Blanco
March 2-3, 2024
Urique, Chihuahua, Mexico
**PARA PAGINA EN ESPANOL POR FAVOR HAGA CLIC AQUÍ**
An Experience and Event Like No Other
So Much More Than Just a Running Race.
“We come together in Las Barrancas del Cobre to create peace and harmony, sharing with and of all that is provided to us by our Mother Earth.” Micah True "El Caballo Blanco"
Recognized internationally as the Copper Canyon Ultramarathon through author Chris McDougall's book "Born to Run", in honor and memory of Micah after his passing in 2012, the race was returned to the name by which it was always known in the Canyons, "Ultra Maratón Caballo Blanco.".
The Ultra Maratón Caballo Blanco is coordinated by True Messages (a 501c3 nonprofit) with all race day logistics managed by the Municipality of Urique (current administration Daniel Silva) and support from the state of Chihuahua. Also we appreciate support from long time ‘Mas Locos’ and all sponsors and supporters - truly an event that brings us all together.
The UMCB has an incredible and storied history and is considered one of Ultra Marathon Running’s must-do bucket list events. Started by Micah to introduce international athletes to the beauty of the Raramuri (Tarahumara) people, their great culture, and their magical lands, each year the event brings together endurance athletes from all over the planet to run together with over 800 Raramuri athletes.
In 2017 a Maratón distance (42K), and in 2019 a Medio Maratón (21K) was added to the event options for those wanting to experience all the beauty of this cultural and running event but not quite ready for the 80 Kilometer distance. Both the 42K and 21K are still incredibly challenging events with climbs and with what is typically a very warm day. With the new changes implemented in recent years, we have improved even further on what are surely some of the most scenic running events on the planet. Join in and be part of this magic.
New for the 2025 edition will be a 100 mile distance! This run will be one of the most challenging courses in the America’s but also one of it’s most rewarding!
*Scroll down to “Travel and Accommodations”
for Registration and Cultural Travel Packages Information (Click Buttons)
*Email or message for early package registration discounts while they last!
ULTRA HISTORY
Created by Micah True the first Ultra Caballo Blanco was ran on 2003 and initiated as an act of Korima (the circle of sharing, and act of giving without expectation of return, what I have is yours). This tenet of love and caring remains today and in addition to supporting the cultural aspects of running an health and all the other wonderful results of the experience, it continues the tradition of providing vouchers awards for all Raramuri runners that are used for nutritional sustenance (maize flour, beans, rice, etc) for their families.
The event has continued to grow throughout the years. What started as one man’s dream and a few local Raramuri athletes, now annually attracts over 1200 endurance runners from over 20 countries. In addition, UMCB week also includes the ‘Caballitos Runs’. These age based races for younger runners take place on Saturday and are surely a highlight of the week. Over 800 young athletes compete for awards and prizes and just plain fun. In addition to helping continue the running traditions with the youth, the events also support the kids with a party, and donations from sponsors and the community to make for a day these young ones look forward to all year long. We ask that all of our UMCB runners join in and support the kids events and help continue this wonderful running tradition with the next generation!
Caballo Blanco: click below to learn more about Micah True and the nonprofit that continues to support his projects and honor his ‘True Messages’.
THE COURSES
***NEW FOR 2025 A 100 MILE COURSE AT THE ULTRA CABALLO BLANCO***
100 Mile course details soon
There is a reason this is considered one of the most challenging Ultramarathons on the planet. That now also applies to the Maratón and Half Maratón. While there are many miles ran on relatively flat dirt and gravel roads, the climbs can be challenging. However most everyone who has experienced the race will share, it is the heat and the exposure that provides the greatest challenge. During the first few hours the canyon has many shaded areas, but as the day and the kilometers wear on, the warmth of the sun will take effect. Much of the course after the sun reaches above the mountains is exposed and there is little or no shade to be found. While an average year may see temperatures reach the low to mid 80’s, it is not uncommon for them to hit the upper 90’s and more.
Unlike some of the early years, aid stations are now plentiful (every 2-4 miles), but do not allow this to interfere with your preparation. Even with frequent hydration stops you will want to carry significant water and calories to ensure you have access if needed.
The aid stations will all have bottled water. Most will include fruit (bananas and oranges and perhaps grapefruit). Some will also have electrolyte drinks and pinole (a heritage maize drink). Los Alisos will have the best grapefruits on the planet and maybe some hand patted bean tortillas.
The course is well marked with flags, painted rocks and tree markings – you should have no issues but do pay attention at turns.
You will be required to obtain a wristband at several locations and the start, please check the map when issued for these locations. The volunteers will be waiting to put them on your wrist, but do make sure to no miss.
The 80K cutoff time is 6:00 PM to go out on the final ‘loop’ (out and back to Guadalupe). However, it is always at the race directors and medial support teams discretion to amend this on an individual basis.
There is medical support on the course, please look for Cruz Roja (Red Cross) team to help direct you if you need attention.
GOOD TO KNOW
*Run with a vest that has a bladder, a fuel belt, or carry handheld water bottles.
*Bring your own electrolytes and extra (compact) calories
*Bring and use sunscreen if you are not accustomed to this type climate
*Bring a buff/bandana as it can get dusty on the roads when many runners or vehicles are present
Enjoy this experience and most importantly as Micah said “Run Free” “Corre Libre”
COURSE MAPS
*100 Mile Coming Soon
ULTRAMARATHON
MARATHON
HALF MARATHON
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
*** SCHEDULES TIMES ARE TENTATIVE (please check back as we get closer to event weekend in case any event time is adjusted)***
The running events of the Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco and Caballitos Runs will take place the weekend of March 1-2 2025, however, the Ultra Caballo Blanco is so much more than just the running events. It is truly a magical journey and best experienced by getting to the Canyons as early in the week as you can. This is especially true now that, the village of Urique accommodations fills completely and earlier every year. In addition to the events surrounding the races, the all-inclusive travel packages include even more cultural experiences and adventures to enjoy all the magic of the Sierra Tarahumara (see package information below).
As with every year there will be cultural entertainment and many celebrations. As soon as these specific events times and details are known we will post them here.
Caballitos Runs and celebration: Saturday 8:00AM-1:00PM
Half Marathon (21K): Sunday 8:00AM start
Ultra Marathon (80K) and Marathon (42K): Sunday 7:00AM start
Packet Pickup: Saturday 12:00-5:00PM
Cultural Entertainment: Saturday 6:00PM - 10:00PM and Sunday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Awards and Presentations: Sunday 7:00PM
Tentative Agenda
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Food and Drink in Urique: Aside from exchanging dollars to Pesos (see below), you will be able to pretty much get anything you will need in Urique. There are many Tienda’s that sell a variety of fresh and packaged food items. There are also many restaurants with amazing dishes to enjoy and replenish after all the miles. You can now get alcohol and many locations to go, most restaurants will offer several cerveza options. Bottled water in several sizes is available at every store.
Money: Get some Pesos in advance – it is far easier to get your Pesos before you get to Chihuahua and for sure once in the Barrancas it will be near impossible (there are no banks nor ATM machines in Urique). You can get pesos in any major city before Urique (Chihuahua, Cuauhtémoc etc), they will have an ATM and you use it like in the states only it gives you Pesos. Once in the Canyon do not expect that you will be able to get Pesos. While there is a couple of places, every year they run out. As much as it may not be enjoyable to have left over that you will then have to pay an exchange fee again when you get home, it’s better than running out.
Cell and Internet Service: There is little or no cellular or data service in Urique, however there are multiple Internet Cafe locations if you want to connect with friends and family or post the awesome pictures from your adventure on social media.
Local specialties: You will find many local specialties in the Canyons, however for sure you will want to try chiltepin salsa (and chiltipen itself – a handpicked, super flavorful, super spicy chili). If you partake, Lechuguilla is a must try. It is a roasted agave based alcohol like tequila only local to the Barrancas and only a few makers. Lastly, Tesguino, a Raramuri traditional (and very important cultural) beer made from maize and often part of celebrations and festivals. Oh, and Guacamole and Grapefruits and and and….
Korima – Korima is a circle of sharing that comes back to where it originated in greater abundance. Korima is not giving and not about money and things. Korima is what started this event. This was Micah’s Message. It is what makes this week sometime extraordinary and life changing. This week, give without expectation of return – and it’s not just about monetary things we are talking about. Unplug, simplify your world your days in the Canyon, hug longer, hug harder, laugh, make friends for life, soak in the blessings and remind yourself how lucky we are do this and have these people in our life. Run Free – that was Micah’s message and we are thankful for it.
Our Raramuri friends: you have heard this before, but generally the Raramuri people are (what would be perceived as) shy in public environments. They may seem stoic. It of course goes without saying but be polite, respectful. If you want to take a picture just be considerate about it and do it when its logical and not uncomfortable or awkward.
The local Urique town: the local Urique community greatly enjoy this week of running and celebration. There town is alive, there is big city entertainment and many visitors. They are happy to welcome us, but also, they don’t need to have us. Here also, just normal respect and politeness. Most everyone that would come down to run this is of course good folks, but you occasionally see the ‘loud embarrassing International’ – don’t be that person.
Caballitos Runs: The Caballitos Runs are the races for all under 17 year old athletes. Participate in this event! Help us pass out medals, donate your time and love, run with these young athletes, support these young athletes and be part of a day you will remember for life
Safety: The Barrancas del Cobre is a remote and rugged landscape. While there are multiple mechanisms in place to help support you should you experience an unexpected injury or challenge while participating, we do expect that all runners are physically fit and capable for completing the run they register for. The course is well marked however please carry the map that will be provided with your registration package. There are red cross personnel at the major aid stations. There are medical personnel in Urique. There are multiple aid stations with more than adequate hydration and nutrition. We will have course ‘sweeps’ to ensure no one remain on the trails post event.
Clothing: while there may be a slight nip in the air in the morning or evening up in the sierra, once you arrive in Urique Canyon it is shorts and t-shirt weather for the most part day and night. Most folks pack light, no issues wearing the same shorts and jeans multiple times. Also, we would suggest you bring a buff or two, you will have lots of dust in Urique and it’s a good choice for spots during the race
Cancellation policy: please see most recent policy on our UltraSignup (link here) registration page and the All-Inclusive Package detail pages
Who organizes the Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco now - who is the Race Director?: The Ultra Caballo Blanco is a collaboration with the administrative aspects of promotions, runner registrations, runner transportation and accommodations, international sponsors, supporters, and the Caballitos Runs handled by True Messages (a 501c3 nonprofit) and all the race day logistical aspects of the event (aid stations, local sponsors, FITA coordination, infrastructure, etc) handled by the Municipo of Urique Administration and the state of Chihuahua.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONS
The events of the Ultra Caballo Blanco take place in North Central Mexico in the state of Chihuahua in the remote Municipality of Urique. The amazingly scenic Urique village is at the bottom of one of the Barrancas del Cobre (or Copper Canyons) in the Sierra Tarahumara which is part of the Sierra Madre Occidental.
The Ultra Caballo Blanco and the whole experience that accompanies the journey to the Barrancas del Cobre has become a true ‘endurance runner pilgrimage’. While certain aspects of the travel to Urique has gotten much better (roads paved etc.), the logistics of the travel, the lodging, and the “what do I need to know” can still be a significant challenge. True Messages sponsor Barrancas del Cobre Projects will again this year offer an opportunity to eliminate all that pre-planning, coordination and worry that accompanies such an adventure and has created several all-inclusive style travel package options that makes the journey super easy and helps introduce you to the lands and the peoples of the Sierra in a far more inclusive manner than would be if you were just ‘coming down to run’. These Ultra Caballo Experience packages offer a full week of adventure and cultural exchange and experiences that you will have for life.
We also are able to help with transportation and accommodations only for those who do not have a full week available or prefer to make separate travel plans.
Come join us this year and experience lands and make friends that you will love forever! Viva Chihuahua, Viva Urique, Viva Caballo Blanco, Viva los Raramuri’s!
Click the following buttons for detailed agendas, logistics and pricing.
***CLICK THE BELOW BUTTONS FOR DETAILS FOR THE ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGES AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND DETAILS, THEN CLICK THE REGISTRATION BUTTON WHEN READY TO REGISTER ON ULTRASIGNUP***
Email or message for early registration discounts while they last!
For those making all arrangements on their own, some things to know:
Chihuahua, Chihuahua is the closest sizable airport and is approximately a 8.5 hour drive to Urique.
You can drive to Urique, roads are paved and good until the village of Cerocahui. After Cerocahui a four wheel drive or at least a vehicle with a high clearance is recommended for the final 40 kilometers which is dirt and often washboard and rock filled.
You can also fly into Los Mochis and take the Chepe (train) to Buauchivo and then get a ride to Urique (2 hours) from there. This also is an option for those flying to Chihuahua as the Chepe goes to Buauchivo from Chihuahua as well.
There are also buses from Chihuahua that go as far as Buauchivo and a good option if the Chepe is not running the day you arrive. You will still need to make arrangements from Buauchivo however you choose and it is important to be aware that by Friday early most options to get to Urique from Buauchivo are no longer available as folks settle into the bottom of Urique for the magical weekend.
International travelers will require a visa prior to arrival in the State of Chihuahua
For accommodations you have three options, hotel or private room, stay with a local, or camp out. Know that for hotels and private rooms Urique will fill early. There are very little or no online or ‘call ahead’ booking options. Even for those that manage to book need to arrive early as there is still a ‘first come first serve’ component to lodging race week. Alternatively, bring camping gear as there is always an option to camp at Entre Amigos or with San Isidro or along the river even.
*please email us for more information
2025 URIQUE EVENT TEAM
Administacion 2021-2026 Presidente Daniel Silva, Jose Herrera, Fabio Merez
INTERNATIONAL SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
