Copper Canyons Endurance Runs 2024
An event where you will meet new best friends whom you will love forever. This catch phrase sounds over the top but every year it proves to be true. This year was not any different. We have added more forever friends and those who attended the all-inclusive have as well. These trips start with an adventure and finishes with a race in Cerocahui, a small pueblo with a beautiful mission and rich culture. This all-inclusive event supports True Messages who in turn are able to support the Raramuri runners who compete in the race.
We met the group in Chihuahua at the host hotel. Immediately we could tell it would another year of making new friends and visiting with old friends. There are a couple of Mas Locos who come every year (Jean and Vicente) they are part of what makes each year special. We had dinner with the group in Chihuahua and made plans for starting our trip into The Barrancas del Cobre.
Just after breakfast at the host hotel we piled into the van and worked our way to Mansion Tarahumara in Arepo/Divesedero. The hotel is designed like a castle and has a great mix of rustic charm and luxury. We stayed two nights and enjoyed the great meals, hikes,sun rises, the adventure park, gorditas and our favorite musician Hugo.
Day three we piled back into the van and continued deeper into the canyon. We arrived at The Lodge at San Isidro in the early afternoon and settled in. The lodge is located within a small ranch and is run by the Munoz family. The family has a way of making everyone feel as if they are at home. Most of the group opted into the temezcal, which is a sweat lodge. It is an experience that can be as much or as little as you wish it to be. Following the temezcal dinner was served at The Hawk Nest and the night ended with a bonfire and some special guest who included Arnulfo Quimare and Miguel Lara. Following breakfast the next morning we worked our way (some ran and some rode in the van) to a small Raramuri school in Perochi. Everyone brought some gifts for the children and the school. We hung out with the children playing games and sharing gorditas for lunch. As we arrived back at the lodge we prepared for another evening at The Hawk Nest. We shared another great meal and bonfire where Makawi and Diego came to share poems, singing and stories from the Raramuri culture. It was an incredible treat for all.
Saturday the group went to Cerocahui to watch and volunteer at the kids race. The children ages 3-15 raced according to their age group. As the kids crossed the finish line our group put medals around their necks and congratulated them. The shirts for the kids were donated by The 100 Mile Club and the medals for the kids were collected by True Messages from runners and race directors across the world. That evening we had dinner at the lodge and made it an early night, preparing for the race in the morning.
Race morning runners were delivered to the start lines. The 60k started in Cerocahui and the half marathon started at the look out at Gaego. There were a couple hundred Raramuri runners as well as many Mexican Nationals who ran alongside our group. As the runners all crossed the finish line in Cerocahui near the mission the charm of the small pueblo came alive with entertainment, food and the awards ceremony. One highlight of the event is always the burro who travels through the city with a pot of tesjueno on its back. The burro is followed by a small band as well as the towns people and guest who partake of the corn beer as they walked the town’s streets.
Monday morning came too soon. It signaled the end of the event and our new forever friends would all make their way back home. We appreciate the new friendships formed and that each person who attended, through the cost of the event, helped support True Messages. This allowed True Messages to support the Raramuri runners with dispensas (essential pantry supplies) and prize money.
