| Keyword |
Description |
| Rarámuri |
The name this Indigenous group calls themselves, meaning "those who run fast" or "light-footed |
| Huarache |
Handmade sandals made from leather and old tire rubber, worn by the Rarámuri while running |
| Yúmari |
A spiritual ceremony held before races, reminding runners to run with respect and unity |
The Rarámuri are an Indigenous people who live in the mountains of northern Mexico, in a place called the Copper Canyon. Their name means "those who run fast" or "light-footed" because they are famous for running very long distances. Running is not just a sport for the Rarámuri—it is how they live their everyday life, traveling between villages and hunting animals.
The Rarámuri children don’t practice running like in races. They run because it helps them move across the steep and wild land where they live. They wear special sandals called huaraches, made by hand from leather and old tire rubber. These sandals help their feet stay strong and healthy. They also eat foods like pinole, a mix of roasted corn and water, which gives them lots of energy to run far.
The Rarámuri have special running games too. Men play a game called rarajípare where they kick a wooden ball while running long distances. Women play a game called ariwete, using a hoop and stick. Before the races, they do a yúmari, a ceremony where they run to show respect, not just to win.
They have used running to survive and keep their traditions alive for hundreds of years. They are not superhumans but people who stay connected to their culture through running.
Time to discuss
- Why do the Rarámuri run long distances?
- How do the huaraches help the Rarámuri when they run?
- What does the yúmari ceremony teach the runners before the race?
