Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Rarámuri runner dreams of gym, training ground for youth

A Rarámuri runner who has just returned from competing in an ultramarathon in Spain has a dream that one day there will be a gym and training ground in his community to help nurture the next generation of indigenous athletes.

Chihuahua native José Mario Ramírez, who along with his sisters Lorena and Juana ran in the Tenerife Bluetrail race last Saturday, told the newspaper El Universal that he and his family want to cultivate the passion for running among the youth who live in the state’s Tarahumara Sierra region.

“We want to help the Rarámuri people, to have a professional team in order to be able to prepare ourselves better and teach youngsters so that they keep running. We would be very happy to receive support to achieve it,” he said.

After he and his sisters met yesterday with Chihuahua Governor Javier Corral, Ramírez’s dream may be one step closer to reality.

“We’re going to support them so that they achieve this objective because they are an example for all of Chihuahua . . . there should be a gymnasium inspired by the Ramírez family, it has to be a gymnasium inspired by what they represent,” Corral said.

The governor congratulated the siblings for their achievements in Spain and said the government will get to work to ensure that the gymnasium project comes to fruition.

At a press conference before the meeting with Corral, Ramírez said that running can help young people “get away from bad habits,” adding that he’d like to see everyone fighting to achieve their dream, which could be competing in an ultramarathon or even representing Mexico at the Olympic Games.

The 27-year-old’s personal goals include running “as long as God lets him” and competing in the Canyons Ultramarathon in his hometown of Guachochi next month.

Five members of the Ramírez family, including the three siblings’ proud father Santiago, will take part in either the 63-kilometer or 100-kilometer events.

Lorena Ramírez won third place in her category in the 102-kilometer Tenerife Bluetrail, held on the largest of the seven main Canary Islands, while José Mario and Juana both finished in the top 10 in their divisions.

Female Rarámuri runners are especially famous for eschewing normal running shoes and attire, preferring to compete in traditional dress and sandals.

Source: El Universal (sp), Milenio (sp)

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
Fonatur glorieta in Los Cabos

MND Local: Major infrastructure projects reflect growing pains in Los Cabos

0
New airport facilities and new highways are on the way in Los Cabos, as our local news roundup takes a look at what's happening in Baja California Sur.
mural honoring Alicia Matías

A mural at explosion site in CDMX honors Alicia Matías, who died saving her granddaughter

1
The 49-year-old heroine's death has been met with an outpouring of admiration while the nation mourns the 15 victims of last week's gas tanker explosion.
Sheinbaum waving the Mexican flag from the National Palace during the annual Grito de Independencia

In first ‘Grito’ as president, Sheinbaum honors Mexico’s heroines of Independence

12
Josefa Ortiz Téllez Girón, Leona Vicario, Gertrudis Bocanegra and Manuela Molina were all included in Sheinbaum's first presidential Grito, or Cry of Independence.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity