Backyard Rarajipari

True Messages had planned on sponsoring a Backyard race in the Urique canyon but as often the case “canyon considerations” changed that plan. The reason for sponsoring a Backyard race was to give opportunity for the Raramuri community to participate and potentially score enough yards to be invited to the championship. Many Raramuri runners still depend on walking or running to get to one place or another. This does not give them opportunity to travel as far as needed to attend many of the Backyard races in Mexico. True Messages will continue to make sure opportunities like this exist. Since this was not going to happen this time, we instead were able to organize, with the help of Arunulfo Quimare, a Rarajipari race.

A Rarajipari race may be the oldest endurance sport that exists. The race can last many days and involves two teams of runners each with their own bola (ball). The bola must continue in a forward motion with the use of the team members feet. A winner is declared once the team completes a predetermined amount of the course. The course was determined, and the game began right outside of Entre Amigo’s Hostel in Urique. A large pre-race meal was made by Tere at Pinole Restaurant with support from DIF and True Messages, and all the team members were fed as well as any family they brought with them to the event. As the game started the community gathered to watch and cheer the runners. Musicians came and offered music to both runners and spectators. A community gathered together and made the event extra special. At the completion of the Rarajipari race each runner was rewarded for their participation and for sharing with all the wonderful cultural event that a Rarajipari race is.

Creating opportunities like this is important to the Raramuri peoples who can take pride in their culture and their skills in the sport of Rarajipari.