‘Corre Libre’ Micah True Memorial Run
On the side of Micah's cabin in Batopilas is now written "Caballo Blanco is not dead because he lives in the hearts of Raramuri runners." This weekend Raramuri runners honored Micah with a run on some of his favorite trails in the majestic Sierra Tarahumara. The race ended in the Raramuri village of Sorichiqui with a festival full of music, dancing, lots of food, tesguino and celebration.
True Messages is honored to have supported this event. (more)
Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco 2023
The 2023 Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco results, information, acknowledgments, thanks, Korima, Caballitos. 1200 Runners in the Sierra Tarahumara. International athletes running with Raramuri in peace and joy. Here we Run Free and we were all Born to Run! Read more
2004 Copper Canyons Ultra Marathon (Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco)
Historical posts by Micah True (Caballo Blanco) from the 2004 Copper Canyons Ultra Marathon (now Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco) covering the pre race, race and post race blogs
2005 Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon
A historical Race Report by Micah True (El Caballo Blanco) about the 2005 Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon (now Ultra Caballo Blanco). Arnulfo Quimare takes his first win as he becomes a great Champion Raramuri runner of the Sierra Tarahumara and more seeds for the race was planted.
2004 Copper Canyon to Canyon Run
Sunday, March 21; 2004
The third running of the bi-annual Copper Canyon to Canyon Trail Marathon+, took place this hot first day of spring. This run was from the deep canyon town of Urique, to the other deep canyon town of Batopilas. The distance is 27-29 miles of rock, steep climb and descent, some dirt road along two rivers, crossing of pine forests on soft single track trail at 6,000 feet, about 13,000 feet of accumulated up and down, more rocks, and plenty of other pluses. This season´s run was plus 100 degree heat!
7 Raramuri {Tarahumara runners}, displayed incredible performances of what can only be described as world class athleticism to arrive at the finish in 5 hours and some change. One could not imagine the significance of this achievement without having been here and having hiked these trails.
Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco 2022
Micah said the (Copper Canyon Ultramarathon) Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco was a race created and sponsored by Korima. This is as true today as it nearly 20 years ago when he first had the idea of a run that would support the Raramuri (Tarahumara) community and introduce so many to these special lands and this wonderful community and it’s running culture. MORE…
Copper Canyons Endurance Runs
With support from the CCER team and all the International Athletes that made their way down to experience the magic of the Sierra Tarahumara we were able to provide entries. some transportation, dispensias and prize monies for the Marathon and Half Marathon events. Local Covid related restrictions limited Raramuri athlete participation and caused the postponement of the 100 mile, but all turned out great and it was an great event for everyone involved. As always we are honored to do whatever we can to help participate in keeping the great running traditions of the Sierra Tarahumara alive and growing.
Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco 2022
Registration for international Athletes to the 2022 Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco is now open. After last year’s cancellation due to concerns surrounding the Covid Pandemic, we are all super excited to be able to get back to experience the magic of the Sierra Tarahumara.
Corre Libre Run
CORRE LIBRE RUN
“TOGETHER WE RUN FREE”
A run with, and in support of the Raramuri peoples of the Sierra Tarahumara.
*if viewing on mobile please turn device width wise for best viewing*
These are greatly challenging times for all of us. For some of our friends however, the effects of the Corona Virus has added to an already difficult stretch. Sadly, this has been the case for the Raramuri people and those who call the Copper Canyons home. The most recent impact has been the postponement of the Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco and Los Caballitos Runs (kids races). Micah True created the (then called Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon and later changed to honor his passing) Ultra Caballo Blanco to help introduce the beauty of the Raramuri people, their culture and their lands to endurance athletes around the world
Earth Runners Launches Support Project
Inspired by our Raramuri friends simple approach to natural design footwear Earth Runners was created to make barefoot adventure sandals that maintain our connection to the earth, while allowing us to operate and explore even on the wildest landscape this planet has to offer.
Earth Runners wanted to give back and support the Raramuri peoples and culture and we are excited to announce they have launched “1% For the Tarahumara” project supporting True Messages. Thanks most kindly Amigos!
-From the Earth Runners website on the 1% project…
What is Korima?
Korima is one of the cornerstone principles of Tarahumara / Raramuri society. Messengers, Mas Locos, runners and travelers to the Sierra Madre are all served an unforgettable lesson in Humanity when they first come in contact with this beautiful, simple concept: What I have, you have too.
Literally translated, Korima means “circle of sharing”. It’s a basic principle that states it is the community, not the individual, which is the end owner of pretty much everything. Thus, wealth and resources are more evenly distributed among the community, with a special emphasis on the elders and those in less favorable conditions. It is not rare to see a Raramuri worker come back to his family with his earnings and stop by neighboring houses to share some of his salary. Same goes for food and everyday items, and the concept also extends to help with physical work or whatever else might be needed at the time.
Beyond sharing, the principle of Korima also entails the absence of an expectation of return. Sharing is selfless, and thanks or acknowledgements are not be expected. True Korima is, therefore, an act of humility.
Communities who follow the simple rule of Korima put more emphasis on relationships and global well-being. We think it’s a beautiful thing and it’s one of the greatest “True Messages” ever.
Run Free: The True Story of Caballo Blanco
Those who knew Micah, knew he wasn’t necessarily a fan of interviews, social media and anything related to self promotion. Quite the opposite. However he realized he had a platform that could use to introduce the world to the beauty of the peoples and lands of the Sierra Tarahumara. With that he did on occasion participate in group setting where he would share some stories and wisdoms from his time in the Barrancas. However for the most part he remained reluctant and humble when it came to sharing about himself. With his passing being prior to the huge growth of social media and YouTube and all the other platforms of digital engagement we have nowadays, there simply isn’t a whole lot of ‘Micah as Micah True (or Caballo Blanco)’ available for those just coming to know his story. There is however, one huge exception - the documentary Run Free: The True Story of Caballo Blanco.
It’s a blessing that Run Free even came about. First the documentary includes Micah conversations and footage that only happened because it was Micah’s friend Sterling Noren behind the camera and the conversations. Authenticity was a true mantra for Micah, and he knew he could trust Sterling to not produce anything but the truth. Second, the sad fact is when these conversations and video imagery of Micah was being captured, little did Sterling, Maria or anyone know that they would become an essential part of the story that documented his life and his death.
If you have not yet experienced Run Free, please do - and join us, we are the messengers.
A tribute to Running Women
The runningverse is filled with amazing stories of people discovering a whole new world of health, elation and adventure. It brims with joy, excitement and positivism. But it also brings about a great, wonderful paradigm which we think the world needs. True equality.
Korima Run
A Korima (sharing) Run with, and in support of the Raramuri peoples of the Sierra Tarahumara.
These are greatly challenging times for all of us. For some of our friends however, the effects of the Corona Virus has had on their families and their communities is truly devastating. Sadly, this has been the case for the Tarahumara and so many who call the Copper Canyons home. These people, and these lands has provided our running community so many inspirational stories over the years and we are hopeful you can join us and be part of another incredibly special one.
The Tarahumara traditions provide that they have responsibilities to help keep the Balance of the Planet and humanity. Tradition also provides that when they run on and with the earth it helps support this balance. Our friends will be doing a run, they hope you will join them wherever you are to help support this balance and help support the Tarahumara community.
Meeting the Tarahumara at Leadville
This is one of the wonderful stories Micah originally wrote on his site caballoblanco.com. then republished after his passing on Norawas.com
By Micah True
The summer of 1993:
I awoke in Boulder Community Hospital after a severe bicycle accident. My helmet had been split in two and numerous cuts around my eyes had required many stitches. The last thing I remembered was flying over the handle bars of my bike while speeding downhill at about 35 miles an hour and hitting a patch of gravel on the long, paved descent….
Running La Sierra Tarahumara
This is one of the wonderful stories Micah originally wrote on his site caballoblanco.com then later published at www.norawas.com
By Micah True
My introduction to La Sierra Madre of Mexico was in November of 1994. That was the summer when a team of 7 Tarahumara indians, [most of them from the same village of 400… (cont)