Mexico's indigenous Raramuri runners chase Olympic dreams

Mexico's indigenous Raramuri runners chase Olympic dreams
Excellent piece by ESPN

Catalina Rascon.jpg

Catalina Rascon, 17, has won 60K and 100K ultramarathons, but she is focusing her training on races 10K and shorter, with an eye toward the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Nathaniel Janowitz for ESPN


SIERRA TARAHUMARA, Mexico -- This region in the southwest portion of the northern border state of Chihuahua is known for its natural beauty. Here, among canyons, forests and mountain peaks, the indigenous Tarahumara people, often called the Raramuri, have lived for centuries.

Life is difficult in this picturesque but impoverished area, with high unemployment, low opportunity and rampant drug cartels having prompted many Raramuri to flee the isolated villages in their ancestral homeland. But not all choose to run away; some just run. To continue reading, please visit: http://www.espn.com/sports/enduranc...mexico-indigenous-raramuri-runners-why-change
 
Mexico's indigenous Raramuri runners chase Olympic dreams
Excellent piece by ESPN

View attachment 8471
Catalina Rascon, 17, has won 60K and 100K ultramarathons, but she is focusing her training on races 10K and shorter, with an eye toward the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Nathaniel Janowitz for ESPN


SIERRA TARAHUMARA, Mexico -- This region in the southwest portion of the northern border state of Chihuahua is known for its natural beauty. Here, among canyons, forests and mountain peaks, the indigenous Tarahumara people, often called the Raramuri, have lived for centuries.

Life is difficult in this picturesque but impoverished area, with high unemployment, low opportunity and rampant drug cartels having prompted many Raramuri to flee the isolated villages in their ancestral homeland. But not all choose to run away; some just run. To continue reading, please visit: http://www.espn.com/sports/enduranc...mexico-indigenous-raramuri-runners-why-change
I love that they are getting a chance to use their skills to improve the quality of their lives. I just fear that their further participation in the "outside world" will only continue to erode the Raramuri way of life that made the great runner to begin with.
 
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I just fear that their further participation in the "outside world" will only continue to erode the Raramuri way of life that made the great runner to begin with.

That's true, but not doubt at the same time, they will be leaving a positive impression on the rest of the world.
 
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