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Rarámuri runners María Lorena, María Juana, and José Mario
, world champions from the Sierra Tarahumara , in the state of Chihuahua , competed last weekend in the Tenerife Bluetrail ultramarathon , which took place in Spain , with the participation of 2,400 runners from 38 countries .
Along with their father, Santiago Ramírez , the runners have participated in several long-distance competitions, also called ultramarathons, winning medals for first places.
Barely a year ago, Lorena and Mario Ramírez ran for more than 64 miles , becoming the first Rarámuri runners to participate in a European race, though Lorena was unable to finish the trial.
Last Saturday, Lorena Ramírez competed once again in the Ultra class for runners of between 18 and 39 years old , winning third place in her category after running 63 miles in exactly 20 hours, 11 minutes, and 37 seconds . In the end, she was fifth place in the general table for female runners of all categories.
Her brothers María Juana Ramírez and José Mario also participated in the Tenerife Bluetrail. María Juana ran for 42 miles , securing the seventh place in the 18 to 39-year-old division and 15th place in the general table.
On his part, José Mario competed in the 63 miles marathon , in the 18 to 39-year-old division, reaching 10th place in 16 hours, 31 minutes, and 20 seconds, securing the 22nd place in the general table.
Through social networks, the organizing committee has celebrated the outstanding participation of the Ramírez family, and Lorena’s admirable accomplishment.
Mario is the family interpreter since he speaks Spanish better than his siblings; on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples , celebrated on August 9 , the family shook hands with Mexico’s president, Enrique Peña Nieto , who congratulated them for their achievements.
José Mario Ramírez dreams of starting his own gym, with a training field to prepare new generations of runners in order to help his community.
The runner from Chihuahua claims that he and his family want to see their home grow and flourish, which is why they want to help young athletes so that they can compete in international competitions as well.
“We want to help the Rarámuri people, and we would like to have the necessary resources to better prepare ourselves and encourage young people to keep running. We would very much like to receive some help in order to do it,” he commented at an interview with EL UNIVERSAL .
Upon their arrival back home, the Rarámuri family was received with a standing ovation. They visited Javier Corral, the governor of Chihuahua , who thanked them for their commitment and determination during the competition.
“We will do what we can to support them in building their own gym. These people are an example to us all in Chihuahua,” stated the governor.
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