Friends of Norawas : Keith Ramsay

This series of articles pays hommage to our collaborators in the Copper Canyons. Without them, our projects with the Raramuri communities would be almost impossible. They invest their time and their hearts, away from the limelight, and help make our common vision of peace and sharing a reality. We present this acknowledgement as our humble thanks for all they do, and for being our friends.

Keith Ramsay is a calm, quiet man who, like Caballo Blanco, came in the Canyons with a vision and a dream. His was of a lush garden and a peaceful retreat, under the shade of fruit trees. He built a large property by the Urique River called Entre Amigos. Over the years, the place has become famous for its organic garden, its friendly people and the beautiful, simple way of life it offers.


Every year, around race time, Entre Amigos fills with familiar and new faces; Mas Locos and «hopefuls», or first-time runners, gather to enjoy some community time and prepare for the big day. Everyone is welcome to use the organic garden, which is ripe with leafy greens, beans, sweet beets and many other wonderful, healthy crops.


With his work, Keith has not only created a small Eden in the Barrancas; he also quietly promotes an alternate lifestyle, based on cooperation and simplicity, through his own humble example. He partnered with local people in the management of the property, positively affecting their income and their lives, bringing the dignity and pride of honest work.



As a supporter of the Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco, Keith hosts dozens of Mas Locos in his hostel, private cabins and campground. He also provides Norawas with local, logistical support for our various projects. But most of all, Keith is a good man and a dear friend who contributes in making each of our visits in the Barrancas a fulfilling, joyful and meaningful experience.

Friends of Norawas : Josue Stephens

This series of articles pays homage to our collaborators in the Copper Canyons. Without them, our projects with the Raramuri communities would be almost impossible. They invest their time and their hearts, away from the limelight, and help make our common vision of peace and sharing a reality. We present this acknowledgement as our humble thanks for all they do, and for being our friends.

Josue Stephens was an early Mas Loco and was inspired by Micah True himself to become a race director in Nicaragua, where he created the now internationally-known Fuego Y Agua ultra event, on Isla de Ometepe.

As the child of a traveling family of misionaries, Josue spent part of his childhood living in the Copper Canyons, in the Batopilas region. He speaks Spanish fluently and has developed strong ties with many communities in Central and South America.

When Maria Walton was left with the task of perpetuating Caballo Blanco's race, Josue stepped up and offered his extensive experience and resources. As a personal friend, a Mas Loco and a philanthropic race director, Josue was a natural choice and a great partner for Maria. Together, they not only continued Micah's vision and dream, but also brought new dimensions to it with events like the children's race, which has now become an important part of the Copper Canyons race week.

Josue's dedication and professionalism, coupled with his values of social justice and philanthropy, make him not only an incredible asset to Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco, but also a valued collaborator and friend to Norawas de Raramuri.

My Korima Problem

 A text by Michael Miller, whom Norawas recently welcomed as a board member and treasurer last December.

I do not yet know a great deal about the traditions and daily life of the Raramuri people. I do know that Korima (what I have – you have) has been a way of life for them. Giving without acknowledgement or any expectation of return is fundamental aspect of Korima. This second bit: ‘without any expected return’ is the part that I just can’t seem to fulfill.

I’ve shared a story before about the most memorable conversation I had with Micah. For eight or so miles running in the darkness on a dirt road and then a trail next to Turquoise Lake during the start of the Leadville 100 in 2011 we talked mostly about being a couple of lucky old dudes. How fortunate we were to be there, to be able to run, to see the sun coming up in the Rocky’s, and mostly how blessed we were to be part of this incredible family of people who love to run free. I remember us talking about having times out on a trail we felt so good that we almost felt guilty for hogging way more than our share of the happiness. Then we talked a little about getting older and all the dang little aches and pains too – hey, being happy doesn’t mean we can’t break into grumpy old guy every once in a while…

I took a lot away from that conversation that morning. I may be wrong, as he never shared, but I believed that one of the main reasons he started the (now) UMCB was a way to give back for all the blessings he felt running had given to him. There are so many of us like this, people who have had running transform so many aspects of their lives and given them a happiness and perspective of the world around them they never thought possible. When we have been given all this, we are compelled and greatly desire to give back.

Herein is the problem for me with this Korima ‘without any expectation of return’ thing. I’ve tried to give back, to share what is mine/yours, to help, to support, to respect, to honor, but every time I do so, it ends up bringing so much joy and more happiness to me that I can’t stop myself from knowing it’s coming (therefore expecting the return).

Regardless of this ‘problem’, I’m going to keep to trying.

Donate today!

All your donations go directly to the Raramuri of the Copper Canyons.
Norawas operates as a 100% volunteer organization.







Thank you!

Projects

With your help, Norawas de Raramuri creates and sustains projects revolving around the health and culture of the Raramuri People of the Copper Canyons. We seek to bring support and sustenance by working locally and unintrusively, whether through providing corn and non-GMO seeds as prizes to Raramuri runners or developing health or education initiatives.

Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco (UMCB)
www.ultracb.com 
Norawas de Raramuri provides funds to purchase tons of food and seeds every year to be awarded as prizes to Raramuri runners competing in the international event Micah True created in the Canyons, which was later depicted in the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.

 According to the race's tradition, "Everyone wins". Every Raramuri who runs 1 loop (20 miles), 2 loops (40 miles) or 3 loops (50 miles) in the event is guaranteed to be awarded vouchers for the purchase of basic food products at government-regulated stores throughout the Canyons. Furthermore, all top ten male and female finishers receive additional quantities of corn as prizes.


The Caballo Blanco Trail Renovation Project
(Description soon)

Norawas Support Campaign 2014

It has been a busy year at Norawas de Raramuri. Since the 2013 Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco, where we provided literal tons of food to be awarded to Raramuri runners, we have been hard at work preparing the upcoming race, supporting local running events and initiating very inspiring projects for the communities of the Copper Canyons.

Thanks to your generous contributions, we were able to provide in excess of $25,000 directly in the hands of our friends who need it. Norawas operates 100% through volunteer work and pays no personal expenses of any kind, so the entire dollar you donate finds its way to where you intended it to go. This is our commitment to true Korima, the circle of sharing at the heart of the Raramuri culture.

As UMCB 2014 approaches quickly, we need your help to raise the needed funds to support our actions in the Canyons. Each year, more and more Raramuri run the race, thus more food vouchers are needed as rewards.

The good news is, Norawas has many generous friends. To add excitement to this campaign, some of our contributors and board members have graciously offered amazing prizes for our donators. So if you can, please show us some support, and perhaps snatch one of these amazing rewards :

• Every donation, from as little as $20, provides an entry into a raffle for an exclusive signed copy of the book Born to Run, autographed by author Christopher McDougall, Caballo Blanco, Scott Jurek and Barefoot Ted. There are only a handful of those in the whole world; this is the ultimate collector's item.

• For every donation of 25$, you will get an Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco Buff and official race sticker.

• Donations of $100 get the above rewards, plus a genuine Raramuri craft made in the Canyons by local artisans.

• The first 3 persons to give $250 will get a race buff, a sticker and a pair of Luna Sandals of their choice.

• The first three $500 donations will be rewarded with a race buff and sticker, plus a full entry into one of the most exciting ultra running events in the year, the Born To Run Ultra Marathons. Winners get to pick the distance of their choice.

• The first person to contribute $1,000 will get a race buff and sticker, plus a full entry into the Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco, a reserved seat at the opening ceremony, a signed copy of the official race poster and an exclusive running action photograph by Luis Escobar.

• The lucky contributor who first donates $2,500 will get their hands on an amazing prize; an ultra runner dream package of a race buff and sticker, a pair of Luna Sandals of their choice, a full entry for the distance of their choice at the Born to Run Ultra Marathons, a full entry at Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco, two reserved seats at the opening ceremony, a signed copy of the official race poster and an exclusive running action photograph by Luis Escobar.

Please help us make this a true grassroots, organic campaign by spreading the message. We have chosen not to resort to crowd funding sites because that would mean reducing your contributions by 5% to 10% to pay operation fees. We prefer aiming for 100% Korima!

We sincerely thank you in advance for your support, and we hope to see you in the Canyons!

Brothers and Sisters Celebrate as One

"Light, is a gift given in the spirit. Breathe in the dawn to the Universe. Breathe out a prayer to yourself. Will you ever begin to understand the meaning of the very soil beneath your feet? From a grain of sand, to a great mountain, all is sacred. Yesterday and tomorrow, eternally exists in this sacred place." - Augustine Ramos, Raramuri Shaman.

In October, I was truly honored to receive a heartfelt invitation from Race Director, Mickey Mahaffey, to attend a weekend of traditional, Raramuri racing, nestled deep within the remote and beautiful pueblos of Huisuchi and Sorachaqui, in Las Barrancas Del Cobre of Mexico. Everyone would celebrate the feasts of the heart, in a spirit of sharing, gratitude, and community, among all cultures. This event was also experienced by Mickey's daughter, Stephanie Mahaffey, Doctors Daniel Lieberman, and Aaron Baggish, our friends from Arizona with Native Seeds, Board Member, Flint Bourdeau, and  Mas Loco, Athlete, Patrick Sweeney, 

Throughout this past year, Norawas de Raramuri, has been blessed by generous, heartfelt donations from runners world wide. In a Grass Roots campaign, with gifts of cash, coats, blankets, running apparel, the message of Hope returned from our friends in California, Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Washington, Texas, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Montreal, Canada, France, Australia, the U.K., and  beyond. Norawas was honored to provide the winning team members of the event, with Vales (food vouchers), which are redeemable for necessary staples as rice, beans, corn, flour, and non GMO seed corn for their families.

We arrived at nightfall in Huisuchi in cold darkness, to a humble home of warmth and beauty. Filled by a shared dream of honor, respect, and peace, our generous hosts, prepared delicious hand-patted, blue corn tortillas, and savory, garden vegetable soup to every guest. Afterwards, we encircled a glowing campfire as we shared stories of our adventurous trip, and reunited with many friends who have shared years of laughter and running with Micah True, El Caballo Blanco. We camped with the Raramuri runners from Team Urique. The girl's Mentor/Coach, Ultra Marathon Champion, Beatriz Adriana Mendez, from Chihuahua City, is inspired and devoted in supporting both the running, emotional and educational needs of such deserving ladies. The following day, Beatriz ran the entire Marathon course with her girls. They giggled in delight, as they received new running shoes, blankets, vales and running apparel for their victorious efforts.

This long-distance running event is more than a diversion for the Running People of La Sierra Madre. They are extremely important for maintaining social cohesion between the families who live miles from one another. Audience participation is high, with hundreds of family members and friends running alongside, offering encouragement. The race also serves as an economic purpose, for much betting goes on during the event. In the discussion over stakes, nothing is ignored, from pesos, tools, sheep, goats, cattle, and hand-stitched garments. In spite of the betting and deep intensity of the runners, the western concept of competition is virtually absent. Except for the purpose of collecting bets, no greed, or negativity exists among the runners. They simply follow the blessing of their team's Shaman, and smile as the they finish with a post race curing ceremony. 

The men's traditional sport of the Canyons, is called a Rarajipare,which is a racing competition that combines kickball and ultra distance trail running. Two teams race while kicking a wooden ball along a grueling course throughout the mountainous terrain. The women's version of racing, is called an Ariweta, as they use a hand-crafted stick and hoop. The scoreboard contains a set of rocks lined up in a row at the starting line. Each rock represented a 4K loop throughout the pueblo. As a team completes a loop, the scorekeeper shifts that team's marker, another rock, along the row, showing the completed laps. When the winning team circles around for the finish, their marker is moved to the last rock in the row. As the race continues into the evening, the runners run into the darkness, with flaming, mesquite Ocote-pine branches lighting the sky. Rattles from bells made by gourds, reeds, cocoons, deer hooves, and rasping sticks, bring a primal awareness to this magical celebration.

Ultra Marathon Champion, and Batopilas Canyon's Team Captain, Arnulfo Quimare, and his wife Suzanna, greeted all runners with freshly made Pozole soup, and warm, corn tortillas. It was touching to notice  at the entrance to Arnulfo's front door, photos of Arnulfo and legendary Ultra Marathon Champion, Scott Jurek, El Venado from their racing memories of 2006 and 2007, a humbling example of lasting friendship and mutual respect among all cultures. Later that afternoon and into the evening, I had an opportunity to run, side by side with Arnulfo. I have never experienced such sheer, complete joy in my life. We smiled. We laughed. I whooped and cheered. Manuel Luna, Herbalisto, Silvino, Horacio, and Florenzio, all ran with true freedom.

The Raramuri people share a devout, spiritual connection with their ancestors. They believe since birth, that when people walk on the land, they leave their breath wherever they go. So, wherever they run, the Mother Earth, always remembers. And, when they return, they know that the people who once lived there, are in some way, still there, and that we can actually partake of their breath and of their spirit. 

As the Rarajipare came to a completion, with Arnulfo's team racing to victory, carrying their flaming torches, the men finish their final loop, quietly await a final blessing, savor a final drink of toasted, ground Pinole, and return to their family and friends to graciously celebrate. As I graciously thanked Mickey and Arnulfo for opening their hearts and homes to my friends, Mickey simply smiled, acknowledging the work which lay ahead for the Running People. Arnulfo said, "We are here. We are here with strength. We are here with pride."

And, I am here to say we are happy to walk in beauty, with our life long friends.