The Tarahumara: Mexico’s Legendary Ultramarathon Runners

For decades, the Tarahumara people of Mexico have fascinated runners and scientists alike with their almost supernatural ability to cover vast distances without rest. They don’t rely on fancy gear, expensive nutrition plans, or structured training regimens. They just run—mile after mile, day after day, with a kind of effortless grace that seems impossible to most modern athletes.

Living deep in the Copper Canyons, the Tarahumara, or Rarámuri as they call themselves, have built a life where running isn’t just exercise—it’s a way of getting around, socializing, and even celebrating. For them, movement is second nature, and endurance is a skill honed over generations. Watching them run, it’s clear they have unlocked something the rest of the world is still trying to figure out.

Unlike most of us who lace up in cushioned, carbon-plated shoes and meticulously plan every training run, the Tarahumara keep it simple. They run in thin-soled sandals made from old tires, known as huaraches. No arch support, no fancy foam—just a strip of rubber and a few straps. Somehow, instead of destroying their joints, this natural style of running seems to protect them from the injuries that plague so many modern runners.

Christopher McDougall’s book Born to Run shined a spotlight on the Tarahumara’s unique relationship with running, and one of the biggest takeaways was their seemingly endless endurance. They aren’t just logging 10 or 20 miles at a time—some of them cover over 100 miles in a single run, often in the middle of the night, through steep and rocky terrain. What’s even crazier? They do it without any structured training. There are no track workouts or tempo runs. They just run when they feel like it and stop when they don’t.

A big part of their secret is how they fuel themselves. Forget protein bars and electrolyte drinks

—the Tarahumara diet is based on corn, beans, and chia seeds. One of their go-to energy sources is pinole, a simple mix of ground corn and water that provides slow-burning fuel for long efforts. They also drink tesguino, a homemade corn beer that plays a big role in their culture. Somehow, despite a diet that seems basic compared to the scientifically designed nutrition plans of elite marathoners, they manage to outrun some of the world’s best athletes.

But perhaps the biggest lesson the Tarahumara offer is their mindset. While modern runners stress about splits, VO2 max, and race-day strategy, the Tarahumara approach running with joy. It’s not about competing or chasing personal bests—it’s about community, movement, and freedom. Their traditional ball races, known as rarajipari, involve teams kicking a wooden ball for miles on end, turning running into a game rather than a grind.

The irony in all of this is that, as the world becomes more obsessed with efficiency and performance, the Tarahumara’s way of running is slowly fading. Modern influences are creeping into their communities, and younger generations are moving away from the traditions that made their ancestors legendary runners. But their story still holds a powerful lesson: running doesn’t have to be complicated. Strip away the gear, the data, and the pressure, and you might just rediscover what it means to run the way humans were meant to.