Run Like a Raramuri: Stories and Wisdoms from the Sierra Tarahumara and Running Long
By El Falcon Rojo
Independently Published
Published: January 1, 2026
ISBN: 9798994040102
Genre: Memoir, Spiritual
Run Like a Rarámuri is a deeply personal, firsthand narrative that continues the story the world first glimpsed in Born to Run. Drawing from fifteen years living, running, and learning among the Rarámuri of Mexico’s Copper Canyons, the book offers an intimate look into a culture that runs not for fame or competition, but for connection, community, and spiritual purpose.
Told through vivid storytelling, lived experience, and interwoven “Wisdoms” – short reflections that punctuate and deepen each story – the book explores what it means to live freely, give generously, and move through the world with gratitude and endurance.
At its core, Run Like a Rarámuri is about connection – between people, between body and Earth, and between effort and joy. The Rarámuri concept of Korima, meaning sharing or mutual exchange, weaves through every page. It’s the belief that what we give freely comes back multiplied, and that life is best lived when generosity replaces competition.
Running, for the Rarámuri, is both ritual and celebration. It’s prayer in motion. The author explores this idea through his own transformation – from seeking endurance as achievement to embracing running as communion. Along the way, he confronts moments of loss, including the passing of friends and the hardships of life in the remote canyons, but always returns to gratitude and purpose.
The book balances beauty and realism: the simplicity of canyon life, the laughter of shared meals, the humility of the Rarámuri runners, and the challenges of maintaining community traditions in a modernizing world. It’s as much about endurance of the spirit as endurance of the body.
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About the Author
Michael, (Mas Loco name ‘El Falcon Rojo’ – inspired by his spirit animal inspiration the Red Tailed Hawk) along with his wife Kimberly (Rojita Bonita) first traveled to the Sierra Tarahumara 15 years ago to run the legendary Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco. Invited by their friend Micah True (aka Caballo Blanco) to run and celebrate with the famed Raramuri athletes, they immediately fell in love with the lands and the peoples of the majestic Copper Canyon.
Having completed over 500 races including over 150 Ultra Marathons Michael found the Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco to be a run like no other and he knew he and Kimberly would forever do all they could to honor, celebrate and support this event and the Raramuri communities and culture.
Michael co-founded the 501c3 nonprofit True Messages in honor of Micah True that continues and expands the projects and the “Powerful Messages of a simple Messenger” in honor of the Raramuri peoples. Along with his wife, they are blessed to volunteer their time to this inspiring culture.
Michael still runs, including wandering around the canyons and mountains of the Sierra Tarahumara over four months every year. He is forever grateful for all the wisdoms and blessings the lands and his friends in the Sierra have shared with him.
El Falcon Rojo
