CAMP CORRE LIBRE

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Camp Corre Libre is for every runner!

Brand new runners, old crittity runners, fast and slow runners, barefoot and hoka runners, 5K and 100 mile runners, Bay City Michigan and Topeka Kansas runners… okay you get the idea - EVERYONE. While most Run Camps are primarily concerned with improving your speed and performance for racing, our focus is on maximizing your joy, experience, and pleasure when running. That does not mean there are no ‘teachings’, ‘techniques’ and wisdoms passed along, it simply means our focus is on experience versus performance.

The all-inclusive ‘Camp Corre Libre’ (Camp Run Free) is an educational, cultural, and athletic journey with and through the Sierra Tarahumara, the largest and deepest canyon system in North America. You’ll share trails, conversations, running skills and learnings with our legendary Camp Hosts and with the indigenous peoples of these magical lands, the famed Raramuri endurance runners who many came to know via the best selling ‘Born to Run’ by Christopher McDougall. Over six days you’ll experience the magic of the Barrancas and memories (and running skills) that will become etched in your mind (and body) for life.

Your days include: Running on ancient Raramuri trails (different pace groups to accommodate all athletes), educational sessions (sharings and conversations) led by endurance running legends, and six evenings full immersion into the culture and beauty of the Barrancas through music, dance, food, temezcal ‘opportunity’, plus an adventure park, artisan crafts, Busureliame education, and story telling - all culminating with the race of your choice (truly a run like no other) on Sunday and the magnificent celebration that is the Festival de Cerocahui! 

** For details on the Camp Agenda, Travel and Accommodations, Pricing and information about our Camp Hosts and Special Guests - please scroll down.

ALL INCLUSIVE CULTURAL PACKAGE

PACKAGE INCLUDES

• All necessary Round Trip Transportation from Ciudad Chihuahua Host Hotel to the Copper Canyons and return to Host Hotel. All Local Transportation.

• All nights Lodging including Chihuahua Host Hotel the night prior to departure. Accommodations are local lodges and hotels and all are double occupancy (those traveling as a single will be assigned a room with another runner)

• All Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners throughout the trip, *departure days breakfast a grab and go bag as we leave early. For race day traditional Raramuri aid station foods on course so bring any special nutrition desired

• Nightly cultural entertainment and events (music, dance, after parties, etc) as well as the Cerocahui Cultural Festival

• All Camp story and educational sessions

• Race Entry of your choice (50K, Marathon, Half)  

• Admission to the Parque de Adventura (activities not included). Activities include zipline, rappel, climbing, and tram rides

• Custom Raramuri artisan handmade finisher awards and special event gift 

• Perhaps something extra special from the Born to Run gang and Camp Leaders?!!

PRICING

All inclusive: $2250 until sold out. *Event will sell out, book early to ensure your spot.

CAMP AGENDA

As all transportation will be departing very early Tuesday morning, we suggest all Camp Corre Libre athletes should arrive in Chihuahua by early Monday evening at the latest, and ideally mid day or before, to ensure no delayed travel issues cause missing the bus Tuesday morning.

MONDAY OCTOBER 21ST

3:00 PM:  Check in available at Chihuahua Host Hotel. Check in available throughout the remainder of the day and evening.

5:30 PM: For those who have arrived and would like to join the group, many of us will get together for a little walking tour of Centro Chihuahua and hit a couple of enjoyable spots for a drink and dinner. ** this evening is not part of the package so meals and such not are not included (hotel is included this evening however)

TUESDAY OCTOBER 22ND

7:00 AM:  Bus will depart Chihuahua Host Hotel, all runners must load bags and board by 6:45 AM

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Seeing we have a captive audience during the times we are on the bus, we might as well get this Corre Libre (Run Free) party started. Who knew you could learn (and practice) some valuable running techniques will riding on a bus? Also, you may be getting some ‘Born to Run’ stories during the ride, actually probably all week, our Camp Hosts have a whole lot of years of stories to share!

12:00 PM: Lunch stop in Creel. This year we have something special planned as we make our way to Areponapuchi and Mansion Tarahumara. Our (mostly) fearless leader will take us all on a little hike, one that exactly replicates the one he took with Micah and all the gang back in 2006. The same trail, and the same wisdoms will be shared. Following we will have a nice sit down lunch and perhaps a drip of time to wander the Creel Pueblo Magico before we load up for the final 45 minutes of bus ride for the day

3:00 PM: Arrival at Mansion Tarahumara, check in to rooms, explore grounds and settle in.

5:30 PM: A little couple mile easy shake out run to the edge of the canyon and back with all Camp

7:00 PM: Dinner in main dining room

8:00 PM:  Fire, live music and cultural activities outside on the veranda. There may be something passed around that is local to only the Sierra Tarahumara - it may or may not taste like the beautiful fire we are sitting around.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23RD

6:30 AM: (optional) Join us as we walk to the edge of the actual Barranca del Cobre and experience one of the most beautiful sunrises watching spots anywhere on the planet

7:30 AM: Breakfast is served in the main dining room

9:00 - 9:30 AM: Two great options for today. The Parque de Adventura for some heart beat increasing fun or a hiking and educational day in the historical and culturally important Raramuri community of Mogotovo. Meet on the veranda with the Camp Hosts for 30 minutes for the specifics of the day and any changes

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: OPTION 1: Parque de Adventura. We will hike/run (transportation available) to one of the most spectacular adventure parks on the Planet. An open agenda to experience the wonder of this world renown natural park. Ride the world’s longest zipline high above the canyon floor, take the tram across the beautiful barranca with 100 mile views. Perhaps add in a cultural experience of a Raramuri home visit and watch basket making, and see how our friends live life in these beautiful lands. Join us also as the world’s best Gordita’s are on the lunch agenda (how many can you eat? (6 is the new record!)! *different pace groups will be lead us to the Park from the hotel ad back. Also we have an option for a little longer run beyond the main park area for those wanting a little more views and kilometers

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: OPTION 2*: Mogotovo hike. We will load up and be transported just a few miles down the road to the edge of Mogotovo. This day will be led by Randy Gingrich (founder of Tierra Nativa and an advocate for Raramuri rights, including these important lands, for over 30 years. In addition to stunning landscapes, ancient caves, sacred wells, Mogotovo is an important center of Raramuri culture. The hike will included learnings and sharing of what makes these lands so important as you hike directly to what are truly places that are like nowhere else on the planet. Much much more to share but we will leave some of what this day will bring for your trip. Lunch and a special introduction to be shared by the children and community. (if community team is available-this can vary based on many situations).

3:00 PM: Run/hike back to Tarahumara Inn - or those coming back from Mogotovo will have an option to run back or hop back in the van.

6:30 PM (CCL): Meet early in the main dining room seeing it’s diner time let’s talk a little about nutrition.

7:00 PM: Dinner in the main dining room

8:00 PM: Fire and live music and cultural activities outside on the veranda - join us for some fresh air and fun. Maybe time for some traditional dancing?

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24TH

6:30 AM: (optional) Join us as we walk to the edge of the actual Barranca del Cobre and experience one of the most beautiful sunrises watching spots anywhere on the planet

7:30 AM:  Breakfast is served in the main dining room (please be seated by 8:00 AM latest)

9:30 AM: Time to load up and head deeper into the Sierra. Bus departs for Cerocahui. Make sure after breakfast to get packed and ready to load.

12:00 PM: Arrival at the San Isidro Eco Lodge, grab a quick lunch snack and check in to cabins, explore the grounds and settle in

2:00 PM (CCL): Time for a quick little Rarajipari and Ariweta education session (don’t let all the non Camp runners know because it’s them we will be playing.

3:00 PM: We will round up and make some teams mixed between Camp Corre Libre Team, some ‘locals’ (read: ringers) and the rest of the non camp CCER runners (read: those people who didn’t sign up in time before the CCCR spots filled) for a little Rarajipari and Ariweta games time. If you have your Huaraches put them on, if not I am sure Manuel Luna and Barefoot Ted or someone can hook you up with a new pair - Hoka’s just won’t do it for flicking a bola. Traditionally there is always a little wagering between teams - we have some ideas (wink)

5:00 PM:  Temezcal first groups. This is one everyone’s favorite experiences. You can participate however you choose. Some simply choose an opportunity for a detoxifying sweat, for others it is medicine for the soul and a healing and sharing blessing like no other. Open your heart and open your mind

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Camp style dinner at the Hawk Nest with fire, drumming, and sharing. This night sky, these smells of smoke and wood, and this music you do not want to miss

FRIDAY OCTOBER 25TH

8:00 AM:  Breakfast in the San Isidro dining rooms

10:30 AM: Kid’s morning! Group run (or transportation provided) to Porochi, a local Raramuri community. We will visit the local school and hang with the young ones for a little. Maybe some basketball, or futbol (soccer), a run, and share any Korima (donations). Generally just have some fun with the next generation of runners. There will also be an option for those wanting a longer run to continue beyond Porochi to one of the most beautiful long views in all the Sierra and then return the same way to come back with the rest of the group just in time to join those that stayed with the kids for lunch.

4:00 PM: Temezcal groups continue. We will assign your group prior to arrival at the lodge

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pre-dinner stories and conversation: “What did Micah mean when he shared the best running advice ever “Run Free”? Well, it means a lot of things to a lot of people, let’s talk about that. Let’s Run Free forever…

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sierra style dinner at the Hawk Nest with fire, traditional Raramuri music, poetry and stories shared by special guest Martin Makawi. Martin is a leader in the Raramuri community, a poet, an author, and an amazing musician. He is also the founder and leader of the Busureliame children’s educational project which we be introduced to this special evening as well. DO NOT MISS THIS - Always a magical evening

SATURDAY OCTOBER 26TH

6:30 AM: Sunrise ceremony on the Mesa. Set two alarms and make sure your roommate does too. No description for now, this morning is for us only.

8:00 AM: Breakfast in the San Isidro dining rooms

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Load up we are headed down into Cerocahui for the first day of the festival, the kids races, some Rarajipari, Ariweta and an opportunity to explore this wonderful community. There is also an option to run on down to town with our Raramuri guides and get a feel for the course and perhaps a dip into the Waterfall!

11:00 PM - 1:00 PM (CCL): For those that may not want to go into town, we have a great option - Want to learn how to make truly authentic tortillas and alote tamales!? Now is your opportunity. A great chill pre-race day and maybe a long nap, but if you want to take a life skill home that your whole family will appreciate forever, well then jump in on this learning experience

3:00 PM: Temezcal final groups

6:00 PM: Dinner, packet pickup and race/run final briefing at the Hawk Nest. Not too long a night so everyone can get some good rest for all the magic still to come tomorrow

SUNDAY OCTOBER 27TH

6:00 AM:  Grab and go burritos and coffee available in the San Isidro dining rooms

6:30 AM: Marathon and 50K runners load on the vans going down to Cerocahui start line.

7:30 AM:  Marathon and 50K race start! Soak in this journey in the Sierra - here we Run Together, we Run with the Earth and we Run Free!

8:00 AM: Half Marathon runners load in vans to be transported to Gallego lookout for your race

9:00 AM:  Half Marathon race start! Soak in this journey in the Sierra - here we Run Together, we Run with the Earth and we Run Free!

10:30 AM - 4:00 PM: Runners arriving at Finish Line in Cerocahui.

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM: The Festival Andres Lara! More music, dance, and traditions right there at your finish line. Make sure you check out some of the performances, especially the Dance of the Venado, and be ready for the the final fun (for our night anyway) the blessing of the Tesguino - what a way to wrap up the day and the week!

12:00 PM - 9:00 PM:  Transportation from the finish line in Cerocahui back to the lodge at San Isidro about every 90 minutes throughout the day. If your running journey left you a little too wiped out to hang for the festival hop on and go get a shower and some rest. Last transportation available at 9:00 (miss this and no problem, just a little 5 mile climb back up that crazy technical Waterfall trail you were on earlier)

MONDAY OCTOBER 28TH

07:00 AM: Breakfast Tamales and Burritos to go!

08:00 AM: Transportation departs for Chihuahua. You got a nice long ride to relax and tell tall tales about your run and show your scars and all that

4:00 PM (time approximate): Arrive back to Centro Chihuahua

See information on your Accommodations AND HOSTS below

Event Accommodations

Mansion Tarahumara Hotel 

One of the most beautiful lodging properties in all of the Copper Canyons. Sitting on the edge of one of the deepest canyons on the planet. 

San Isidro Lodge (CAMP HQ)

A beautiful Eco Lodge that is a favorite of all visitors to the Sierra Tarahumara and our favorite as well.  Wonderful grounds to explore high above the Cerocahui valley with a Temezcal on site.  Many cultural activities to experience for your non racing traveling partners.

Hotel Mision’ Cerocahui 

Easily one of the most stunning accommodations in all of the Barrancas and Sierra Tarahumara.  Surrounded by mountains and fertile valleys, just a few minutes from Urique Canyon, the largest in North America. The Mission Hotel is in an old vineyard and on one side is the historic church of the mission, with its original altar that dates from the mid-1700 and is still intact. 

meet Your CAMP HOSTS

**AND SPECIAL GUESTS**

Camp Host, Cruise Director and Race Director: Luis Escobar

Luis is a legend in the Endurance Running World and organizes events recognized as some of the most enjoyable running experiences in the sport. His Born to Run Ultramarathons “extravaganza” represents the type of event that Luis creates - something that is so much more than just a race. With the Copper Canyons Endurance Runs Luis will be leading a team that intends to provide a Magical experience for all runners deep in the Sierra Tarahumara - a cultural running journey like no other.

Camp Cultural Coordinator: Mario Munoz

He’s the one person that organizing this event could not do without. Mario grew up in the Sierra and has dedicated his life to introducing others to all the special aspects of the lands and people of the Copper Canyons. Mario is passionate about all the things that represent the magic of the Barrancas del Cobre and the Raramuri culture and the impact running has for the people and the lands.

Cultural Leaders and Special Guests: Arnulfo Quimare, Manual Luna, Miguel Lara

Known to the running world via their running successes, kind humble nature, and the bestselling Born to Run, Arnulfo and Manual have been running these lands since they first laced up Huaraches.  Miguel took the baton bola from Arnulfo and Manuel and in addition to being a running legend is hugely passionate about keeping the running traditions in his community alive. All three are huge inspirations to all the runners of the Sierra young and old. The guys in addition to coordinating all local Raramuri athlete support, they will be around Camp demonstrating and supporting the Hosts and helping out everywhere

Event Coordinators: Michael and Kimberly Miller

For well over a decade Michael and Kimberly have been traveling to the Sierra and experiencing all the wonderment the lands have to offer.  After the heartbreaking loss of Micah True (Caballo Blanco) they have helped with the race sponsorship, event support and athlete coordination for the Ultra Caballo Blanco (a true running pilgrimage event). They are founding members of ‘True Messages’ a nonprofit dedicated to carrying on Micah’s message of Korima. Michael also sat on the board for the nonprofit Norawas de Raramuri and they both have founded a company that is dedicated to supporting the inspiring peoples of the Sierra Tarahumara.  

Lodging and Accommodations: Cecy Villalobos

Cecy was hugely responsible for making the Ultra Caballo Blanco all this it is today. She has dedicated much to supporting the Tarahumara athletes and peoples of the Sierra. She grew up in these Barrancas and is an important part of our team coordinating lodging and cultural activities and experiences

Race Coordinator(s): Municipo de Urique and Cerocahui community leaders

Our friends with the local government and community leaders play a most important part of all of our race day events. The Administration helps coordinate all event physical logistics, aid stations, medical, local resources, regional media, and much of the magical entertainment for the Festival Andres Lara that makes this week so special. We are grateful to have their enormous help. We are also supported by the State of Chihuahua and appreciate their help greatly as well.

AMIGOS AND SPONSORS