Where are the Copper Canyons?
The Copper Canyons (Barrancas del Cobre) known locally as La Sierra Tarahumara are located in northern Mexico in the State of Chihuahua. The Canyons are a series of massive canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. Popular for hiking and running, they get their name from the copper-green hue of the canyon walls.
Is it safe to run there?
It is as safe as any other area for remote trail running. The state of Chihuahua and the local Municipality of Urique are an integral part and help support our events and will there will be local law enforcement and emergency personnel present during all our events.
What Paperwork will I require?
We do not require any medical certification, however, we expect you to be in good health and prepared for a challenging physical adventure. For international travelers, in addition to your passport you will require a tourist permit/visa known as a FMM to enter Chihuahua (depending on your passport country – US residents are only required to obtain a FMM permit). Most all airlines add this to your ticket and add a fee but please confirm with your airline. Also if driving to Chihuahua from the US, there are online options to obtain this permit in advance or you can obtain at most all border crossings.
What else should I bring?
While the weather is ideal this time of year, this is a mountain and canyon event and you will experience very warm days and perhaps very cold evenings and your gear and clothing should address this. Also, please get your Pesos in advance, as there are not really available places to exchange once in the Sierra (while all-inclusive you may want to purchase some crafts and other gifts while in the Canyon. There are several locations in Chihuahua (ciudad) to exchange dollars and you can also use most all ATM bank machines to acquire up to 7000 pesos with your bank card. Pack an open mind and an open heart for sure.
Why is the pricing all-inclusive?
Given how limited the lodging options are, it was easier for us to simply book all the rooms at the hotels in the area rather than let everyone fend for themselves. We also feel that this allows for a better cultural experience since we take all the guess work (and potential language barrier) out of the equation. Also, while travel to the Barrancas has gotten easier over the last 10 years, it still requires much logistical planning. Lastly, as you will hear us say, and pretty much everyone who has joined this adventure in previous years - it’s so much more than the race and you will want to have the full experience.
What’s included in the “all-inclusive” pricing?
The pricing INCLUDES the following: (please see all details the “Camp” page, however generally it provides
· All round-trip ground transportation from Chihuahua, Chihuahua to the Copper Canyons
· All race support
· All nights lodging
· All meals each day of the trip
· All cultural excursions and entertainment for the entirety of the adventure
· Custom event gift and finisher awards
NOT INCLUDED: Alcohol unless part of cultural event, and of course all the Raramuri craft gifts you will want to bring home. Other than this, we pretty much have you covered all week!
Do I have to take the all-inclusive option IF I ONLY WANT TO RACE?
No. You are welcome make your own way to the Sierra Tarahumara and find your own lodging or camping accommodations. Note that the event hotels and lodges will be fully booked for all-inclusive package participants. We can for sure help you find camping options near both main locations we stay at.
Can you accommodate Special diets?
Yes somewhat, though vegan and vegetarian meals are less common in the Sierra and at times the amount of options will be limited. However If you have very special nutritional needs or allergies please be prepared to be responsible for your own meals. For the most part, all organized meals will have vegetarian options, and limited vegan diet options. We will also attempt to accommodate those who prefer gluten-free nutrition. However, we cannot guarantee any special dietary needs can be met, and you should plan accordingly.
How difficult are the races?
All the courses and events are challenging. While there are many very ‘runable sections’ there are technical climbs and descents, some water crossings, and generally quite challenging terrain in parts. We expect participants to be fully prepared and capable.
What level of fitness is required?
The 50K, Marathon and Half are as challenging as any we know of. While there are long stretches of easier terrain, there are many miles and long segments of challenging technical climbs and descents. The daily Camp runs throughout the week will offer both shorter and longer run/hike options and it is of course broken into all days segments making it more approachable for everyone.
Is the course disabled athlete friendly?
The various courses cover all types of terrain within the Sierra Madre and should not be considered by anyone with injury or with a significant physical challenge. This said, we know many a badass adaptive athlete and would never suggest that this is something that cannot be accomplished - but the term ‘friendly’ just isn’t accurate.
Are there time cutoffs?
The 50K and Marathon will have a seven hour cutoff at mile 21 to ensure completion in daylight. We will also notify everyone prior to the event of any additional cutoffs or considerations.
Are there pacers or crew allowed?
There is no pacing however all areas of the course can be accessed by friends or family for support if you like - just know most all the course is not accessible by vehicle.
How frequent are the aid stations?
The 50K, Marathon and Half are approximately 3-5 miles apart.
What will be available at the aid stations?
All aid stations will offer filtered water, various fruit, and traditional Pinole. Some may offer additional nutrition, perhaps electrolyte drinks and coke but be prepared to bring your own if you have a preference for certain gels, bites or the like.
What is the course marking like?
The course will be thoroughly marked with ribbon and additional notifications at obvious junctions. We will also provide digital course files and prefer that all runners have a device to access them (phone app also)
Can I wear headphones?
If you choose to run with headphones we ask that you keep the volume down at a safe level so that you can hear other runners or instructions from event personnel. We also ask that you remove them, or, at the very least, remove one ear bud when you are coming to aid stations, in a large crowd or on more technical or difficult sections of the course. The important thing is paying attention to everyone's safety and maintaining basic race etiquette with other runners - otherwise sure get your jam on.
Can I drop during my event?
A lot of the course covers challenging and remote locations. Always, if you are able you should get to the nearest aid station and unless you are injured, please do not drop at a remote station as these can take quite long for us to extract you. We will have on course access to evacuate for any serious injury - in some sections this may be by horse. If you drop please notify a race representative as soon as possible.
What is the medical support and insurance situation?
The race will be supported by local Red Cross and there will be emergency medical response teams on call. The race does not provide any insurance of any kind. If you desire any type of travel or health related supplemental insurance you are personally responsible to acquire it. As we get closer to the event, we will share a couple of options for this as we can.
Can I bring my camera ON COURSE?
We will have on course a team taking pictures and filming parts of the run. However, this is one of the most majestic races on the planet – you should for sure bring some type of small camera/video device - i.e. your phone!
Is there Mandatory equipment That I need to Run with?
We will provide a list of suggested items to carry during your runs. However, the race does not have a required kit with one exception - a watch or device that allows you to follow real time the course. Other than this, we assume you are an experienced athlete and understand what you will need relative to whatever conditions the day will bring.
Will the events be cancelled if it rains?
No. The race will be held, rain or shine. Courses may be modified to account for weather conditions. This is typically limited to a highly highly unlikely heavy rain that would not allow creek and stream crossings in certain areas.
Do you offer refunds?
We are sorry, we cannot offer a full refund. Putting on this race requires much pre-event allocations, planning and coordination with all our partners and local businesses. We also use proceeds to support the True Messages nonprofit and make those allocations as registrations occur to provide entries and support for the local Raramuri runners.
However, prior to September 1st we are able to refund 60% of your paid fees or carry over 100% of your entry to 2024 with a $150 processing fee on all inclusive package refunds and a $25 fee on race only returns. You are also able to transfer your entry and/or inclusive package to any other athlete for a $100 transfer fee. After September 1st due to the nature of this event there are no refunds or transfers. If you have any questions about our policy, please contact us. All refunds will be issued on September 1.
In the highly unlikely situation that the event must be postponed for any reason, all entries and packages will carry over to the next scheduled event.
Friends, Amigos, Norwa (Sponsors)
