Marathon too short for Tarahumaras

The Tarahumara Indians of Mexico:  "Olympics Too Short"In 1928, the Mexican Olympic Committee decided to enter two Tarahumaras in the marathon race, the grueling race of over 26 miles which is the signature ending of the modern Olympics. Over the years, the best marathoners are those with extraordinary stamina who can sustain the required fast pace for over two hours. It seemed like a match made in heaven for the Mexican Committee. Two Tarahumaras were sent to Amsterdam for the 1928 Olympics. On the final day the two took off with the rest of the runners while their Mexican trainers crossed their fingers in anticipation.

But things didn’t exactly turn out the way the trainers had hoped. It seems that they forgot to tell the Tarahumaras that the race was only 42 kilometers long. When they finally appeared in the stadium and crossed the finish line in 32nd and 35th place respectively they kept on running not realizing that the race was over. When the officials finally caught up with them to stop running, they pleaded, “too short, too short,” Alas, rules are rules and the officials could do very little for them.This article obliquely raises the question of why the Tarahumaras don't compete in athletic events these days. The following posting provides a possible answer:

Investigative Journalist:  Sierra Tarahumara--2008Mexico's Tarahumara Indians are among the most gifted athletes in the world. Why aren't they rich?

Newsweek, August 5, 2002
1. Why do the Tarahumara Runners no longer race north of the border?

• The USA races do not offer prize money and no funding for travel or expenses


• They run in sandals and no shoe company will sponsor them


• They do not have birth certificates and cannot get passports to cross the border


• Racing in the USA is too dangerous for them as there is no security provided for these fine athletes and no insurance in case of an accident

2. Most importantly, Tarahumara racing is completely different than modern “ultra running.” Pounding out 100 miles with no ball and no running partner is quite boring for the Tarahumara racers!!Comment:  In short, the obstacles are economic, political, and cultural.