As of last year, we are now requesting a pre-entry fee/donation to enter our Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon.
In 2006, when there was no pre-donation, about 30 Americans and a Mexican runner said they were "definitely" coming. 15 runners filled out the application/entry. We closed entry, and 7 state-side runners actually showed up to run!
Because of showing faith and good intention through positive action, these 7 runners not only won an incredible experience and a Club Mas Loco t-shirt, but, have also won free and automatic entry into all future Copper Canyon Runs! Free entry is based on Original Mas Locos not missing two consecutive runs. After missing the second run, Mas Locos fall back into semi-normalcy-:] Likewise, after current Mas Loco participation in 2 consecutive runs, the third consecutive run is free. There will now be a non-refundable donation/entry fee for others, to hold a place and encourage more of a commitment from interested participants. This donation will be based on the four day race program, pre-walking the two big loops of the course on two days prior to the race/run, guide service, answering all questions and showing folks around. Please read my website to get an idea of the value of a four+ day trip.
The race will be limited to about 20 outside runners.
Some runners may also apply for the week-long, extended program which includes visiting the two big canyons of Batopilas and Urique, and hiking over from Batopilas to Urique with the Tarahumara runners and me the Wednesday before the Sunday race. This is a very full program, a tough hike and a long day! The group will be limited to about 12 outside runners/hikers.
In 2008 we will also have something new for those who want more punishment-:] The extended program plus! Leaving the town of Urique the Monday after the race, we will take two days to hike back to Batopilas on another scenic, mostly trail route. We will walk down the Urique river about 11 miles to swim and camp, then the next day hike about 20 miles out of the Urique canyon, over the mountains and into Batopilas via Puerto Blanco [White pass].
Micah