Last updated: 19-Jul-18
María Lorena Ramírez, from the Rarámuri community in Chihuahua, Mexico, won the females’ 50-kilometre category of the Ultra Trail Cerro Rojo, wearing a pair of basic sandals with soles made from recycled tyre rubber.
500 runners from 12 countries participated in the race – many of them kitted up to the max.
But unlike her fellow contestants, Lorena completed the course with no kit and no professional coaching.
Eschewing lycra, she wore a skirt, hat and neckerchief.
Rather than a fancy hydration pack, she carried a bottle of water.
She ran the 50 kilometres in seven hours and three minutes.
“She carried no special accessories,” said race organizer Orlando Jiménez. “She didn’t bring any gel, nor energy sweets, walking stick, glasses or those very expensive running shoes that everyone wears to run in the mountains. Just a bottle of water, her hat and a kerchief.”
Lorena, whose job is herding goats and cattle, trained by walking 10-15 kilometres with her herd every day.
Bravo, Lorena! But, should you feel that you are not quite up to her standard of natural running yet… don’t forget to check out our kit reviews for some helpful tips.
