For those of you that have read Born to Run, you are familiar with Micah True (Caballo Blanco). Portrayed as a a rogue ex-pat who lived in the Copper Canyons of Mexico, he is best known as Caballo Blanco—a man who befriended the Tarahumara (a group of indigenous Mexicans who are know for their extreme distance running abilities).
Over the weekend, searchers recovered the body of True, who disappeared on March 27, after heading out for a 12 mile run in the Gila National Park. He was a very knowledgeable about the trails in this region, and it is unknown at the moment how he died. There were no obvious signs of trauma.
Micah lived in Boulder, Colorado and was well-known as an ultra runner in the local running community and throughout the United States. He also served as the director of the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon—a 50 mile race run through the desert areas of the Copper Canyons in Mexico.
True was a great friend to the Tarahumaras, and organized the Copper Canyon Ultra in an effort to help raise awareness of their super human ability to race extreme distances.
If you haven’t yet read Born to Run, and you would like the back story of Caballo Blanco; Christopher McDougall (author of Born to Run) wrote a great piece on True in Men’s Fitness back in 2006.
Micah True will be remembered for his storied ultra running career and as a fellow brother to the Tarahumara.
Oh, wow! I’m just starting to read Born To Run right now and so sad to think this character I’m just getting to know about has died.
I know, I loved his character 🙁
So sad … Caballo Blanco is now running Ultras in Heaven.
Wow, that is so sad. 🙁 That book is on my to-read list.
I didn’t know that! Thanks for sharing… I really enjoyed that book, too.
Me too 🙁
Oh no – I am deeply saddened by this. I just read that book this past January as I trained for my first half marathon. I felt like the runners in the book, especially Caballo, really helped me to become a stronger runner by motivating me and allowing me to believe in myself.
Thanks for sharing.