Ep 6. The Infinite Race

The Infinite Race, an episode in the fifth season of ESPN's celebrated documentary series, 30 for 30, examines the controversial and ultimately tragic history of the Tarahumara people in the Copper Canyons of Mexico. The Tarahumara are a native Mexican people famed for their long-distance running abilities. For centuries, they have been an integral part of their remote, mountainous communities, using running as a means of transportation, communication, and spiritual practice.

However, the Tarahumara's centuries-old way of life has come under threat in recent decades. Illegal logging, drug trafficking, and violence have all taken their toll on the region. But perhaps the most significant force impacting the Tarahumara has been the rise of "ultra-running" - extreme-distance races that have become a popular challenge for Western athletes in search of new frontiers of endurance.

The Infinite Race tells the story of one of these races - the Caballo Blanco Ultra - and its impact on the Tarahumara people. The race was the brainchild of Micah True, an American ultrarunner who became enamored with the Tarahumara and their running traditions during repeated visits to the region. True, who had competed in and won many high-profile races, saw in the Copper Canyons an opportunity to create something truly unique that would help raise awareness of the Tarahumara's plight and celebrate their remarkable athleticism.

The Caballo Blanco Ultra, named after True himself (Caballo Blanco was his adopted Tarahumara name), was held annually in the Copper Canyons between 2003 and 2012. It was a grueling 50-mile race through treacherous terrain that attracted some of the world's best ultra-runners, including Scott Jurek, Anton Krupicka, and Jenn Shelton. But the race was also open to the Tarahumara, who were considered the true stars of the event.

The Infinite Race explores both the wonder and the controversy of the Caballo Blanco Ultra. On the one hand, the race was an extraordinary showcase of human endurance and a celebration of the Tarahumara's running prowess. The event brought international attention to the Copper Canyons and raised tens of thousands of dollars for the indigenous community. For many of the Tarahumara, it was a chance to show the world the beauty and richness of their traditions.

But on the other hand, the Caballo Blanco Ultra also represented a profound challenge to the Tarahumara way of life. Some critics argued that the event was exploitative, presenting the Tarahumara as a curious and exotic attraction for Western runners. Others accused True and other organizers of cultural insensitivity, claiming that the ultra-culture that surrounded the race was antithetical to the Tarahumara's more holistic approach to running.

The Infinite Race raises some profound and difficult questions about the relationship between native communities and the people who come to study, observe, and participate in their traditions. At the heart of the episode is a real sense of concern and respect for the Tarahumara and their unique way of life. As such, the episode is a compelling exploration of the complex interplay between culture, sport, and identity. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of physical endurance and cultural history.