Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon is a 80km ultra marathon in Urique, Mexico. Distance: 80km. Elevation: 3,000m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 42/100). DNF rate: 15%. Time limit: 16h. Surface: trail. Established 2003.
Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon
Urique, Chihuahua, Mexico
"Run the canyons made famous by 'Born to Run' — alongside the legendary Tarahumara runners of Mexico's Copper Canyon."
The legendary race from 'Born to Run' through Mexico's Copper Canyon — running alongside Tarahumara ultrarunners on ancient canyon trails.
The Course
Through Mexico's Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre), deeper and wider than the Grand Canyon. The course follows Tarahumara (Rarámuri) running trails along canyon rims, through pine forests, and down into the subtropical canyon floor. Legendary terrain made famous by 'Born to Run.'
mountainous
loop
5
2,400m
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
18°C
8° – 30°
30%
5%
March in the Sierra Madre. Warm in the canyon depths, cool at the rim. Very dry. Strong sun at altitude.
Stats & Records
2003
300
12:00:00
5:48:33
Arnulfo Quimare (2018)
7:22:12
Maria Lorena Ramirez (2017)
Entry
MXN 5000
August
months
Lore & Trivia
The Copper Canyon Ultra runs through Mexico's Barranca del Cobre — a canyon system deeper and larger than the Grand Canyon. The route passes through indigenous Rarámuri (Tarahumara) territory, where communities have practised long-distance running for centuries in huarache sandals. Christopher McDougall's "Born to Run" made these canyons famous worldwide, and the race brings international runners into contact with one of the world's oldest continuous running traditions.
- ▸ The race was made famous by Christopher McDougall's book 'Born to Run', which chronicled the Tarahumara runners.
- ▸ Tarahumara (Rarámuri) runners compete alongside international runners, often running in traditional huarache sandals.
- ▸ Copper Canyon is actually a series of canyons larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon.
- ▸ The Rarámuri name means 'those who run' — they have a centuries-old tradition of ultra-distance running.
- ▸ Established in 2003.
The Tarahumara run in sandals through canyons that make the Grand Canyon look small. They make the rest of us look like amateurs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon? +
Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon is a 80km (80km) ultra marathon with 3,000m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon? +
Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 42/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 15%. Runners have 16 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon? +
Average temperature is 18°C (range 8°C to 30°C) with 30% humidity and a 5% chance of rain. March in the Sierra Madre. Warm in the canyon depths, cool at the rim. Very dry. Strong sun at altitude.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the course record for Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon? +
The men's course record is 5:48:33 set by Arnulfo Quimare in 2018. The women's course record is 7:22:12 set by Maria Lorena Ramirez in 2017.
What is the average finish time for Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon? +
The average finish time is 12:00:00. About 300 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 15%.
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