María Lorena Ramírez: the barefoot spirit redefining ultramarathons

The story of Lorena Ramírez, the Rarámuri ultramarathoner who runs in traditional dress and homemade sandals, proving that authenticity and resilience can conquer any race.

María Lorena Ramírez is quietly reshaping the world of ultramarathons. Born and raised in a small village in Mexico’s Chihuahua state, she belongs to the Rarámuri people, whose name means “those who run on foot.” In a sport dominated by big-name sponsors, high-tech gear, and carefully tailored training plans, Lorena’s presence feels like a gust of wind from another era—refreshing, humbling, and undeniably powerful.

She runs in a bright traditional skirt and her trusty guaraches—simple sandals handcrafted from recycled tire rubber. There are no $220 (€200) trail shoes in her closet, no energy gels tucked into her pockets. Just a bottle of water, a scarf around her neck, and an unyielding determination that seems to power her as much as any nutrition plan could.

If you’re imagining that this approach means she lags behind, think again. In 2017, at just 22, she stunned the running world by winning the Ultra Trail Cerro Rojo—31 miles (50 km) in 7 hours and 3 minutes—beating 500 athletes from 12 countries. The international press took notice, and her legend began to grow.

The Hong Kong ultramarathon challenge

This past January (2025), Lorena lined up for the Hong Kong Ultramarathon, a grueling 62-mile (100 km) race that drew more than 2,000 competitors. Midway through, she suffered painful foot injuries, forcing her to bandage both ankles. Yet she kept going, crossing the finish line in 26 hours and 2 minutes, placing 328th.

Just days earlier, her brother José Mario had run his own race—a 35-mile (56 km) event—proving that endurance runs deep in the Ramírez family. For Lorena, though, running has never been about fame or money. It’s about cultural pride and sheer love for the sport. Her international trips happen only thanks to donations and race organizers’ support.

Netflix, controversy, and an unshakable spirit

In 2019, Netflix brought her story to a global audience with the documentary Lorena, Light-Footed Woman. The exposure was huge—but the payment wasn’t. Her compensation? A mattress, a bed frame, and a stove. Lorena never complained. She simply kept running, carrying with her a message as enduring as her strides: you don’t have to abandon your identity to chase a dream.

Today, Lorena Ramírez stands as a symbol of resilience and integrity. Against every obstacle—financial, physical, or institutional—she keeps running. For herself. For her family. For her community. And we’ll be here, cheering, waiting for the next race where, without a doubt, she’ll leave her mark once again.

Source: UTMB® Index