Goshen: Places of Refuge for the Running People

The indigenous Tarahumara tribe in Mexico's Copper Canyon are renowned for their long-distance running endurance, using handmade shoes cobbled together from discarded tires and goat leather. Of interest to contemporary medical professionals, the Tarahumara have a much lower incidence of diseases such as diabetes and cancer, making them Mexico's healthiest demographic. Filmmakers Dana Richardson and Sarah Zentz's documentary offers a rare glimpse of the Tarahumara, tracing tumultuous upheavals in their history, along with the ongoing threat they face from contemporary drug cartel violence. The primarily vegetarian Tarahumara diet and its impact on their wellness are also touched upon, as are their extraordinary athletic abilities. Watching the Tarahumara men and women engage in distinctive long-distance games across rugged terrains is a jaw-dropping sight, beautifully captured here on film. Also featuring expert commentary from Christopher McDougall (who wrote about the tribe in his acclaimed 2009 nonfiction book Born to Run) and nutritional experts Wayne Coates and Matt Frazier, this informative and inspiring documentary is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)