08/20/2026
The runner from San Buenaventura Amoltepec won her category at the 2026 Trail de las Culturas in Tlaxiaco, completing the 14-kilometer mountain race barefoot while wearing traditional Mixtec clothing.
The race took place on August 9 across rugged trails and uneven terrain in Oaxaca’s Mixteca region. While other runners relied on modern running shoes, Zárate ran without footwear, wearing her community’s traditional white clothing, embroidered blouse and rebozo.
Her victory was more than an athletic achievement. It became a powerful celebration of Mixtec identity, tradition and pride, showing how Indigenous culture can be carried onto the biggest stages—even through something as simple as a race.
And this wasn’t her first impressive result: earlier in 2026, Zárate also won a women’s 14-kilometer cross-country race in Oaxaca’s Triqui region.
Barefoot. 14 kilometers. Traditional clothing. And a victory for Oaxaca. 🇲🇽🔥
