Run Fulfills Tribes’ Prophecy

Petra Nieto was never much for running. Her graying hair hangs in a loose braid down her back, and she prefers long linen skirts to running shorts. She wears tennis shoes, but she goes through them quicker than some, because she’s heavier.

The Pico Rivera woman surprised even herself May 1 when she set out from a remote Alaska village on a journey to Panama -- mostly running.

By Monday, after plodding some 3,200 miles, she was a bit more matter-of-fact -- a remarkable state for a 48-year-old mother of six who still has more than 1,000 miles left in her trek.

Nieto, a member of the Tarahumara tribe, was one of about two dozen runners passing through Southern California on the “Peace and Dignity Journey” -- a 5,000-mile run from Alaska to Panama in the name of Native American unity and world peace.

The run, which began May 1 in Chickaloon Village, Alaska, is to end in October in Panama City. Runners from the north will meet there with a group that started at the same time in Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America.

On Monday morning in Oxnard, about 25 runners warmed up at Colonia Memorial Park. The previous day they had trekked through Santa Barbara, where they observed a moment of silence at the mission for the Chumash buried there.

On Monday, they were headed for the tiny farm town of Piru, about 30 miles distant -- and in subsequent days for Los Angeles, San Diego, Mexico and points south.

Nobody in the group runs the whole time. Most average about 15 miles a day, hopping onto support vehicles every three to five miles.

Like Nieto, most had not been athletic, and few had trained for the trek.

But the journey’s spiritual purpose, she said, is what keeps her motivated.

“When you’re focused, you don’t get tired. You’re filled with creation and spirituality.”

The run, which has its roots in a 1990 gathering of more than 200 indigenous people in Quito, Ecuador, symbolizes a native tale of the eagle and the condor.

According to the story, indigenous people from throughout the Americas will unite after centuries of colonization. The “Peace and Dignity Journeys,” proposed by the indigenous elders every four years, are intended to help realize the prophecy.

In respect for their elders, runners carry staffs decorated with feathers, beads and antlers.

For the run through Oxnard, some prayed for an end to youth violence by carrying staffs painted in stripes of red and blue, traditional gang colors.

Before setting out Monday, a crew of about 25 wearing jean shorts, rolled-up pants, long skirts and tribal jewelry gathered in a prayer circle with children from a nearby school.

Outfitted in her running gear -- a long, white linen skirt and beaded necklaces -- Nieto joined in the offering of prayers: “Thanks to the creator.” “Take care of your elders.” “Treat women well.”

The theme for this year’s journey -- women and Mother Earth -- attracted more female runners than ever, local organizer Moses Mora said.

When Nieto reaches Los Angeles, two of her daughters will join her for the remainder of the run.

The women will stop at a village in central Mexico before returning to the U.S.

At the park in Oxnard, the aroma of burning sage and cedar wafted over the crowd.

The deep call of a conch shell sounded.

A man pounded a buffalo-hide drum and some of the runners chanted. To keep her mouth hydrated, Nieto took a bite of bitterroot.

Hydration is essential, she said, now that they have hit warmer climates. In the northern states, cool air and winds made running outside easier.

But even so, the elements took their toll.

In Washington state, Nieto contracted pneumonia and had to rest a few days. Not long afterward, she was in pain from an infected tooth and had to see a doctor.

But now that she’s taking penicillin, she said she can’t feel the pain.

Running is a kind of therapy, she said. “You’re away from everything. You’re touching earth and ground,” Nieto said. “There’s nothing that can block you. You just go, and you just keep on going.”