Six Mexican Indians To Compete in Texas Marathon Race Friday (3/25/1927)

Austin, Texas, March 23 (AP) -- Six Tarahumara Indian runners, three men and three women, were encamped in a suite at a leading hotel here today in an effort to acclimate themselves for marathon races Friday in connection with the Texas relays.  The men will run 82 miles and the women 26.

Three of the Indians complained of swollen feet in their arrival from the mountains of Mexico last night as a result of coming in contact with steam pipes in a Pullman.  Their worries vanished for a time when they were allowed to unpack a supply of native food from their blanket rolls.

Accompanied by a trainer, interpreter and a chaperon, the Indians entered the hotel dressed in more than fromal native garb.  The men wore blue denim suits while the women appeared with bobbed hair, net dresses and shawls.  All wore sandals but none had stockings.

The men will to go San Antonio tomorrow to start their race at 3 o'clock Friday morning.  They expect to cover the distance in about eight hours.  The women will start at Kyle 26 miles from here to accompany the men to the stadium.

The Mexican government furnished $1,000 to send the athletes here.

Source:  The Emporia (Kansas) Gazette, Wednesday, March 23, 1927