Earlier this week, the city of El Paso hosted its fourth International 10k run to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. This was the first time the race ended in Mexico and the first event of its kind that brought together the two countries after the Walmart shooting that took the lives of 22 people in El Paso in August.
It was an emotional experience for the racers, some of whom were crossing the border to Ciudad Juárez for the first time. Runners were seen crying as they ascended the Stanton Bridge that connects Mexico and the United States.
For the folks in this area, having a day with an open border, even if it’s just for a few hours, is extremely significant. “There’s a border between us, but there’s one community that lives and thrives on both sides,” said Jessica Caplin, an El Paso resident.
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- A runner “fist bumps” a Homeland Security officer during the International 10k. Photo by Antonio Villasenor-Baca for YR Media.
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- The Stanton/Lerdo Bridge in downtown El Paso, TX had some lane closures Saturday morning as runners sprinted into Ciudad Juárez for the International 10k. Photo by Antonio Villasenor-Baca for YR Media.
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- “[I’m running] because I like sports, and to accompany my son [on the left]. Aside from having a border, we’re two sister cities. There was no color, no nationality, everybody running for one goal, which is for sport itself and brotherhood.” – Ricardo Romero, 55, Ciudad Juárez.
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- “My dad used to run it every year and he wasn’t able to this year, so I feel like I subbed in for him. I loved it. I think it’s one of the funner runs I’ve ever run. It was nice seeing both communities come together. Being from here, I feel like both cities are actually one big city and it’s nice for the world to see that we’re pretty united. It just shows hope, what home is, that we’re a very united community.” Mercedes Moreno (on the right) 30, El Paso, TX.
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- “I felt good. I finished it, ran with some great people, got to see the city. It’s a great way to show off the U.S.-Mexico border and to show that there’s nothing to be afraid, there’s no threat here. Usually this ends on the international line but problems connected with the current administration, it has to finish in Juárez. But still just as amazing, just as beautiful.” – Beto O’Rourke. Photo by Antonio Villasenor-Baca for YR Media.
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- A runner passes, wearing a Mexico-U.S. themed luchador mask. Photo by Antonio Villasenor-Baca for YR Media.
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- Runners begin their descent on the Stanton Bridge into Ciudad Juárez. Photo by Antonio Villasenor-Baca for YR Media.
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- Runners cross through the first checkpoint into Ciudad Juárez. Photo by Antonio Villasenor-Baca for YR Media.