March 18 – This past Friday marked the arrival of Joseph Michael Kai-Tsu Liu Roqueñi to our city as part of a small detour as he seeks to run practically from pole to pole of the American continent barefoot, or Tarahumara style (wearing artisan sandals).
Canadian, Chinese and Mexican Roots
Joseph, born in Canada from his Mexican mother and Chinese father, spent most of his youth in Guadalajara, Jalisco until the age of 21, only to go back to Canada to finish his studies. He graduated as an Industrial Engineer, then decided to take this challenge with a personal purpose to support a cause close to his heart.
The Challenge
The path that began 8 months ago in Montreal will end at the finish line in Ushuaia, Argentina, this being the city that is established as the southernmost in the world. Joseph expects to cross the continent in a lapse of 2 to 3 years, continually running an average of 180 - 250 kilometers per week. As of today, he has ran over 1000 kilometers, only a small part of a total of 18,000 kilometers to Argentina
In order to move around, Joseph first tried carrying with him a camping backpack, but the weight brought a toll, so now he runs with a wheeled cart that contains all of his equipment and brings him the possibility to go forward without setbacks.
Particulars
What makes his trip so special is not only the challenge of crossing the continent by running, or that he does it barefoot or wearing artisan sandals, just as the Tarahumaras do to this day, but the importance of his cause. In every country that Joseph runs through, which will be a total of 15, he affiliates to local foundations in support of education. His vision is that education is a permanent cause. Joseph makes reference to the importance of fighting to develop the level and quality of current education.
Running Through Mexico
His entrance to Mexico was through Nuevo Leon, and Monterrey welcomed him with open arms. Joseph found a sponsor and during his stop there, he was able to speak with the Board of Tourism, who arranged for him a Federal Police escort that will accompany him in his path through the country, and in addition, an ambulance from Angeles Verdes (Green Angels) to ensure his well-being.
The Foundations
In Mexico, his support is directed to a small foundation in Guadalajara: Acortar Distancias (Shortening Distances), which works with rural communities by creating administration activities. Unfortunately, this foundation has not received much from Joseph, as he has not had the success he expected in fundraising. Now he is searching for another foundation that he hopes can better benefit from his endeavor and help the most people possible in support of education in our country.
A Bit of Rest for His Birthday
Joseph needs a lot of support to meet his goal, and although Puerto Vallarta was not planned in his path through Mexico, thanks to the support of Sheraton Buganvilias, this past Sunday 16, he was able to enjoy his birthday with his family in this enchanting touristic destination.
If you wish to help Joseph achieve his goal to spread education in our country by contributing to his noble cause, or to find out more about his kind endeavor, please don’t hesitate to visit his website and social media:
www.runningtotheendoftheworld.com
Twitter: @Run2theEnd
Facebook: Facebook.com/RuntotheEndoftheWorld
