Sad news in the world of running tonight. Micah True, aka Caballo Blanco, was found dead Saturday evening in the Gila National Forest of New Mexico.
True had been missing for four days, last seen leaving a lodge to go out on a 12-mile run. He was 58.
True was made famous as a central figure in the book “Born to Run,” which examined the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico and their generations-long habit of mimimalist and barefoot running. The book, as well as the insights gained from True (he lived with the tribe for a time), were major influences in the recent boom in barefoot and minimalist running. Since the book was published, devotees to minimalist running have exploded in number while the athletic shoe industry has catered to the trend with a large offering of minimalist shoes.
True was also a major figure in the running community in and around Boulder, Colo., and was a well-known ultra-runner. He was the race director for the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon.
Officials say that his body showed no obvious signs of trauma, according to news reports. No cause of death has been reported. It has been reported that he was wearing shorts and a T-shirt while carrying a water bottle when his body was found.
You can read a more full account of this story here.
This is very sad. I JUST found out about his death from a friend on Facebook. I read the book and have decided to try barefoot running because if him and that book. He was a very unique person with a wild heart!
I think, looking back, we’re going to see this man as one of the more important figures in running for his generation. Just look at how much has changed since ‘Born to Run’ was published. The entire industry changed, not to mention running culture. He is going to be missed.
I tried to find an update about him, but can’t find any. Did they ever discover what he died from?
I’ve been checking daily on that. No cause of death has been determined or released yet. But when I find out, I’ll be sure to post an update.