Spiritual runners on 7,000 mile journey stop in Las Cruces

Runners on a cross-nation spiritual journey made a pit stop in Las Cruces Sunday.

Those apart of the Peace and Dignity Journeys Organization started in Alaska. Since May, they’ve ran over 3,000 miles and are now in Las Cruces, half way to their final destination of Panama. The purpose of the journey is to re-connect with spiritual practices and meet with other native tribes along the way.

“Sometimes not knowing where you’re going to sleep, sometime not knowing if there’s enough food to eat, but the need to fulfill that spiritual void in our lives is more important to us than the sacrifice we’re making,” 68-year-old Jose Cortes, who’s running the 7,000 mile journey said.

He and a dozen runners proudly marched into Las Cruces where they were greeted by the Piro Manso Tiwa Indian Tribe. After praying, they laid down their staffs, were fed a warm meal then sang and danced.

“That’s what we want them to feel, at home with us,” The governor of the Piro Manso Tiwa Indian Tribe said. “We all have our differences, our problems but we put that aside when they’re here.”

Each of the staffs they carried represents a different story and a different prayer. One specifically is carried from each community during the journey where a feather is added every time.

“Carrying that eagle staff from one community to another carries all the prayers and we offer them our feather, our prayers are going along with theirs,” Peter Vargas, a member of the Piro Manso Tiwa Indian Tribe said.

Another group that started in Argentina is making the long journey as well. Both groups will meet in Panama to discuss their findings along the way. Monday the runners staying the night in Las Cruces will make their way into El Paso then through Mexico. They’re expected to reach Panama by November.