International 10K run sends a strong message to the rest of the U.S. & Mexico

Hundreds of Borderland runners raced through Downtown El Paso and north Juarez Saturday morning as part of the first international run in our region in more than a decade.

Organizers say the 10K run was about much more than being first to cross the finish line. The goal is to offer a view of the border as a thriving community rather than a region crippled by crisis

“The energy that was felt at the start line was amazing. It was a beautiful thing,” said a woman who participated in the race.

It began at the Stanton Street Bridge in El Paso with more than 900 runners making their way across the international bridge to Juarez.

Congressman Beto O’Rouke, (D) El Paso, participated. “The border is a place of incredible beauty and also strength for our two countries. It is what has made the U.S. so successful. It is what has made Mexico so successful,” said O’Rourke.

In Juarez, residents lined the route to cheer on the runners while street vender stocked up on water and fresh juices.

The huge turnout is another sign that after years of coping with drug violence, Juarez has found some peace and visitors are returning.

“I imagine there are a lot of people who haven’t been to Juarez in years running with us today,” said El Paso resident Richard Wright. “I hope they keep coming.”

The race ended back across the border in El Paso with an award ceremony, but from the look of pride on their faces, every runner who crossed the border felt like winner.