The Tarahumara (also known as the Rarámuri or the Running People) are a Native American people who live in Northwestern Mexico. With the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the Tarahumara retreated to the high sierras and deep gorges of the Copper Canyon. Current estimates put their population between 50,000 and 70,000 people. They continue to live a traditional lifestyle based on farming and agriculture and are known to be some of the best long distance runners in the world.