Run With Los Muertos: 10 Years of Bridging Cultures and Celebrating Life
by Jorge Perezchica
Embracing a timeless tradition, Run With Los Muertos orchestrates a tapestry, drawing together an array of community artists, musicians, avid runners, and throngs of attendees across Coachella Valley and beyond. This annual event is a convergence of health, art, and culture, enveloped within a profound celebration of life.
Rooted in public education, workshops and invigorating workouts, the culmination takes form in the heart of Old Town Coachella, where a vivid block party unfolds. Imagine a procession, an art walk, a car show, an exhilarating 5k run, a bustling vendor village, and the rhythmic resonance of live entertainment stages.
Who Will You Run For?
An integral element of Run With Los Muertos poses a poignant question to every participant: ‘Who Will You Run For?’ This simple yet profound inquiry invites individuals to reflect on the cherished memories of their loved ones, who have departed but continue to live on in their hearts. Last year, as I laced up my running shoes for this annual event, I found myself contemplating my father, who succumbed to cancer in September 2019. It’s a question that transcends the boundaries of age, background, and culture, uniting us all in a collective celebration of life and remembrance.
As someone who hadn’t participated in a race since my high school days, which were nearly three decades ago when I was passionately involved in track and cross-country, I eagerly anticipated RWLM. While I’d occasionally jogged on my own in the years that followed, there’s an undeniable thrill that comes with racing a 5K. Run With Los Muertos not only offered me a unique opportunity to rekindle those long-lost memories of racing but also to do so in the most culturally vibrant and meaningful setting, honoring my late father’s memory as I sprinted through the streets of Coachella.
The Block Party
This block party, focusing on Day of the Dead traditions begins at 4 p.m. with music, food vendors, beer and wine garden and art installations all lasting until midnight. The block party is free and open to the public and run registration is $40. A procession featuring area school groups, bands, nonprofits and large-scale dancing puppets, an art walk displaying traditional altars and installations, an on-course car show competition, the Los Muertos Cantina beer garden, and traditional cuisine available for purchase.
The community 5K run/walk begins promptly at 6 p.m. with live performances across three stages, headlined by Tijuana No, Brian Munoz, Los Malditos, as well as Viejo Lobo, Paul Lopez, DJ Xossen, Roberto Belester Jr., Los Califunkers, Trio Sol De Amores, Eevaan Tré, and Your Muther, immediately following.
Interview with RWLM
Coachella Magazine had the privilege of speaking with race director, Tizoc DeAztlan. He shared the backstory of this annual event, a narrative that intertwines tradition, community, and cultural celebration. Deztlan, a native of the East Coachella Valley, reminisces about his formative years participating in 5k runs in the City of Coachella. It was this very recollection that ignited the spark for what would eventually become Run With Los Muertos, a passionate endeavor born from his love for the region.
As Run With Los Muertos commemorates its remarkable 10-year journey, Deztlan hints at exciting plans for this special anniversary. While he keeps the details under wraps, it’s clear that the event’s evolution is far from over. Run With Los Muertos has expanded beyond a one-night extravaganza, now encompassing cultural exchanges, lectures, workshops, and workouts, all rooted in the shared goals of promoting health, wellness, arts, and culture for the community.
Coachella Magazine: Can you share with us the inspiration behind starting Run With Los Muertos and how it has evolved over the past 10 years?
Tizoc DeAztlan: I grew up in East Coachella Valley and I remember participating in 5k runs in the City of Coachella. When my wife and I moved back to the desert after spending 12 years away, I noticed most of the races were being held in the West Valley and that became something we wanted to rectify. So, with the help of a small group of friends, Run with Los Muertos (RWLM) was born.
CM: The event brings together a diverse range of elements like health, wellness, art, music, and culture. How did you come up with the idea to blend these aspects into a single celebration?
TD: We wanted to create an event that promoted health and wellness but knew that in order to garner larger interest we needed to widen our audience. The first step was partnering with Raices Cultura who had already been successfully producing an annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration. We decided to make the event outdoors to create an inviting block party feel. Above all else, we wanted the experience to be authentic and to honor the holiday and our traditions, all while being a fun experience for the whole family.
CM: Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, Run with Los Muertos has become a significant cultural event. What are some of the most memorable moments or milestones from the past decade?
TD: We have had so many beautiful moments over the years: from the amazing art installations that Raices produces, delicious food, special musical performances, and of course the amazing runners show out. One year we had a couple from New Jersey celebrating their honeymoon who came out to race with us. That said, to me the most special moments come from those that take to heart our tagline “Who will you run for?” People who are motivated to honor a past loved one by completing their first ever 5k. One participant who epitomizes what RWLM is all about is Dr. Farah Choate. Farah lost her dear son John years ago, so she, along with a group of family and friends, honor him by running our race every year.
CM: Could you describe the process of organizing the event, especially the public education programming and workshops that lead up to the block party? How does each element contribute to the overall experience?
TD: Organizing the Run with Los Muertos is a year-round endeavor. We are committed when possible to create new partnerships and programming to benefit our community. Those opportunities can come at any time so it is important that we not only seek them out but more importantly are available to hear from residents about what they want to see. While the main focus is on the one-night event, the work, training, camaraderie, and collaboration that leads up to the celebration is also important.
CM: Run with Los Muertos fosters cultural exchanges with artisans, musicians, and chefs from various regions. How have these exchanges enriched the event and the local community?
TD: We are very proud of what the Coachella Valley has to offer. It is rich in talent and culture, whether it be in the arts, culinary, athletics, or musically. RWLM provides a venue for us to showcase all that for visitors who annually come from all over the US, Canada, and Mexico. It is important to open our arms and embrace the beauty in the world that surrounds us. We’ve had the honor to create exchanges with artists in Oaxaca, Michoacán, and Baja California. There is an obvious connection with our predominantly Mexican community that we hope to strengthen. Additionally, for those unable to travel back to Mexico, we hope these exchanges bring a little bit of Mexico to the Coachella Valley.
CM: The event has had a positive impact on the Eastern Coachella Valley, attracting visitors and promoting local talent. Can you share some stories or examples of how the event has benefited the community over the years?
TD: When we first started this event there was some push back from outsiders about having an event “in the streets of Coachella at night,” but those of us who grew up in East Coachella Valley had complete faith in our community. This event has grown in popularity regionally and has shown a more broad-based viability for events in the East Coachella Valley. We’ve been able to showcase the beauty and authenticity of Old Town Coachella and provide a stage for our amazing local talent.
CM: The combination of a 5k run, art walk, car show, and live entertainment on multiple stages makes for a dynamic experience. How do you manage to create a seamless flow and balance between these diverse activities during the block party?
TD: It took some time to outgrow the idea that the event was only for runners. Over the years I think people have come to see that the run is only part of a larger celebration. I believe the event programming is seamless because everyone comes together with positive intentions. Whether you come to run, perform, look at cars or eat some tacos, that positive energy has a collective impact on the entire celebration.
CM: Run with Los Muertos is known for being a multi-generational celebration. How do you ensure that the event appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds?
TD: When you go to a Latino party, typically the whole family is there, from the abuela to the newborn. So while the programming is integral, I believe the feel is most important. Our event is about the community coming together in celebration, and making sure everyone feels welcomed and included is critical. Plus our event is free and people can park on the street or walk into downtown from their neighborhood. And of course, we do our best to diversify the entertainment.
CM: To celebrate this remarkable 10-year milestone, are there any exciting plans or special additions you have in store to make this year’s event particularly memorable?
TD: This is a big year. Celebrating our tenth would not have been possible without the support of so many people who have contributed to making this event what it has become. I don’t want to ruin the surprise of this years’ additions. Hopefully, everyone will come to Old Town Coachella on Saturday, November 4th to check it out.
CM: As you look ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of Run with Los Muertos? Are there any new elements or expansions you’re considering for the upcoming years?
TD: RWLM has evolved beyond a one-night event to include cultural exchanges, lectures, workshops and workouts, all with the same intention of providing health, wellness, arts and culture programming for our shared communities. Nothing is off the table, we look forward to any potential new and exciting collaborations and partnerships in the future.
CM: Finally, what message or experience do you hope participants take away from Run with Los Muertos each year, especially given its unique blend of traditions and contemporary elements?
TD: Each year our hope is that participants come out to spend a beautiful night among community and in celebration of one of our most honored traditions. All people, regardless of gender, race, or culture, have to deal with death, so to spend a night honoring those that have passed is something we can all come together to do with the result being a multi-cultured and good-natured crowd.
THE DETAILS
The Tenth Annual Run With Los Muertos poster and t-shirt is designed by Coachella Valley artist Sofia Enriquez.
WEBSITE: runwithlosmuertos.com
SOCIAL: @runwithlosmuertos