Legendary Runner Miguel Vargas Cuts the Ribbon at the Mexico City Marathon Expo
Legendary runner Miguel Vargas was present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Expo for the 35th edition of the Mexico City Marathon, where he was given bib number 40,000, representing the limit of competitors for this year's edition.
Memorable Experiences in the Marathon
In an interview with La Aficion, Vargas shared some of his experiences in this competition over the past three and a half decades, with the most memorable being the first edition in 1983.
"I remember it fondly and hold it very dear, as at that time we didn't have the technology we have today. The bib numbers back then were made of fabric, very simple, and the route was arid and rocky. The aid stations were very basic. In that race, I had to compete wearing Panam and Puma shoes, which, of course, are nothing like the ones we have now. From 1983 to the present day, we have gone from rustic to modern. That's why I hold that first edition dear," shared Vargas.
The Experience of the 1985 Marathon
Vargas also spoke about the experience of the 1985 Marathon, which had to be postponed due to the earthquake that struck Mexico City in September of that year.
"Personally, I felt immense pain. As I passed through the streets where there were collapses, tears came to my eyes as I saw my city completely destroyed. I even remember the smell of death emanating from those ruins. However, despite the catastrophe, the spirit, desire, and motivation were always present. The route had to be modified for that competition, as expected. We moved forward and I believe that competition taught me a great lesson, which is the character of the people who make this race possible year after year. The runners are people with character," said Miguel Vargas.
Humbling and Loving the Activity
One of the things Vargas also highlighted is the humility and love that one must have for this activity: "That's just how it is. You have to give it your all, always with humility and love. I only sleep four hours a day, from 1:00 to 5:00 in the morning, and I never feel tired. That's how I've stayed throughout all these years. That spirit prevails in me," he concluded.
From Player to Runner
Vargas also shared in this interview his brief time in the América youth academy, where he played between 1967 and 1969, which marked the beginning of his great sports career.
"I became a runner almost by chance. In 1969, I had to leave América because I, along with my brothers, became orphaned. I was a teammate of Borja, 'Monito' Rodríguez, Walter Ormeño, Pedro Cuenca, among others. From there, I started participating in my first races and I'm still here," said Vargas to La Afición.
The Toughest Race
Vargas doesn't remember very precisely which marathon was the toughest, but he shared an experience in which, in his own words, he felt great fear that almost prevented him from finishing.
"I don't remember the exact year at the moment, but the toughest race I've faced was one in which I felt tremendous fear. I felt like I wouldn't make it, but I gathered my character and said 'let's go.' I passed kilometer 34 or 36 and from there, I pushed myself. I didn't let myself be defeated. My arms turned ashy like cigarette ash, and I was really scared," he declared.
He also mentioned that his only goal this year is to finish the race. The time doesn't matter to him; what matters is completing the 42-kilometer journey from the Zócalo to Ciudad Universitaria.
From Guerrero to Gladiator to Titan
At the end, he concluded with his classic phrase, which originates from his roots in the Guerrero neighborhood in the center of Mexico City.
"I have run almost 120,000 kilometers in these 34 marathons. My motto is 'Yesterday I was a Warrior from Guerrero, today I am a Gladiator, and tomorrow I want to die like a Titan,'" Miguel Vargas concluded.