Fuego y Agua Current Projects

I would like to give an overview of what I am currently working on in relation to Fuego y Agua and Isla de Ometepe.

Johnson Cruz Barrios, the 2009 Fuego y Agua 50k winner is from Isla de Ometepe. The 50k was his first race of any kind, he started 5 minutes late and had friendly chat with several people as he passed by them. He ran with my sister Abigail (women’s 100k winner) to the 50k finish, then continued on with her for another 20k. He then rode a bicycle back to the start/finish. When I saw him at the start/finish, Johnson looked like he could run another 50k before dinner, no problem. The next day he fitted kids for shoes,  worked the aid stations and cheered the children on during their 5k. I also know he rode his bicycle back and forth from the point-to-point 5k start and finish lines several times to carry supplies.

Anyways, long story short. Johnson does not train, he only plays soccer and works on the ferry docks. He is a part-time college student and takes the ferry to the mainland twice a week for classes. He has a very humble attitude and is a very friendly guy.

Paula and I have decided to help Johnson find some local, and if possible, international sponsorships to allow him to attend other races. I believe, if given the opportunity, Johnson will be blowing some great runners out of the water. We have entered Johnson into Ultramaraton Q50 Costa Rica in May. My sister Abigail has also created an excellent training plan which Robinson (our race manager on Ometepe) will help him train on. This Q50 is Johnson’s trial race, and he will have the chance to prove himself. As a smaller training race before Q50, Johnson will be entering a Peace Corps 25k race in the Nicaraguan town of Jinotega.

Johnson will compete as the sole running representative of Isla de Ometepe, he will be choosing a cause to represent in order to raise awareness.

Since entry is covered, all Johnson needs now is some gear and money to cover lodging and travel expenses to Jinotega then Costa Rica for Q50. I will be shipping some items down for him soon. He wears size 45 shoes and size medium shirts and shorts.

I am contacting running and adventure companies to see if they are willing so sponsor him, but in the meantime, is anyone interested in donating some gear, gently used shoes (size 45) and maybe kicking in toward a fund to get him to Costa Rica.

Update: Team Traverse and Traverse Trail Running have put together some funds for a part of Johnson travel expenses. we are still working to get funds together for shipping items and for travel expenses in Costa Rica.