María Elena Castilleja de Díaz died of liver cancer in may 2003. A big part of all of us that had the chance to know her died with her. Of an irreducible character born from her inner strength, “Male”, as we all knew her, left us many beautiful memories. Her great humanity, humbleness, and the strong discipline with which she pursued her goals in life, are some of the reasons why she will always be an example for all of us to follow.

The way in which Male knew how to combine her dedication to her work, which was always very demanding, and her passion for her family and friends with whom she shared the most important moments in her life is truly something worth admiring.

We all knew that we could always go to her looking for help or even only for a few kind words. It is impossible to remember a single time when we heard Male say “I can’t, I’m busy”. Her devotion and her willingness to serve gave everyone the certainty that they could count on her in an unconditional, uninterested way.

This race is a reason to bring all of us who had the opportunity to enjoy her together. To bring her along with us when we’re doing what we love and the single thing that she enjoyed the most: “Watching us ride our motorcycles”.

FunEnduro is a project that was born with the impulse of Male Díaz, and these are the very things that give this race its charisma and remain to this day like the million-color papers hung on the streets of Valle de Bravo. Not only her symbolic checks, but herself; her personality and kindness, was and will continue to be our source of inspiration to keep going on this journey.

The following prayer was María Elena Castilleja de Díaz, “Male’s” life motto:

MORNING PRAYER

Lord, in the silence of this day that begins,
I come to ask you for peace, wisdom, strength.
Today I want to look at the world with my eyes full of love, to be patient, understanding, sweet and wise.
To see Your children beyond appearances, see them as You see them, and not see anything else but kindness in each one of them.
Close my ears to all slander, keep my tongue of all evil, let only charitable thoughts remain in my spirit. Let me be so kind and joyful that everyone who approaches me can feel Your presence.
Imbue me with Yourself Lord.
And let me all through this day irradiate You.

Amen.