MLB PHENOMENON SHOTA IMANAGA SPENDS $2 MILLION TO MARATHON QUEEN Candelaria Rivas Ramos, an Indigenous Mexican Woman Who Walked 14 Hours from Her Home in a Small Mountain Town to Run the 2025 Canyon Super Marathon and Become the Super Marathon Champion .Qu

In a stunning act of generosity, Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga has donated $2 million to Candelaria Rivas Ramos, a Rarámuri woman from Chihuahua, Mexico, who won the 2025 Canyon Ultra Marathon after walking 14 hours to compete. The donation, accompanied by a heartfelt letter and a special gift, left Ramos in tears, saying, “No one has ever treated me like this.” The news has sent shockwaves through the MLB and running communities, with the Houston Texans joining in congratulations for the inspiring gesture.

A Historic Victory and a Generous Gift

Candelaria Rivas Ramos, a 30-year-old indigenous runner, made headlines by winning the women’s division of the 2025 Canyon Ultra Marathon, a grueling 63-kilometer race through Mexico’s Copper Canyon. Wearing traditional huaraches and a flowing skirt, she completed the race in 7 hours and 34 minutes, overcoming jagged terrain and intense heat without coaches or sponsors. Her journey began with a 14-hour walk from her remote mountain village to the starting line in Guachochi, showcasing the legendary endurance of the Rarámuri people, known as “those who run fast.”

Imanaga, the Cubs’ 2024 NL Rookie of the Year, was moved by Ramos’s story of resilience. The 31-year-old left-hander, nicknamed “The Throwing Philosopher,” sent a $2 million donation to support her community, along with a letter praising her cultural pride and a custom Cubs jersey with her name. Ramos, overwhelmed, shared, “No one has ever treated me like this. This gift will change lives in my village.” The donation will fund education and infrastructure for the Rarámuri, amplifying her victory’s impact.

Imanaga’s Heartfelt Inspiration

Imanaga, who signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Cubs in 2024, has had a stellar 2025 season, starting with four scoreless innings in the MLB Tokyo Series against the Dodgers. His 2024 highlight included a combined no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 4, the first at Wrigley Field since 1972. Despite a challenging 2024 with a 3.14 ERA over 29 starts, Imanaga’s 12-4 record in his starts reflects his value to the Cubs, who went 30-45 without him.

In his letter, Imanaga wrote, “Your strength embodies the spirit of perseverance I strive for on the mound. Your victory inspires us all.” His gesture, announced during a Cubs homestand, drew praise from teammates like Kyle Schwarber, who said, “Shota’s heart is as big as his fastball.” The Texans, led by C.J. Stroud, also congratulated the pair, with Stroud noting, “Candelaria’s grit and Shota’s generosity are what sports are about.”

A Celebration of Resilience and Unity

Ramos’s victory highlighted the Rarámuri’s centuries-old running tradition, rooted in survival and spirituality. Her win, without modern gear, challenged the notion that elite performance requires privilege. Imanaga’s donation underscores his commitment to uplifting underserved communities, aligning with his “Go Cubs, Go” charm and curious, growth-driven mindset.

Fans across MLB and running circles have flooded social media with #ImanagaGives and #RarámuriPride, celebrating the cross-cultural connection. As the Cubs push for a 2025 playoff spot and Ramos plans to inspire young Rarámuri runners, this story of generosity and triumph resonates globally.

Congratulations to Candelaria Rivas Ramos and Shota Imanaga for uniting sports and humanity!