---
title: "Rest in peace Don Paco, thank you for everything..."
published: 2015-11-05
updated: 2026-08-04
category: "Corredores que inspiran"
source: "https://dev-abp.massivoai.com/en/articles/descanse-en-paz-don-paco-gracias-por-todo"
---

# Rest in peace Don Paco, thank you for everything...

**Today a man died who perhaps few know by name, but whose legacy in athletics was great through his descendants and his indomitable runner's spirit that kept him running beyond his 90 years.**

Don Francisco Zúñiga, better known as don Paco, said three years ago that he wanted to run a cross-country race to "see what that thing was all about". He was 90 years old at the time and complained about the mud throughout all 10 kilometers of the EARTH race, through banana plantations, trails, poorly maintained roads and the typical Caribbean heat. But he finished. Escorted by his nephew Juan Manuel Calderón and his son Mario Zúñiga, don Paco crossed the finish line to the applause of everyone present, amazed that a man of that age had overcome such a challenge. He already had marathons, half marathons and hundreds of races under his belt, but he had not yet tried "that thing" of cross-country racing, so 90 years is nothing and he achieved his goal.

And that's how he was: an unstoppable runner. Since he started running for pleasure in his 50s, don Paco never stopped again, not in his seventies, not in his eighties, not in his nineties and beyond did he stop running. When the weight of so many years finally prevented him from finishing 10k races, he would run errands. Every day he would wake up at dawn and escape to La Sabana to run. Today, finally, don Paco's heart stopped beating, but his legacy will live on for many years to come.

He left us the lesson of persevering in any circumstance, of not letting yourself be defeated by something as relative as age. He taught many that you can finish a race even with ninety and some years on your shoulders. He gave motivation to everyone who saw him pass with his tireless little trot. But also don Paco leaves a legacy of talent and legends of athletics. His daughter Telma Zúñiga was one of the pioneers of national women's athletics, and currently remains a historical reference for her great marks and the path she helped open for all the women who followed her. Another of his daughters, Lupe Zúñiga, was also among the best athletes in the country for several years.

His son Róger Zúñiga died young, too young, but his talent was evidently among the best the country has ever had. His grandchildren Alejandro Calderón and Wendy Zúñiga were multiple National Games champions and top-tier athletes in recent years.

In short, don Paco Zúñiga's body died today, but his story and his legacy will live on for many years to come. From us, a hug to the entire Zúñiga family, who has been a vital part of A Buen Paso since it was born. Much strength and encouragement in these difficult times, don Paco will live in us forever.

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