The Incan long-distance footrace ritual, a pivotal part of their puberty rites, marked the transition from boyhood to adulthood. In this profound ceremony, Inca boys ran a marathon-like race through Cuzco, with the Emperor personally piercing their ears and giving them new adult names at the finish line. The top ten runners were celebrated with special clothing, making their achievement a lifelong source of honor, while the last ten faced shame, as their failure was seen as a foreboding omen for their future. This ritual encapsulates the intricate blend of physical endurance, cultural significance, and spiritual symbolism deeply rooted in Incan civilization.