'24 Rising Hearts Charity Bib Runners Blog
RISING HEARTS KINSHIP WITH THE WANDER PROJECT
Hello community!
RUN FOR RISING HEARTS! Turn your passion into purpose and help support our efforts to raise money for Rising Hearts! Get some RH goodies and wear the heart work!
Raising money for a cause has never been easier! We are looking for up to 20 charity bib athletes to be part of this effort with us. And we’ve partnered with Wander Project to give you a fun way to support our heart work and for us to support you every stride of the way!
For 2023, we’ve had 6 amazing runners become Charity Bib athletes running and we hope to bring more for 2024! So far, we have 11 confirmed for 2024 with another potential 3 charity bib runners! Consider donating to their efforts and help them reach their goals!! We also are working to get our runners a singlet, shoes and other supporting gear if they need it.
You can run, walk or jog in one of our 2024 events as a charity bib athlete, and raise money to support our mission and heart work. 2025 Bibs are open as well for some events!
If you’re interested in becoming a Charity Bib Athlete, please contact info@rising-hearts.org and we will connect you with Zander, of the Wander Project!
- Rising Hearts
CHARITY BIBS WE
HOPE TO FILL
2024 RACES YOU CAN SELECT AND FUNDRAISE FOR RISING HEARTS (THERE ARE MORE RACES OUTSIDE OF THE ONES BELOW YOU CAN SELECT):
Orca Half Marathon:
https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Anacortes/OrcaHalf
When: September 14-15, 2024
Distances: Half Marathon
13.1 Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
Mount Rushmore Half Marathon:
When: September 21, 2024
Time: 6:30am (rolling times)
https://www.vacationraces.com/half-marathons/mount-rushmore/
13.1 Half Marathon Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
Lake Powell Half Marathon:
When: October 12th
Time: 8am
https://www.vacationraces.com/half-marathons/lake-powell/
13.1 Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
Javalina 100M and 100k:
When: October 26-27, 2024
Time: 6am and 7am
Where: Fort McDowell AZ
https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/FortMcdowell/JavelinaJundredCharityBib
100M Fundraising Commitment: $3,000
100k Fundraising Commitment: $2,000
Shenandoah Half Marathon:
When: September 14, 2024
Time: 7AM
Start: Luray VA (starts at Lake Arrowhead Park)
End: Hawksbill Recreation Park (Stanley, VA
https://www.vacationraces.com/half-marathons/shenandoah/
13.1 Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
Joshua Tree Half
When: November 2, 2024
Time: 6pm
https://www.vacationraces.com/half-marathons/joshua-tree/
13.1 Fundraising Commitment: $1,000
WANT TO RACE FOR RISING HEARTS OUTSIDE OF THESE WE HAVE SELECTED?
Not seeing a race you want to run in this list? Check out all of the Wander Project events and choose the “Your Choice” option. They will reach out to learn more about your charity of choice and once you let them know that you’ll be running for Rising Hearts, they will make sure your funds come to support our mission!”
Athletes who want to support Rising Hearts for a race that is not listed, can sign up for any of the events on The Wander Project calendar: https://www.wanderproject.org/event-partners/ and pick 'Your Choice' for charity and then fill out the form to indicate they want to support Rising Hearts: (FAQ page here: https://www.wanderproject.org/athletes/frequently-asked-questions/)
REACHED THE FINISH!
‘24 Charity Bib Runner: Laurel
CONGRATS, LAUREL! She participated in the Antelope Canyon Ultras this past weekend and met her fundraising goal of $,1000 for Rising Hearts - actually, surpassed it! Laurel raised $1,100 for Rising Hearts, with 23 donors supporting this effort! We appreciate you, Laurel and to everyone who donated to support your run and our organization.
LEARN MORE FROM LAUREL:
Hi Everyone, meet Laurel! Laurel is a vegetable farmer living in Northern Colorado (Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho land). We are so appreciative of their support and we are here to cheer Laurel on and share their fundraising efforts so they meet their goal so they can get that charity bib and run Antelope Canyon Ultras!
From Laurel:
How’d you find The Wander Project?
I was searching for half marathons that recognized Native lands and had relationships with Native orgs. Antelope Canyon Ultras / Wander Project popped up.
And why did you choose Rising Hearts?
I really love Rising Hearts' commitment to "Go the extra mile in supporting Native communities beyond a land acknowledgement - to expand that support and advocacy in creating a running community and outdoor environment to be more supportive and inclusive for Black, Indigenous, Brown, Asian, Muslim, Jewish, Two Spirit, LGBTQ+, Non-binary runners and walkers, and People with disabilities, adaptive athletes, in these spaces."
As a person who is not Indigenous to the land where I've made my life, and as a descendant of homesteaders who stabilized their lives due to the homestead act in the 19th century (legislation that served whites at the expense of Indigenous communities), I must look for ways to contribute to Indigenous organizing and leadership. Rising Hearts advocates for and invests in Indigenous communities, which I believe are important acts of resistance to ongoing colonization. This I want to support—and I invite others to support too.
‘24 Charity Bib Runner: Susie
CONGRATS, SUSIE! Susie met the $5,000 goal, surpassed it with $5,358.59. We are so happy for and proud of Susie - our fellow Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate!
”Fundraising for Rising Hearts as a charity bib runner in the Cocodona 250 was a unique and unforgettable experience. I connected with people from all over the world as part of my fundraising efforts, which included creating a mileage board (where people could sponsor a mile or more of the race), a prize draw-raffle, and a trail running & yoga evening. When the event itself came around I felt honored and excited to run for everyone on the board, and the mission of Rising Hearts. The Cocodona 250 course crosses the traditional and ancestral lands of the Akimel O’odham (Upper Pima), Hohokam, Yavapai Apache, Ndee/ Nnēē (Western Apache), Jumanos and Hopitutskwa. The views were stunning, the stream crossings cold, and the volunteers were super helpful - especially in the middle of cool, high desert nights. The only real lows were due to pain from blisters but with a clear intention and a mantra of "respect", I finished in 108 hours, in 108th place overall. I slept a total of 7 hours and 40 minutes (broken into one 90-minute nap, two 3-hour naps, and one 10-minute chair nap), and ate and drank a wide range of food and drinks from gels and electrolytes to pizza, soup, pancakes, potatoes, hot chocolate, and Coke. Crossing the finish line in Flagstaff was incredible yet I couldn’t have made it without an attentive crew and pacers, and the support from people far and wide.
Overall we fundraised a total of $5,358.59 for Rising Hearts. Massive thanks to everyone who generously donated and followed the event virtually. We did it!”
Cocodona 250: 108:02:23 hours, 23rd woman/ 108th place overall.
‘24 Charity Bib Runner: Marta
Congratulations, Marta on your run at the Glacier Half Marathon! Marta helped raise $1,020 for Rising Hearts and surpassed her $1,000 required fundraising commitment.
FROM MARTA:
To me, running with purpose means using my daily runs and training as an opportunity to learn and share something that I am passionate about with my community.
I chose to support Rising Hearts because as a nurse in northwest Montana, I have seen firsthand how colonization has impacted Indigenous communities. I believe that the historical oppression of native people and the generational trauma that continues to affect them have created social and healthcare disparities that demand our immediate attention today. I think Rising Hearts is the perfect platform to help channel my cause and concern.
Additionally, the race that I am fundraising for takes place in East Glacier Park on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The first time I ran this course was in 2022 and I was moved by the generosity and hospitality of our native neighbors who hosted us, ran with us, and selflessly volunteered to make this event a success. I believe the loving presence and generosity of the Blackfeet tribe is the reason this event is so special.
I was drawn to fundraise for Rising Hearts for several reasons.
One, they are a special organization committed to the HEART work of racial, social, climate, and economic justice.
Two, Rising Heart's primary mission is to elevate Indigenous voices and cultivate a community to help create a better, safer future and environment for all relatives who inhabit this planet.
Three, as a nurse in northwest Montana, I have seen firsthand how colonization has impacted Indigenous communities. I believe that the historical oppression of native people and the generational trauma that continues to affect them today have created social and healthcare disparities that demand our immediate attention, care, and advocacy.
Four, this race takes place in East Glacier Park on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The first time I ran these 13.1 miles was in 2022 and I was moved by the generosity and hospitality of our native neighbors who hosted us, ran with us, and selflessly volunteered to make this event a success. I believe the loving presence and generosity of the Blackfeet tribe is the reason this event is so special.
‘24 Charity Bib Runner: Dani
We are really grateful to meet new people and grow our Rising Hearts community! Congratulations, Dani on your Grand Teton and Yellowstone finish! Dani met her fundraising goal for Rising Hearts - $1,000! We appreciate your support so much, Dani - for teaching with us in our wellness membership classes and as a RH Charity Bib runner!
FROM DANI:
My name is Dani Menter and I live in Montana where I get to use the mountains as my playground. I am currently a student pursuing a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy.
I truly believe that the way we spend our time to create meaning in our lives forms our identity that leads to the best quality of life. I also believe that every life deserves to pursue health and happiness in this way.
I am choosing to run for Rising Hearts because I believe their work is supporting the freedoms for all Peoples that haven’t always been possible due to the tribulations of our past.
I find my freedom through moving in the mountains and I am excited to be able to do it with a purpose in hopes to support a worthy cause that advocates for other people to feel the same freedoms.
PASSION INTO PURPOSE | UPCOMING RUNNERS!
‘24 Charity Bib Runner: Scott
Funds Raised to Date (8/26/24): $525!!!
Everyone, meet Scott Tom!! We are excited to be able to learn from and support as much as we can in their fundraising efforts for Rising Hearts. Scott is also a ReNew Earth Running #LegsForLandBack athlete advocate, which Rising Hearts is a founding member of and Jordan, is on the Board. Rising Hearts has opened up these opportunities to our community partner where we will donate half of what the RER athletes raise to ReNew Earth Running! We truly believe in supporting the heart work and this is a wonderful way to support those efforts.
Javalina 100M and 100k:
When: October 26-27, 2024
What does running with purpose mean to you?
Running with purpose means to challenge myself. Challenges force you to tap into your creativity with ways to overcome them. As you go through challenges, you become stronger. Challenges are an excellent opportunity for growth. They test your commitment to your goals & when you overcome them you develop emotional & mental strength. Awołíbee Ánít’i Yéego Ánít’i - Try Hard and Keep At It! (in Navajo Language)”
Why did you choose Rising Hearts to support?
For the Javelina Jundred, I've agreed to raise money to support RISING HEARTS. I am passionate about this campaign because it contributes to a greater cause, one that is deeply meaningful to me. I am an Ultra Runner and a part of the ReNew Earth Running team. The team of runners consist of indigenous men and women from all across the nation. Together, we run to protect and heal the environment by restoring stewardship of the land for Tribal Nations and Indigenous leadership. As runners, we intimately engage with the land every day, with each step. And, wherever we run, we carry the knowledge that we are running upon our homelands, the same territories that our ancestors occupied. The land belongs to indigenous people, and we share that message with everyone we encounter along our journey. ReNew Earth Running was created to go beyond land acknowledgement and move toward land reclamation. To learn more about this collaborative effort between Rising Hearts & ReNew Earth Running please visit their websites: https://www.risinghearts.org/ & https://www.renewearthrunning.org/
SCOTT’S FUNDRAISING GOAL FOR RISING HEARTS: $2,000
FUNDRAISING DEADLINE: OCTOBER 12, 2024
Runsignup Link: https://runsignup.com/runstrongah
‘24 Charity Bib Runner: Jennifer
Funds Raised to Date (8/26/24): $966
Meet Jennifer! We are so appreciative of their support and we are here to cheer Jennifer on and share their fundraising efforts so they meet their goal so they can get that charity bib and run the Orca Half!
From Jennifer:
My name is Jennifer Brayboy-Locklear. I am an Indigenous person from North Carolina. I'm a mother (and grandmother) runner with a family history of heart disease and diabetes that I work everyday to prevent by running and eating healthy. This is a challenge but totally worth it. I love to run because it is an activity that is inclusive of all people. If someone wants to run, they can...no matter the pace. I don't compare myself to anyone else. I only work on trying to get better everyday.
I chose to be a runner for Rising Hearts because of the focus on "connecting with community through movement and self-care". I also love the focus on all forms of movement in cultivating community with the goals of racial, social, climate and economic justice. I am running the https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Seattle/OrcaHalf .
You can support her fundraiser here: https://runsignup.com/runjennrun
JENNIFER’S FUNDRAISING GOAL FOR RISING HEARTS: $1,000
FUNDRAISING DEADLINE: AUGUST 31, 2024
‘24 Charity Bib Runner: Katey
Funds Raised to Date (8/26/24): $1,185
Hi Everyone, meet Katey! We are so appreciative of their support and we are here to cheer Katey on and share their fundraising efforts so they meet their goal so they can get that charity bib and run the Orca Half!
About Katey: Katey Peck (she/her) is a space holder, writer, and dreamer. A white settler raised on the southern banks of the Patawomeck (Potomac) River in Northern Virginia, she is grateful to also call Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu and dxʷdəwʔabš lands (Seattle) home. Katey has been in an on-again off-again relationship with running for over 15 years. She’s raced everything from the 4x400 relay to the marathon, but her sweet spot is longer runs at slower paces, lip syncing and smiling at every person and dog she passes. She sees running as a practice to (re)connect to herself, people, and 'āina (land, that which feeds).
Katey is excited and humbled to be running the Orca Half on September 15 to raise funds for Rising Hearts. “I believe strongly in the power of land to bring people together and in running as a platform for change. I am grateful for Indigenous-led organizations like Rising Hearts that are committed to imagining and building healed futures for our grandchildren’s grandchildren. I have learned so much from Rising Heart’s thoughtful advocacy, and I am excited to see this sport evolve to support #LANDBACK and other movements for justice.”
KATEY’S FUNDRAISING GOAL FOR RISING HEARTS: $1,000
FUNDRAISING DEADLINE: AUGUST 31, 2024
‘24 Charity Bib Runner: Sabrina
Funds Raised to Date (8/26/24): $1,001
MEET SABRINA:
I'm Sabrina, a passionate runner from the Makah Nation on a mission beyond the finish line. With each stride, I embody purpose, not just in my pace but in my cause. Whether pounding the pavement or scrambling up trails, I run to raise awareness and support for environmental and social justice. Fuelled by determination and compassion, every race is an opportunity to bring attention to the issues that matter to me most.
As a devoted mother and activist, I chose support Rising Hearts because it aligns with my values and aspirations for a better world. Their grass-roots mission resonates with my Indigenous maternal instincts, as it directly addresses pressing issues that affect the well-being and future of not only my own children but countless others. By supporting this cause, I am actively working to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. I believe in the power of collective action and advocacy to drive positive change, and Rising Hearts provides a tangible avenue for me to contribute to meaningful progress in areas that are close to my heart. Whether it's advocating for MMIW/MMIR, environmental conservation and the LandBack movement, or social justice, running for Rising Hearts allows me to channel my passion and energy into making a lasting difference in the world, leaving a legacy of compassion, empathy, and positive change for my children and the next seven generations.
Your financial and prayerful support is appreciated as I prepare for a race where every step counts, not just for personal achievement, but for a greater purpose.
‘24 Charity Bib Runner: Candace
Funds raised to date (8/26/24): $1,170
By registering for a Charity Bib for this event, I've agreed to raise money to support Rising Hearts! I am inspired by this cause because as a Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate for Rising Hearts I've grown as a runner and as a human and use my miles to make a difference thanks to Rising Hearts. Rising Hearts is important to me as a non-profit because it is an Indigenous led grassroots organization committed to the heart work of elevating Indigenous voices, and promoting and supporting intersectional collaborative efforts across all forms in movement collective community with the goals of racial, social, climate and economic justice through movement.
CANDACE’S FUNDRAISING GOAL FOR RISING HEARTS: $1,000
FUNDRAISING DEADLINE: November 22, 2024
2023: Candace Gonzales ran the 2023 Saguaro Half on 2/18/23!! And helped meet the fundraising goal to participate!
Candace has decided to turn their passion into purpose for this event again for Rising Hearts and we could not be more grateful for their support!
‘24 Charity Bib Runner: Jesse
Funds Raised to Date (8/26/24): $1,308
Race: Javelina Jundred 2024
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Deadline: October 12, 2024
In October, I'm going to run 100 miles in the desert at the Javelina Jundred. I want to make this challenging endeavor mean more that just a run, so I plan on to raising $5000 to support Rising Hearts. I recognize that I live and run on Indigenous Lands, and Rising Hearts is an Indigenous led organization with a focus on movement and the outdoors. I can't think of a better partner in this mission. A donation of any amount will help me cross the finish line, so please help me get there!
About Jesse:
My name is Jesse. I live and run in the lands of the Lenni Lenape, also known as Philadelphia. I appreciate the joy and discipline that running gives me, but I want to be able to use it for something more than that. I have helped start running groups to bring people together, I have helped organize running protests, I have posted endlessly on social media running fueled rants about all the things I care about. But I have never properly used running to raise money. Until now.
Visit link to learn more about Jesse’s reason and why!