OPTION 2: RH RUNNERS
Dedicate any race you have signed up for to Rising Hearts. If you want to register for one, we can reimburse your fee! Donation page is through GiveLively where you can create you own account to fundraise. Through this new option, we have 2 current runners dedicating their run / race to Rising Hearts! And we have 5 California International Marathon runners as well!
Suggested fundraising limits:
RH Athletes / Community = $500
Non RH Athletes = minimum $800
Perks: RH Singlet, merch, stickers, fuel, and if shoes are needed, we can help you! We are excited to learn from you and support you. We are here to amplify your efforts through our platforms and help you reach your goal! Email us at info@rising-hearts.org if you’re interested in dedicating a run and raising funds for Rising Hearts.
Josue is a former Charity runner for Rising Hearts, running in the 2024 California International Marathon! Now, taking on the 2025 American River 50 Mile Endurance and fundraising for Rising Hearts! Then later in the year, will do the same at the Lake Sonoma 100k!
I want to be a charity runner because I love what Rising Hearts does. Rising Hearts has been an organization that is focused around helping and uniting communities and I'm all for that! In 2024, I ran the CIM with Rising Hearts and was so motivated to finish on behalf of RH. It was a tough one but getting it done for the people I ran for helped me get to the finish line. The support from RH was remarkable and I felt so blessed. The marathon and overall experience was amazing and glad to do it again.
I'm also part of the Corremos Sacramento Running Club and they have also been a blessing in my life, I'm not the fastest runner but this community is focused on being all inclusive on all aspects of diversity and speed. I'll recommend it to anyone and they Meet Monday at 6:30pm currently at McKinley Park.
This time around, I'm going to run the American River 50 miler. It's a trail run that I finished last year, barely under the cutoff by 30 minutes or so. This time, I hope to run it an hour faster so I'm not chasing cutoff times again!
Training was a bit rough since my wife and I have been raising our newest member of our family. At month old, we are able to care for our newborn well enough I can have training sessions again. With that said, I rolled back into my training cycle, taking it easy and slow but feeling better than ever. I'm a father of 2 now and I'm motivated to lead by example and give my children a positive attitude in health and working hard to accomplish tough goals.
Music:
When I run with music, my go to is classical music or theme music from movies like Lord of the Rings.
Favorite Fuel:
My favorite fuel is the GU tablets for hydration and the GU Stroopwafels for fuel
Favorite Shoes:
I'm currently loving on the OnCloud trail shoes!
Fun Fact:
I recently have gotten back into performing improv comedy and I can sometimes be a funny guy! I perform for a group called Sharks Barksley located in downtown Sacramento!
Race: 2025 American River 50 Mile Endurance Run | April
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $500
FUNDS RAISED: $250
I love the collaboration, community, and support between RH and RER. This is so important for amplifying our voices, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. Both organizations work and advocate to increase knowledge about climate justice, elevate and amplify community members, their voices, and their work, and to find connection and community through movement (in addition to SO many other efforts). By working with both organizations, we can amplify our financial and advocacy impacts to benefit both the RER and RH on one of the running world’s largest stages, the Boston Marathon! Half of what I fundraise will go directly towards RER and half to RH.
Race: 2025 Boston Marathon | April
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $500
FUNDS RAISED: $377
Daryl ‘Stretch’ Murphy has been running a 5k a day everyday as a silent protest against oppression. I call the initiative Miles For Justice and raise money to help marginalized communities. He has run multiple marathons, half marathons and other races during this time. He is also a new father!
Daryl will be running the 2025 Boston Marathon with a handful of Rising Hearts runners this year! He has been a RH Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate since June 2021 and continues to inspire community and those around him. Funds raised support the Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate Collective.
Miles For Justice is a grassroots social justice initiative running a 5k a day to advance more equitable communities through education and athletics. Our ultimate goal is to bridge the opportunity gap and create a level playing field for all people regardless of race, economic status, or industry. We move closer to that goal by creating space and opportunity for marginalized groups through education and athletics. Our founder, Mr. Murphy runs 5km (3.1mi) every day (since 4/13/2020) as a form of resistance and silent protest against oppression while raising awareness on the inequalities that perpetuate the status quo. The 5k a day run streak is the driving force behind Miles For Justice and will continue until the economic disparities and opportunity gaps in American society subside.
You can learn more at: www.milesforjustice.org
Listen to Daryl’s story with The SPARC Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/79vMJmKwndZwDQNSMjozzq?si=6625aa40b1284b28
Race: 2025 Boston Marathon | April
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,000
FUNDS RAISED: $434
Ya’at’eeh (Hello), my name is Ivana Holiday. Preferred name is Vana. I am a member of the Diné (Navajo) tribe. I am of the Coyote Pass-Jemez People clan and born for Black Sheep People clan. My maternal grandfather’s clan is Towering House People and my paternal grandfather’s clan is Folded Arms People clan. I was raised in the Kayenta/Monument Valley area. My pronouns are she/her.
There was a time in my life when I was unable to walk and run. At a young age, I was hit by a vehicle. I learned that someone’s ability to walk and run can be taken from them. I feel that running is a huge part of my journey as a Navajo woman, and it means a lot to me. To me, running means running for those who can’t. It means being able to push myself to finish those last few miles. Through running, I can express my gratitude and being a charity runner allows me to do that. To raise funds for resources and opportunities for other folks to experience some form of body movement is a way for me to continue my efforts of running for others.
I will be running the Salt Lake City Half Marathon. My goal for this race is to enjoy the energy from the community and do my best to run it. This will be my second year running this race, so hopefully I will reach a new personal record.
Race: 2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon | April
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $800
FUNDS RAISED: $636
Boozhoo indinawemaaganidog, I’m Shayla Rae Manitowabi Huebner (kwe/she/her), Odawa from Wiikwemkoong First Nation and Bear Clan. I grew up in Michigan and now live in New Mexico, where I continue to advocate for, support, and uplift Indigenous voices and communities.
Rising Hearts has been a turning point, a source of light, and a foundation of support in my life. It has profoundly shaped my journey, providing the community, purpose, and advocacy that fuel my passions. 2025 is a ‘make-or-break’ year for Rising Hearts, and I want to step up and help ensure their work—creating space for advocacy, movement, and storytelling—continues. I’ve witnessed firsthand how Rising Hearts changes lives, and want to contribute to their sustainability for years to come.
Race: Epic Half Marathon in Green Bay WI | May
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $500
FUNDS RAISED: $210
Candace is now a two-time Wander Project x Rising Hearts charity bib runner! And fellow RH Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate.
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.
Race: 2025 Shiprock Marathon | May
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1000
FUNDS RAISED: $632
Hello! My name is Kelsey. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Alex, for 15 years! WOW! Time has flown! We have 3 kiddos (10,8, and 5) who I get to see every day since I work at the local elementary school. In my spare time, I love to read, travel, run, and hangout with those I love most.
+ Why do you want to be a charity runner?
I believe running for a cause is a great way to make people aware of current issues and it allows people to get involved. Whether that is cheering you on for a race, donating funds, or simply following your journey. You can inspire so many people by being active and just putting yourself out there.
+ Why Rising Hearts?
My husband and our children are proud members of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. In these past months, it has become quite clear that people tend to forgo conversations and are willingly ignorant in regards to Native American issues. I love the way you show up for the Native American community by sponsoring events such as Running on Native Lands and MMIP.
+ Share about any local community runs you're part of or run groups?
I have been an ambassador and core member of Run To Change Lives since 2021.
+ What race and do you have a goal for this run?
I have already signed up for a half marathon on May 31,2025. My goal is to run it in 3 hrs or less. However, I’m contemplating another half marathon in November 2025 as well.
+ How's training going?
I’m on week 3 of my training plan. So far it’s going ok. Trying to take it one day at a time and add in some strength training to avoid injuries.
+ Fave Run tunes: Lately I have been loving the new Linkin Park album, From Zero.
+ Fave Run fuel: I drink Celsius energy drinks before my runs, but I also coincidentally use GU on my longer runs. I love tropical fruit mix before races and chocolate chip cookies during my long runs.
+ Fave shoes: Brooks Adrenaline GTS.
+ One unique fact about yourself: I am donor conceived. It’s been a great experience and my family and the love i have for them has only grown!
Race: Half Marathon | May
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $800
FUNDS RAISED: $51
Hi! I’m Lee, and I’m an Indigiqueer runner, partner, parent, writer, and social justice advocate. I began long distance running—out of spite—when my dad began training for his road races, and later ran Cross Country in high school to supplement my aspiring soccer career. At the age of 39 I signed up for my first—and longest—race yet, a marathon and I haven’t stopped signing up for races since. My participation in races began as a solo-healing journey and has since evolved into advocacy through community.
+ Why do you want to be a charity runner? In a time where history is actively being erased, I believe that it is my responsibility to use my presence, ability, and voice to advocate for social justice. With the running world predominately white males, I find that many sanctioned races do not offer a nonbinary/gender queer/ Two Spirit/ X category. I have chosen to highlight the organizations and race events that are inclusive to a third category and celebrate diversity.
+ Why Rising Hearts? A lot of my ancestry and culture has been a bit confusing and muddled through the generations due to many reasons. I have spent the last year doing genealogy research of my family and discovered more information about my Indigenous roots through Mexico, Central America, and New Mexico, US. With my discoveries, I am learning more about the real history of our nation and its impacts on the Indigenous people of Turtle Island. Rising Hearts’ mission and vision to empower diverse communities and elevate Indigenous centered stories speaks to me, my experiences, and my determination to inspire future generations to create safe and supportive spaces.
+ What race are you running (or races) and do you have a goal for this run? I am training for the Nike After Dark Tour in LA in June (half marathon), and I hope to be able to finish in at least 2:30 or less. I also put in my application with WeRunLong for a 30k trail race in Buena Vista, CO. I have some potential races between and a possible 12 hour ultra in San Diego in August. To be determined…
+ How's training going? Training has been great and I have been able to implement soccer one day a week which has helped vary my workout routine.
+ Fave Run tunes: I enjoy 90’s and 00’s tunes, all genres!
+ Fave Run fuel: PBJ, Apple Sauce, Nerd Clusters, Gu
+ Fave shoes: On Cloudboom Strike
+ One unique fact about yourself: I was a surrogate twice—one was twins—for two sets of dads.
Race: Nike After Dark Half Marathon | June
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $800
FUNDS RAISED:
My name is Jesse. I live and run in the lands of the Lenni Lenape, Lenapehocking, also known as Philadelphia. I love running remote trails as much as urban streets. I co-lead a number of running groups in Philly: Chasing Trail, a trail running group, The Dry Run, a monthly sober running event, and Runners for Justice in Palestine, a social justice focused run club centered around raising awareness for Palestine. I appreciate the joy and discipline that running gives me, but I want to be able to use it for something more than just self improvement.
+ Why do you want to be a charity runner?
Two years ago during a race I was listening to "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer as I ran. The deep sadness and enduring beauty of her stories had me literally weeping on the trail. I love these lands and trails, but I am a newcomer to them. I was moved to honor the indigenous caretakers of the land, to learn more and do more.
And as I learn more, the history of colonialism, imperialism, and my personal connection to it, I care more and more about folks and communities around the world that don't have the same privilege and freedom that I have. Running is simple, easy, primal, but requires ephemeral things that we take for granted, time, safety, rest, space. As I learn and advocate for my global family in places like Palestine, I want to also bring that energy to my own community, to the lands I live in and run on.
Running can also be resistance. To unhealthier versions of ourselves. To our capitalistic society telling us to be productive and consume. To colonial power structures that want to keep us compliant.
I recognize my privilege. I recognize that I run on land that was forcibly taken by some of my own ancestors. I recognize that running can be a selfish endeavor. And so I want to use my love for running to give back in some way.
+ Why Rising Hearts and Heal Palestine?
As I consider what it means to run for something bigger than me, for justice, it makes sense to start at the most basic place, the land where I live. As an indigenous organization that advocates directly within the running community, Rising Hearts was the obvious choice for me.. But beyond that, Rising Hearts also understands the intersectionality of our struggles, and I appreciate how they embody that. Advocating for racial justice, for LGBTQIA+ rights, for justice in Gaza, these are all arms of the same struggle for liberation and justice, and Rising Hearts recognizes this. I’m honored to be able to represent them in this fundraising effort.
I also chose to share my fundraising efforts with Heal Palestine. In light of the immeasurable suffering being inflicted on the Palestinian people, over the past 76 years, but especially in the past year, Heal Palestine is providing food, aid, shelter, medical aid, and basic necessities to the people of Gaza and Palestine, particularly to children affected by the violence and genocide.
+ Share about Runners for Justice in Palestine
In light of the accelerated genocide and violence in Palestine and Gaza in the past year, I helped co-found a running group in Philadelphia, Runners for Justice in Palestine Philly. Our goal is to gather folks who care and who run, to be in solidarity, to embody running as resistance, and to advocate and spread awareness for the reality of the situation in Gaza and Palestine. We meet every other week for a social run and walk. And in doing so, we've grown a community that extends beyond our runs. We meet up for protests and for social events, and we collaborate with other local orgs such as Families for Ceasefire, Yogis for Palestine, Philly Muslim Freedom Fund, and Students for Justice in Palestine.
+ What race and do you have a goal for this run?
I am training for the Javelina 100 mile race in October. I made it to 60 miles last year, and I desperately want to go back and finish it. I am going to focus my training on some areas that I lacked in last year. This includes getting a proper coach and putting some real work in. My goal is to break 24 hours, something I’ve never been able to accomplish at a 100 miler.
+ How's training going?
Training is just getting started. It’s been a slow cold winter, but as Spring warms things up I’m excited to turn it up.
+ Fave Run tunes:
I honestly listen to podcasts on most runs. But when I need a boost its hardcore, pop punk, and emo.Lifetime, Get Up Kids, Rage Against the Machine, Promise Ring, Inside Out, etc. And maybe some old school drum and bass if I need to zone out.
+ Fave Run fuel:
Bananas and PBJ.
+ Fave shoes:
I’ve run almost exclusively in Altra Olympus, but last year I really enjoyed running in a couple pairs of On Cloudultras
+ One unique fact about yourself: I have 3 teenage daughters that I’ve been a single parent to for half the week for the past 14 years.
Race: Javelina Jundred | October
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $2,000
FUNDS RAISED: $430
My name is Nate Crail (they/them), and I reside in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I’m Filipino-American originally from the Chicago area. I’ve been running since fifth grade, but I ran my first half in 2022 and full marathon in 2023. I’ve run three road marathons (Chicago 2023, Berlin 2024, NYC 2024) where I’ve placed top-three in the non-binary division at each.
Yes, this is my first time as a charity runner! I'm really excited to support Rising Hearts and help the organization further their imperative mission.
My training for Tokyo has gone wonderfully! I ran the most I've ever run in a month in January and feel ready to run as fast as possible while still having fun!
Nate ran the 2025 Tokyo Marathon! We will share updates on how it went!
+ Fave Run tunes: // usually whichever audiobook or podcast I'm currently listening to, but if I need a pick-me-up, I'll listen to Charli XCX's "brat" or FKA twigs' "eusexua".
+ Fave Run fuel: // Precision Fuel & Hydration PF30 Gel
+ Fave shoes: // My favorite training shoe is the Asics Superblast 2, my favorite trail shoe is the Norda 001, and my favorite racing shoe is %%%
+ One unique fact about yourself: // My ears are different sizes!
Race: 2025 The Marathon Project | December
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $500
FUNDS RAISED: $104
I deeply believe in Indigenous sovereignty and in building communities rooted in reciprocity and liberation. This December, I’m running the California International Marathon, dedicating this race to Rising Hearts, an Indigenous-led organization advancing Indigenous rights, climate action, and running activism. Their work includes Running on Native Lands, MMIWG2S advocacy, educational workshops, and efforts to remove racist mascots and place names.
I am currently living in the Bay Area, but I grew up in Ojai, California! I work as a veterinary social worker, supporting both people and their animals by fostering connections that create safety and access to essential resources. Running is another way I connect—with nature, with myself, and with the world around me. When I run, I feel more in tune with the animals, plants, and environment that surround me.
Fave Run Tunes: I’m very corny—I love musicals! Also the most motivational running music imo!
Fave Run Fuel: GU gels, especially Raspberry Lemonade!
Follow Raquel on IG: @quelbern
Let’s cheer Raquel on, celebrate representation and movement!
Race: California International Marathon | December
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $800
FUNDS RAISED: $375
FINISHED RUNS | FUNDRAISERS!
BIG LOVE AND CHEERS TO OUR RUNNERS WHO RAN WITH PASSION WHILE ALSO SUPPORTING THE HEART WORK WE DO!
Kevin Maher is a Los Angeles local who Choreographs & Creative Directs for the biggest artists in music. He has worked with Madonna, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, New Kids on The Block, Nicki Minaj & so many more. Whenever he's not busy working he’s teaching dance to the younger generation globally.
I’m running the L.A Marathon because I want to prove to myself that I can do anything. I want to run for those who can’t. For those who are facing silent battles every day that we don’t see.
I’m running to clear my mind and remind myself that we are all the same and when we come together as a community we are beyond POWERFUL.
Race: 2025 LA Marathon | March
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $500
FUNDS RAISED: $756
