The Running Event Recap with Rising Hearts!

Hello Community!

And that’s a wrap at The Running Event ! Rising Hearts had a great time with community, our friends, making new friendships and connections! We saw a bigger presence of community there at this big event that centers all things running. We saw Sin Miedo Trail Runners, The Exchange Running Collective, Native Women Run, Running Industry Diversity Coalition, Prolyfck Run Crew, Runner’s For Public Lands, For All Mothers, Black Men Run, Peace Runners, and new voices and groups we are inspired by! Rising Hearts was an official partner organization for our second year in a row, and we are very excited to see what’s next for us in 2026.

We had a great panel, Building Kinship: Creating Inclusive, Diverse, Safe, and Meaningful Spaces through Movement, with @calcalamia @trailblader @carustol @stretchmurphy @nativein_la and @lexxsaenz 💗

Previous to our Building Kinship panel, Cal Calamia was a voice on the LET THEM RACE panel with Sofia Camacho, and Nick Kovaleski.

Thank you to everyone that joined! Thank you everyone that connected with us! It was great to see familiar faces, attend panels, runs, group meals, and fun at the end of the day! And also, a mini reunion for Team Rising Hearts runners with @thexicanaexplorer and @lathriftingvegana !!

Our conversations focused on the community perspectives working with the industry, the needs, the struggles, the successes and joy that come with it all. It’s heart work. It hard work. It’s not easy. Community that came to this event, all came for community, their communities, to see ourselves in these spaces and to thrive. We look forward to 2026 and continue kinship building!

- Rising Hearts

Building Kinship Panel

WATCH PANEL!

Building Kinship with @rising_hearts 💗

This amazing panel, featuring @calcalamia @nativein_la @trailblader @stretchmurphy @carustol and @lexxsaenz spoke truth to power. Not only highlighting the joy and success in the heart work they do, but also shared how hard it is to be a voice and advocate within the running and outdoor industry. It’s not easy to show up for community, everyday. And we want to share how intentional it was to make this one of the most diverse panels at this event. Thank you to everyone who showed up!

All voices spoke to what kinship means, what does meaningful relations building looks like, offered recommendations to the industry and on the steps they can take to do better and collaborate with community.

This is the heart work. And we are here to continue showing up and elevating our communities. Big shout out to Chris Glover of Fleet Feet Columbus, Safe Space Running and Easton Run Club for recording this panel for us!

REFLECTIONS OF TRE

Carolina Rubio-MacWright | Touching Land
This year I got to attend TRE with my Rising Hearts family and it was both magical and heartbreaking. It was magical, because I got to speak up with incredible leaders like Jordan, Cal, Daryl, Zack and Lex. I am forever grateful to be able to advocate for our community together, because the work we do together is TRANSFORMATIONAL. Our currency is the stories of the latino para athlete that dreamed and got to run at UTMB* the black athlete in Ohio that didn’t know what it feels like to run freely with others who look like him* orphaned immigrants able to feel like family in their running club *the indigenous runner who continues to tell stories of murdered and missing indigenous woman and marginalized folks via film, racing and building community* it’s about the person living in the wrong body finally getting a binder and being able to see themselves in the mirror and see the gender that fits their soul.

The other side of that coin of magic, is the reality of our immigrant and BIPOC /LGBTQA+ family whom continue to be discarded and abused by not just our government but whole industries. There was not 1 mention of immigrants or immigrant runners, hardly a mention on women’s reproductive rights? Or what the industry is doing to respond if ICE show up at their store, run club, race? Meanwhile, the event took place in a city full of immigrant’s.

The amount of trash and disregard of the intersectionality with climate issues or social justice issues was deafening.

At the very same time, I am incredibly grateful for TRE, in including our this panel with such care. There is much work to be done!

I feel rejuvenated by my peers and their energy and inspired by the work ahead!

I invite you to join us in demanding the running and outdoor industry do better!

Cal Calamia | Non-Binary Run Club
It was nice to be at TRE this year, where I participated in two panels. One was "Let Them Race," concerning the inclusion of non-binary divisions in races and the other was our Kinship Building panel with Rising Hearts. It feels good to gather with industry folks near the end of the year to reflect on what shifted last year and what work we still have ahead of us.

The Kinship Building panel is a highlight of my year every year. Connecting with other leaders, trailblazers, and athlete-advocates in the space really brings purpose to my work. It re-energizes me and reminds me that I'm not alone in the work I do, and that many beautiful visionaries are working toward greater inclusion in the running world and the world at large.

This year has felt heavy in a number of ways and it has been challenging to carry the weight of the current political climate and resounding inaction, but I find peace in knowing that we are in the work together. Thank you, Rising Hearts!

Daryl “Stretch” Murphy | Miles For Justice, Easton Run Club
This year marked my second time attending The Running Event, and once again it felt like a true privilege to be in the room. TRE is one of the largest industry gatherings in running. It’s a place to see what’s new, what’s next, and where the sport is headed. But for me, the most meaningful moments had little to do with product launches or trends.

The highlight of the week was sitting alongside my Rising Hearts family on the Kinship Panel. This conversation stood apart from anything else I experienced at TRE. It courageously explored an uncomfortable truth within the running industry: brands don’t always follow through on the promises they make, and the dollars meant to support community initiatives don’t always reach the communities being celebrated.

What made this panel powerful was its honesty. Each panelist shared their lived experience and perspective on how brands and community leaders can work in true partnership that creates alignment, accountability, and real value for everyone involved. I’m incredibly proud of the heart work each of these leaders pours into their communities every single day. Their strength, resilience, and commitment endure with or without external support, and that alone deserves recognition.

Beyond the panel, TRE gave me the gift of time with people who matter deeply to me. I was able to enjoy the experience with on of my best friends Chris who attended TRE for the first time. Carolina and I shared a peaceful morning run along the San Antonio Riverwalk. Later, Cal, Lex, and I capped off the night with a long walk and food along the river. Those simple moments remind me why community is at the core of this sport.

TRE is, without question, a major industry event. But its greatest value isn’t found on the expo floor. It lives in the conversations, the shared miles, and the relationships that begin or deepen along the way. Here’s to nurturing those connections and watching them grow in the months ahead.

Zach Friedley | Born To Adapt
This was my fourth year at TRE and my third time participating in this Diversity panel with Rising Hearts at this specific event. Sharing this stage with these humans continues to be one of the highlights of my running career. Being alongside these leaders is something I deeply cherish, they’re people I look up to and draw a lot of energy from throughout the year.

This year, we opened up a space that felt especially vulnerable. We shared lived experiences that can be uncomfortable and, at times, polarizing. What made it powerful was the trust in the room, we created an environment where it felt safe to speak honestly about the real challenges our communities face. (We created this for each other) That part of the panel means a lot to me.

At the same time, I’m sitting with some complicated feelings about how this panel is received within the broader TRE community. I don’t always see meaningful follow-up or tangible action for Born to Adapt coming out of these conversations. Each year, many of the same sentiments are shared, but there’s often little follow-through. That reality has been hard, and if I’m being honest, it weighs on me more each year.

I think part of the disconnect is that many people in the audience are attending TRE as part of their job (literally clocked in) while we’re showing up from a deeply personal, heart-led place. When those two worlds don’t meet, the action we’re hoping for doesn’t always materialize.

I’m still grateful for the space, the people, and the conversations but I’m also continuing to ask what real impact looks like beyond the stage.

Jordan Whetstone | Rising Hearts
It was Rising Hearts 4th year in attending The Running Event! With two years as a partner of the event. Our relationship and entry point into this even, began with one of our favorites, GU ENERGY LABS, bringing us into that space in December 2022. In our first year, we were there to promote the new gel flavor, Raspberry Lemonade, and the beautiful artwork to support it, made by Yatika Starr Fields. We were also the GU Gives Recipient as well. We had a great time at the GU Booth, talking with vendors, walking around, participating in some of the panels, and bringing Indigenous voices to the Indie 5k to give the land acknowledgement with the TRE organizers. It was very noticeable, in our first year there, that despite it being a tradeshow for the running and outdoor industry, it lacked people that looked like me, who were like minded like me, and community. I saw this as a big opportunity for this event to be more inclusive with community to be part of this event. Our biggest takeaways, was that community finds community, and we did. And that there was so much potential for intersectional collaboration.

In 2023, our second year, I was pregnant with my twins. So, it was a very uncomfortable experience, but nonetheless, still fun. We were able to hold our first Kinship Building panel at the Training Camp theater, that featured myself, Zach Friedley (Born To Adapt), Sergio Avila (RIDC), Cal Calamia (NBRC, 2H4H) and Jinghuan Liu Tervalon (RH Athlete). We also co-organized with GU, and local run clubs and Fleet Feet to host a community run and film screenings of Run To Be Visible, Know To Run: Yatika, and Elite Heart (teaser). This year, we saw more community groups and voices part of these spaces. Was it enough? Nope. But steps in the right direction. To be part of this tradeshow, that centers on all things running, tech, new collections, colors and more, as community, we want to see ourselves in those spaces too. We aren’t just customers. We are community. We wear that product. So, second year reflections, this event is on the up. The presence of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition has definitely helped with having community be present with the scholarships they offer, and the community focused work they are intentional about like making their panels / event more community accessible, free and friendly. Other groups present like Runner’s for Public Lands and Native Women Run all had presence. And it was really great to us all take up space. And really meaningful for Rising Hearts, to have our panel, our little family, to have Yatika there again, some other runner’s we were able to support in coming to this event as well. This is the heart work we love to see.

In 2024, our third year, first year as a partner of the event, we purposefully submitted a proposal for our Kinship Building panel, more formally. Giving it more structure, more discussions on what it’s like as community, to put this heart work into reality, within this industry, while sharing the highs and lows. We had two new voices part of this panel, welcoming Daryl ‘Stretch’ Murphy and Carolina Rubio MacWright (Touching Land), and had On open up the panel space at the Training Camp Theater for us. Through our kinship with On as a Right To Run partner and grantee, they have helped bring our panelists to these spaces with travel/lodging/speaking stipends, plus a few others that we could bring, to help outfit our speakers, not only at this event, but at other events, running events, races, with gear, entry fees, event planning and more. Most of this event, especially that Tuesday, which is held for workshops and panel opportunities, it mostly centers on race directing, marketing, brand relations (sometimes with community groups, thanks to RIDC), but our panel was different, as we wanted to work backwards and entirely focus on community. By focusing on community, sharing the struggles, the asks, the needs, how the industry can do better, we end the panel with insight for the industry to take away with them, in how they can meaningfully engage with community groups and advocacy. Biggest thing - have a budget! Focus on community events, community engagement coordinators in the company or retail store, build out those relationships, offer to compensate people who are speakers, featured guests, film screenings, and more. Product is always great as that helps with access and financially making it easier with those donations. It can go further - ambassadors, visibility opportunities, marketing campaigns, meaningful storytelling, supporting community teams at events, and more. But that takes investment and time. It seemed this year, really made an effort to be more supportive, listen, and be inclusive as we talked to Brands and other leaders in the industry.

And in 2025, our fourth year, second year as a partner, and I will say, overall - great to see more community!!! However, there was so much that was lacking. And felt that due to the political climate, so much has changed and done away with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, Safety and Justice. We saw and see the brands that have done away with it. We have heard the stories. And it’s made it such a struggle for organizations like Rising Hearts, and many we are close to, for us to be seen, heard, and valued in this industry.

We were able to hold our Building Kinship panel again, with a new voice, Lex Saenz (Rising Hearts Programs Coordinator), and New Balance introduce our panel. New Balance is a newer relationship and really stepped up with not just product, but lodging support for the Rising Hearts runners at the NYC Marathon and for our panelists at The Running Event. And we look forward to these conversations for 2026 and what we can co-create. The main focus of this discussion is much like our previous ones, to continue this conversation of what is DEI, the struggles, the impact we are able to make, even with less support from brands and the industry and still finding ways to be resilient, show up, and make it work. I know some only see this event as an opportunity for brands only / product only / or a reunion for more elite voices and athletes to be part of this event, however, the beating heart of the industry, are the people - the community. In this event for me, personally, I only felt comfortable and like I belonged, when I was with my friends, and brand partners that have truly invested in Rising Hearts. Outside of that experience, it still felt awkward, isolating, and like I didn’t belong. And when we went around handing out fliers and talking to brands/vendors present, and finding the right people to connect with, it still very much felt like what we were communicating and pushing for, investment - community - diversity - inclusion - safety, just went right over their heads. A lot of pain has come with this industry for me as an athlete and sponsored by several brands, and as the lead organizer of Rising Hearts. Lots of promises. Lots of tokenism. And a lot of invalidation. And that’s something I hope the. industry can do better and take accountability for. And that’s something we focused more on during our panel. We’re not ones to share the negatives or bad experiences, however, it was each of our lived experiences we had with this industry. We were vulnerable in sharing those moments. And I shared my own journey of that this summer into the fall where I really struggled with depression that started, from a brand that mistreated me, belittled me and a lot of injustice in that process that continued to just 4 days before to us showing up on December 1st at The Running Event by that same brand. The industry can do better. We, not just Rising Hearts, are all advocating for better and want to work meaningfully with the industry. So, here’s to more, here’s to better, here’s to a glass half full, for 2026 - we invite you to collaborate with us!

Alexis Saenz | Rising Hearts & Move Well
This was my second year at TRE and as always it’s so nice to see and be with community again. That is really what makes it all worth it! It’s a very conflicting feeling this year as I come back to the same space and seeing some things change and others remain the same or even back track. 2025 has been heavy in terms of the administration rolling back on DEI, which has had brands and groups doing the same. We talked about this a little bit on our Kinship Building Panel but also so much more.

Being able to lead the kinship building panel this year and really focusing on the growth we have and haven’t seen in the running industry, was vital to me. It was vital because it gives folks an opportunity to reflect and hold themselves accountable on where they fell short. While it’s great to focus on the good, we need to also call out and acknowledge the bad and do the actual work. We have to acknowledge the work it takes to try to get community involved and building meaningful kinship/relationships with these brands. I truly hope that if we go back next year, there is a drastic difference of good and purposeful change that is so big you can’t ignore it, that’s the type of change I want to see in the industry. As someone just coming into this industry and training for my first marathon next year, I want to see more people like me in these spaces and I want it to be in an authentic and meaningful BIG WAY! The people in power can create real change if they really wanted to and it is going to take all of us to apply pressure and create that real change. We hope you continue to support us and this Kinship Building Panel, next year as it is so important and the only panel that is truly, fully, and completely diverse.

Photobooth fun with Rising Hearts at the RIDC Cookout!

Team Rising Hearts with one of our fave run communities, and humans, Edward, CEO of Black Men Run!

Let Them Race Panel at The Running Event

Panelists: Sofia Camacho, Nick Kovaleski, and Cal Calamia

One of our Running With Purpose Athlete Advocates, Cal Calamia spoke on the Let Them Run panel as well on Day 1 at The Running Event!

Listening and supporting the LET THEM RACE panel at the Training Camp Theater to kick off the day! This panel includes Cal Calamia @calcalamia (they/he) | Sofia Camacho @sof_camacho (they/them)| Nick Kovaleski @a.runners.mind (he/him).

It’s simple - let them race. Let them run. All races can include Non-binary categories. Prize money should equal the men’s and women’s races. All runners when signing up for a run, should feel supported, excited to run, and feel that they are represented!

What to include or don’t do (and there’s way more):
+ Included a Non-binary leaderboard in the app and website
+ Non-binary categories
+ Equal prize money
+ Don’t misgender
+ Learn from them. Participate in events
+ Get involved with your local queer run clubs and communities
+ Consult with Trans and Non-binary athletes and voices for more support and guidance (and pay them!)
+ Create spaces for leadership and inclusion

Now more than ever, we need to show up, be an ally, be loud, and protect LGBTQ+ and Non-binary kin.

Watch Highlights!

Community ASKS for 2026

TOUCHING LAND
Touching Land is a 501(c)(3) that uses somatic experiential arts as a tool for community-building and immigrant empowerment. We have different programming that follows different social tracks: the Empowerment Model (only immigrants) and the Building Bridges Model (mixed communities).

Running, Rights and Lands: Brings seasoned runners and new neighbors/recent immigrants together for 10 weeks to run together, talk about our power, legal rights, climate justice, and to explore the power we have to build a more equitable community.

Pass The Shoes: New initiative where your running shoes donation turns into an opportunity to bring resources and running to those that need it the most, while keeping shoes away from landfills by giving them a second life!

2026 Wishlist:

We welcome connections to race organizations that will give us race entries for fundraising.
We welcome connections to local NY/NJ running organizations that will give us a large discount for the 20-35 runners we have racing 5k/10k/half marathon twice a year. It’s our biggest cost right now along with producing shirts for our runners.
We would love a connection to brands that have KIDS TRAIL running shoes. We have partnered with the Hackensack happy feet, a group of about 35 middle school children, comprised of mostly immigrants that are now running in the trails. We want the club to have shoes they can use for racing, as some of the children show up with snow boots or shoes with no traction to the race! The shoes would be owned by the club, so that as kids grow, they can rotate shoes and this will help avoid waste.
We welcome all partnerships that would amplify our storytelling around migration and climate justice, and amplify our programming. This is all to build opportunities to fundraise or collaborate in whatever capacity. Whether selling a specific line of clothes and donating the proceeds.
We are open to more collaborations with brands, with other running groups especially as we are getting ready to launch Running Rights and Land one day program in different cities, starting with D.C., and theBIPOC/immigrant community at Howard University.

Website: www.touchingland.org

Follow on IG: @touchinglandorg | @carustol

NON-BINARY RUN CLUB
Non-binary run club is celebrating, uplifting, and providing a training community for trans and non-binary runners. Running Is For Everyone!

Trans and non-binary runners are fighting for our right to run. Help us access lifesaving communities and physical activity

2026 Wishlist:

Since cost can be a barrier, our crew greatly appreciates free and reduced-fee entries for races.
Some of our athletes need proper running shoes and apparel.
We need race organizations to include non-binary divisions across all of their races, as well as implement equitable policies for each division.
We need brands to help advocate for non-binary divisions with race organizations, and specifically for them not to sponsor races that do not include non-binary divisions.
We need more representation and storytelling, which can happen by amplifying non-binary+ run club and/or its members.
We would greatly appreciate support with travel and lodging costs for some members of our crew to have the opportunity to experience traveling to a race and running together.

Website: https://calcalamia.com/non-binary-run-club

Follow on IG: @nbrcsf | @calcalamia

MILES FOR JUSTICE | EASTON RUN CLUB
Running a 5k (3.1 miles) everyday since April 2020 as a silent protest to raise awareness on inequalities in society.

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.

2026 Wishlist:

One of my communities most pressing needs is safety gear for the dark winter months. This includes reflective vests/clothing and lights for the dark runs. As well as protective mechanisms to carry while on a run.
A need of my community is club apparel. If any brand could provide collaborative merch that we can brand with our logo for club members to wear on run club meetups and race day.
A need of my community is funding of a minimum of $100 per week to maintain the run club. We host the run club in local establishments and they charge us a fee to meet there.
One thing that would greatly benefit the community are sponsored comp entries to marathons in which a group of 5+ members can experience together.
A need of the community is advocacy for safe, inclusive spaces to run. What this means is sidewalks that are able to be used by people of all abilities. So many of our sidewalks are uneven due to trees uprooting the sidewalks due to poor urban planning and have never been fixed.

Website: www.milesforjustice.org
Follow on IG: @milesforjustice | @stretchmurphy

BORN TO ADAPT
An organization focused on creating events for disabled people across the globe. We’re making movement, community, and the outdoors accessible to everyone.

The Mission:

To expand societal awareness around disabilities and to foster spaces where everyone can have access to the transformative power of movement, community, and the great outdoors.

2026 Wishlist:

We are looking for monetary resources to help launch a BTA Run Club for those people who want to be a part of the community but are not ready for the race commitment. The disabled community often is left out of invites to run clubs or routes or not thought about with these athletes in mind.
BTA Run club would also like gear for the members, shoes, shirts, gels, packs etc
We would also like athlete grants (travel and lodging support) for participation in races like UTMB, NYC Marathon, etc. This summer in 2025, we sponsored Jahir Ramos, Para runner from Ecuador, he ran in UTMB OCC, and we would love to replicate this for athletes like Jahir.
More story telling opportunities, films, media, podcasts (example: Freetrail has never had any disabled athlete on the podcast, and multiple repeat guests).
Disabled Visibility in marketing campaigns for brands and with brands.

Website: www.borntoadapt.org | zach@borntoadapt.org

Follow on IG: @borntoadapt | @trailblader

RISING HEARTS
Rising Hearts is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to amplifying community voices through kinship, movement advocacy, and storytelling. Through our programs, we inspire collective action, elevate Indigenous and community centered narratives, creating safe and supportive spaces, continuously learn and show up how we can, and mobilize support for those in need.

Much of the heart work we prioritize is cultivating kinship with brands, companies and groups, while creating meaningful collaborations with the Rising Hearts athletes, community partners and broader movement community.

Our Programs:
Running On Native Lands Initiative
Running With Purpose Athlete Advocates | Charity Runner’s Program
Rising Hearts Stories | Filmmaking
Virtual Movement Events | Race Organizing

2026 Wishlist:
1.) Fully funded ‘26 Every Woman’s Marathon Team and mini film (proposal with budget available)
2.) Collaboration on community events at / Entries (secondary) for the Boston Marathon and NYC Marathon
3.) Rising Hearts at The Running Event in 2026 - booth, panel opportunities for our runner’s
4.) Funding that can cover $7,000 of PTE Programs Coordinator and $6,000 for FTE Volunteer Executive Director for 2026
5.) Product / Shoes / Fuel for 75 athletes (Athlete Advocates, Indigenous runners, 30 Charity Runners)
6.) Storytelling - We hope to collaborate on marketing campaigns, films, and branded content to continue elevating community voices!
7.) RUN IN BEAUTY - Alexandria Staten | Our newest short film will publicly premiere in January 2026 - invite Rising Hearts, Alex, and film crew to come to your community to host a screening!

Website: www.risinghearts.org | Jordan@rising-hearts.org

Follow on IG: @rising_hearts | @nativein_la

Donate: www.risinghearts.org/donate

2025 The Running Event!

The highlights, the shining stars, the infectious smiles and energy that all of them brought to the @therunningevent and to this world - thank you, for being you. Love you and miss you all already!

We are so proud of Rising Hearts, what it means, our purpose, the communities we are part of and learn from, and all the opportunities / races / events we organize or collaborate on! We hope to raise it by 12/15/25!

We are 71% of the way there to reaching our end of year goal of $10,000!

Team Rising Hearts came into the @everywomansmarathon with a fundraising goal and community goal of BELONGING, JOY, RESILIENCE, FRIENDSHIP. And all funds raised has its place to be and support from a run retreat, to our 38 athlete advocates, 30+ charity runners, film screenings and events, consulting, and staff.