Charity Runners NOV & DEC
WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR CHARITY BIB RUNNERS!
Hello Community!
Let’s celebrate these amazing humans! Our charity runners, who have said yes, have helped promote Rising Hearts and have helped fundraise for the heart work we are grateful to keep doing.
We have a handful of runners who have helped fundraise for us! No matter large or small, that financial support has it’s place to be and support in the heart work we do!
Learn a bit more about our runners, their why and what’s to come!
- Rising Hearts
charity BIB RUNNERS 2025
Candace is now a two-time Wander Project x Rising Hearts charity bib runner!
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: Monument Valley Veterans
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $800
FUNDS RAISED: $0
Follow CANDACE on IG: @candacegonzo
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.
RACE: CIM December 2025
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $800
FUNDS RAISED: $375
Follow RAQUEL on IG: @quelbern
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! Plus, I'm excited to explore Tokyo!
Race: The Marathon Project
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $500
FUNDS RAISED: $104
Follow NATE on IG: @natekale
As an Indigenous (Hopi/Diné) runner, every stride I take is more than movement—it's a connection to my ancestors, my community, and the land that has always held us.
Running gives me purpose because it’s a living expression of resilience, ceremony, and identity. It’s how I honor those who came before me and how I carry their strength forward. The rhythm of my feet on the earth is a reminder that I belong to this land. Through running, I stay grounded in who I am and uplift the spirit of my people with every mile. Running with purpose means to run with both mind, spirit, and body. As young Hopi youth, we are taught to run for more than just ourselves. Run for our communities, our villages, and clan families.
Race: Global Running Day - September 1st
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1000
FUNDS RAISED: $20
Follow HOSAVA on IG: @hosava
Kylie Ariel Bemis is an autistic trans woman and enrolled member of the Zuni Tribe who currently lives and teaches in Boston, Massachusetts. A statistician and data scientist by training, she is a storyteller and a runner at heart. She is a published author of short fiction and strives to be a competitive amateur racer on the roads and on the track.
She didn’t choose advocacy. Advocacy chose her. You can only push an Indigenous girl so far before she fights back, and this woman’s weapons are her words and her running. Her blood will always be drawn home to Zuni, but she is proud to call Boston her local marathon.
Race: The Marathon Project
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $500
FUNDS RAISED: $0
Follow KYLIE on IG: @kuwisdelu
Over the past several years, I have been on a journey of reconnection—reclaiming my Indigenous roots, healing from suppressed trauma, and discovering a deeper
strength within myself. That path led me to Rising Hearts, whose work reflects the Same values of healing, resilience, and movement with purpose that now guide
my own. Running has always been more than physical—it’s a way to honor those who came before me, to carry messages of hope and strength, and to be part of
something greater than myself. Each mile becomes a prayer—for justice, for healing, for remembrance, and a future rooted in truth and community.
Running for Rising Hearts isn’t just a race—it’s a commitment. A commitment to move with intention, uplift Indigenous voices, and be a vessel for change and
collective action.
Race: USSF T-Minus 10-Miler
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1000
FUNDS RAISED: $1082
Follow MARK on IG: @CORUNNINGBEAR
10 years ago. It started as walks, then runs, then entering local 5K races and eventually wanting more - more distance, more speed, more medals, more adventure. In 2021, I realized I could run with purpose. I still have goals that challenge my body but I want to work towards them in community and know there is a bigger purpose behind it. As a charity runner, I will be bringing awareness to the heart work and encourage my community to engage with my chosen organization.
Race: Dino Valley 100miler
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1000
FUNDS RAISED: $0
Follow KELSEY on IG: @LONGCOMMAKELSEY
RUN REFLECTIONS
I finished my first race as a charity runner today! I ran the Delta Dental New England Half Marathon in Concord, NH. It went really well! Way more hills than I expected but based on that, my finish of 2:09 was really good for me. In my division I finished 31st. The weather was perfect in New England (N’Dakinna) for this time of year.
Training went well considering this is my busiest time of year. I was able to keep my body healthy and fueled thanks to your donations of Gu supplements! I was able to keep up with my runs between teaching coaching a fall sport. My family was really supportive in helping me reach my goals.
I have raised $470 so far and I am hoping for more donations before my next race. I haven’t quite decided what my next move is, but I’d really like to complete a marathon! My goal is to continue improving my times and get under a 9 minute pace.
This journey has been an amazing first for me. It has had its ups and downs with training for my first 100 miles but fundraising and representing Rising Hearts has been an absolute joy. I am ready to bring Rising Hearts across the line with me at Javelina Jundred.
Run with purpose
Thanks to the 11 runners we have, turning their passion into purpose! Using running to fundraise for Rising Hearts! So far, we are close to $15,000 for 2024! Here’s a chance to support our heart work through a different means - running! We hope to find 10 runners for 2025!
2025 RACES ARE OPEN!
OPTION ONE:
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/)
OPTION TWO:
This is more new for us! We have a givelively link specifically for runners/individuals, who want to raise funds for the heart work we do! If it’s not through our partnership with The Wander Project, or our other partners at CIM or Boston, you can run for Rising Hearts at any race you choose and bring more fun and purpose to your why and the run.
Suggested fundraising limits:
RH Athletes / Community = $500
Open to Community = minimum $800
Perks: RH Singlet, merch, stickers, fuel, and if shoes are needed, we can help you!
Reach out to us via email, info@rising-hearts.org. Share with us your plans, then we’ll set you up with the link!