2026 Charity Runners
MEET THE 2026 CHARITY BIB RUNNERS!
WHAT A YEAR!!!!!
In 2025, we had 37 runners dedicating their run / race to Rising Hearts! We met our goal of $36,000! And in 2024, we had 5 California International Marathon runners as well, with $2,500 raised!
All of this was possible because we made a new option available since we had a handful of runners reach out to us, asking how can they support us or fundraise for the heart work we do. So, we created the Rising Hearts Charity Runner’s Program, aside from our partnership with The Wander Project (where you select a race from them, with set fundraising limits, then we receive the funds at the end of the year), and through some of our bib entries we receive at the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, California International Marathon and Every Woman’s Marathon. So don’t miss your chance to run with Rising Hearts! We help reimburse your registration fees if needed, get you fuel, a singlet, and shoes. And, we have no penalties for not reaching your goal. we’re just grateful you chose us and are supporting us in this way. Thank you!
1.) We had TEAM RISING HEARTS at the Every Woman’s Marathon in Scottsdale, AZ - all 13 women crossed the finish line and raised $7,436 for Rising Hearts!
2.) Rising Hearts had 2 runners at the ‘25 New York City Marathon and raised $4,136.
3.) Rising Heart had 3 runners at The Marathon Project, December 21st in Chandler, AZ, where Hosava Kretzmann (Hopi/Diné) also qualified for the 2028 Marathon Olympic Trials! The 3 runners raised $3,840.
4.) Rising Hearts had 2 runners at the California International Marathon, where Blanca and Carlos raised $1,904, and we donated $700 to NorCal Resist on behalf of Blanca as well!
5.) And 24 runners who collectively raised $18,806 for Rising Hearts!
CURRENTLY:
We are so excited for 2026 and can’t wait to support these runners! Let’s give it up for these humans! If you want to be part of this collective heart work through movement and community, we are calling for 12 more runners to fundraise for Rising Hearts! Now, we have 25 signed up, with 7 starting their fundraising now!
- Rising Hearts
2026 Charity Bib Runners!
MEL DEVONEY
One of the best decisions I made in 2025 was joining the Rising Hearts team and embarking on my ultramarathon career. I feel unbelievably lucky to continue running for a greater purpose with Rising Hearts in 2026. Every donation - even a symbolic $1 donation - empowers me to do that. Mil gracias amigos <3
CONGRATS TO MEL FOR REACHING HER GOAL AND COMPLETING THE Avalon 50k!
Mel is bringing together 12 women from Good Days Run Club / Mohawk Wellness Collective for the SoCal Ragnar (click and donate) on April 10th with a $2,000 goal as well (more to come in February)!
Mel is also coming back for the Boston Marathon with Rising Hearts in April with Ashleigh Thompson, Hosava Kretzmann, Caroline Sekaquaptewa, and Jordan Whetstone ($7,000 goal for that race)!
RACE: Boston Marathon
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $7,000 (collectively as a team)
Total Raised So Far: $0
Follow MEL on IG: @MELDEVONEY
Ive done run-related activities for most of my life since I was in 5th grade…I started out with cross county in Tucson and was more involved in running than most, but still a dabbler compared to run community people. I remember I was so excited to run a 5k in 2018!!!! I hadn’t run like that in a few years and I was all jacked up on race day and remembered how fun racing was. Well……here I am now trying super hard to raise money for a 250 mile race charity bib!
I feel like my fundraising efforts should mirror how badly I want to run…I want to really prove to myself that I worked hard for it all around.
Rising Hearts completely reflects everything I believe in! I believe in inclusive Indigenous community as a nonbinary Diné person, so this really hits close to home.
Let’s cheer on Liz at the Flagstaff Marathon and the Cocodona 250 in May as a Wander Project Charity runner for Rising Hearts!
RACE: Cocodona 250 (May)
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $6,000
Total Raised So Far: $1,103
Follow LIZ on IG: @SHASTAPOPZ49
DONATE TO LIZ’S FUNDRAISER
I live in Southeast Oklahoma on the Choctaw Nation reservation and the Choctaw Nation offers the P.A.CE. program to associates who work for CNO and all tribal citizens. This program has helped me connect with local runners and races, so I can share the Rising Hearts mission with them. My goal for 2026 is to be healthy enough to complete the Dinosaur Valley 100 miler in November. I struggle with nutrition, especially during stressful times. It would be a big accomplishment to properly care for my body during this training cycle. I’ve been an athlete advocate since 2021 and it has changed my life. Knowing the impact Rising Hearts has had on my life, I want fundraise for them so that others get to experience it as well.
RACE: Ouchita Switchbacks
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1200
Total Raised So Far: $166
Follow KELSEY on IG: @longcommakelsey
I was initially a huge fan of Jordan and her mission to raise awareness for MMIP. I knew I wanted to be a part of the group. After last year, I really grew to appreciate the sense of community, partnership and increasing diversity in places that aren't always meant for us.
I'm part of Front Runners NYC! A pretty big LGBTQ running group in the NYC area. Worth checking out for all people in the community/allies!
RACE: 10 Marathons this year
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,500
Total Raised So Far: $0
Follow AUGUST on IG: @technorunnerboy
Greetings relatives. My name is Colleen Cooley, I am Diné and currently reside on the ancestral homelands of the Tohono O'odham, Pascua Yaqui, San Carlos Apache, Hopi, and Zuni in southeast Arizona. For my upcoming 40th birthday, I plan to hike/run/walk 40 miles to honor and connect with these ancestral lands and in conjunction, raise funds for Rising Hearts.
Rising Hearts has been instrumental in my running journey these last few years. My first ever race was a virtual 10K that Rising Hearts hosted during COVID in 2020, and the following year, I was selected to be part of their Running with Purpose Run Club.
All proceeds will support Rising Hearts and the amazing heART work that RH and other athlete advocates do to amplify, celebrate, protect, and empower diverse voices in the running/movement community.
RACE: 40 mile run for her 40th Bday!
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,500
Total Raised So Far: $969
Follow COLLEEN on IG: @ccoolio2
This year I'm raising funds for this amazing organization that stands for many of the same things I whole heartedly believe in. I love the intersectionality between running and advocating. It's a beautiful thing to move our bodies with purpose. In hopes that we're creating a better world for everyone.
RACE: 2026 San Marcos Half Marathon, 10k, 5k; Wanderlust 13.1, 10k, 5k; and Siesta Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,000
Total Raised So Far: $203
Follow SARA on IG: @sara_zzzz
Movement has been a huge part of my healing, physically, mentally, and emotionally and Rising Hearts creates space for Indigenous communities to experience that same connection through movement and culture. I respect that the RH work goes beyond sport and directly supports community-led initiatives, representation, and access. I don’t have children of my own, so part of the legacy I hope to leave behind is helping create and protect spaces like this, spaces where Indigenous people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Fundraising for Rising Hearts allows me to run with purpose, honor our peoples resilience, and help uplift Indigenous voices while supporting the next generation of Indigenous runners and leaders.
RACE: AZT Oracle Half Marathon, Crown King 50K, Javelina 100K
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,200
Total Raised So Far: $401
Follow LISA on IG: @runningnative
I was drawn to run for Rising Hearts because I want to bring awareness to the land that we are running on. Being an English educator I always want to share the world with my students and one of the worlds that I hope they learn more about is the one we walk everyday. As a transplant from Oklahoma to New Hampshire I seek to bring awareness to the indigenous lands and people we encounter in our country and Rising Hearts can help me to connect with communities that are doing just that.
Not only am I an English teacher but a volleyball coach at our local high school. I am also the adult ally for a student led DEIJ organization called Project D. R. E. A. M. I am also a member of our city councils Committee for Racial Equity and Inclusion.
RACE: TWO MARATHONS TBD
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $600
Total Raised So Far: $0
Follow Whitney on IG: @runningnative
I love what Rising Hearts stands for, and fundraising for Rising Hearts adds to my ‘why’ for running, giving it more purpose. Running is a privilege, and fundraising is a way for me to express my gratitude for being able to run. I want to keep fundraising for Rising Hearts and putting more purpose into my running. I am running the Miwok 100k in May and am aiming for a race and distance PR, AND get my WSER qualifier. I also hope to run the NYC Marathon for Rising Hearts and work on getting faster.
RACE: MIWOK 100K
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,000
Total Raised So Far: $0
Follow ALEX on IG: @alexandria.staten
I’ve worked for Rising Hearts for 5 years and every year I've watched our runners reach their goals in running and their races. It's been so inspiring to witness! After watching all our runners cross the finish line at the Every Women's Marathon last year, I decided that 2026 was my year to commit, give it my all and run my first marathon. First, I have a few practice races to work my way up to the full marathon. I'm so excited for this opportunity and what this experience will do for my mental health and my life. Running is in my blood and a part of my culture. I'm excited to reconnect with running in this way and raise funds for an organization that I work for and believe in so much!
RACE: Superheros 10k, Nike After Dark Half Marathon, Harvest Moon Half Marathon, Every Women’s Marathon
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $2,000
Total Raised So Far: $0
Follow LEX on IG: @lexxsaenz
This year I am training to run the Leadville Heavy Half. This is a race that takes a lot of grit and determination because in the middle of running 15.46 miles you climb Mosquite Pass which is 13,185 feet. This is a race I’ve done before I always finish it but miss time cutoffs. This year I want to change that. The best way I believe to change the outcome is making each mile and vertical climb matter while running with purpose. I’m doing that this year by fundraising for Rising Hearts. Rising Hearts, is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to amplifying community voices through kinship, movement advocacy, and storytelling. Rising Hearts over the years has empowered me to tell stories of my own, advocate for others and uplift my community through running. As a Chicana trail runner, it is important to me to fundraiser for a nonprofit that supports and elevates BIPOC runners and knows the importance of BIPOC representation in the running community. Most importantly one of the best lessons I’ve learned from Rising Hearts is to Be A Good Relative. I hope that you will support me on this running journey and help me reach my fundraising goal.
RACE: Leadville Heavy Half
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,300
Total Raised So Far: $102
Follow CANDACE on IG: @candacegonzo
‘25 CHARITY RUNNER REFLECTIONS
Mel Devoney, ‘25 Charity Runner
Becoming a charity runner for Rising Hearts was one of my best decisions in 2025. This inspiring community empowered me to finally dive into my ultramarathon journey, and offered me the outlet I was searching for to run for a greater purpose. I'm proud to continue learning about and honoring the native lands under my feet with each run in 2026.
Alex Staten, ‘25 Charity Runner
Being a Charity Bib Runner for 2025 added so much more meaning and purpose to my running. This helped me stay focused when my motivation was low and have a mindset that I was running for something more. Rising Hearts has also provided me with a community of like-minded people who do amazing work and who inspire me to do more. I will continue to fundraise for Rising Hearts and run with purpose.
Hosava Kretzmann, ‘25 Charity Bib Runner
I am fortunate enough to run for a larger community outside of my own tribes (Hopi and Diné) through Rising Hearts. Running for a bigger purpose and ensuring Native led organizations like Rising Hearts continue. Growing up I was always told to run for those that cannot or for those that are not here (or have passed on). Running makes our ancestors proud and happy, that is what I continue to do. I could not be more proud to do that with Rising Hearts.
Ivana Holiday, ‘25 Charity Runner
I enjoyed representing Rising Heart as a Charity Bib Runner in 2025 and supporting their initiatives as an organization that uplifts underrepresented voices in the movement space. It was an amazing experience to be Charity Bib Runner from receiving Gu gels, shoes, receiving a singlet, tailored social media posts, and constant communications to learn from inspirational runners. In the past I’ve applied for similar opportunities but I was not accepted as an applicant. I was discouraged to put myself out there in the running scene but being a Charity Bib Running with Rising Hearts has encouraged me to continue to seek opportunities. During my time as a Charity Runner, I was able to host one of the in-person events for the Running for Justice with Wasatch Trails Collective and the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake. Jordan and Lex supported our group in creating a successful event to support the campaigns’ organizations and the local efforts of Missing Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) in Utah. It warms my heart knowing that I can feel their passion for advocating for others whether thats topics/issues that others deem political, and they are not shy to show the truth. It was a fun and wonderful opportunity to be Charity Bib Runner for Rising Hearts, and network with runners across Turtle Island who share passion for uplifting others.
Run with purpose
In 2025, we had 37 runners dedicating their run / race to Rising Hearts! We met our goal of $36,000! Here’s a chance to support our heart work through a different means - running!
We hope to find at least 37 runners for 2026!
2026 RACES ARE OPEN!
OPTION ONE: THE WANDER PROJECT
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/).
Reach out to us via email, info@rising-hearts.org. Share with us your plans, then we’ll set you up with the link!
OPTION TWO: RUN FOR RISING HEARTS!
Dedicate any race you have signed up for to Rising Hearts. If you want to register for one, we can reimburse your fee, if needed (pending fee and may need to be added to fundraising amount)! Donation page is through GiveLively where you can create you own account to fundraise. Through this new option, we had 37 runners dedicating their run / race to Rising Hearts for 2025, with $36,181 raised, meeting our goal! And rounding out 2024, we had 5 California International Marathon runners as well! There are no penalties for not reaching your goal!
Suggested minimum fundraising limits:
RH Athletes / Community = $600
Non RH Athletes / New Allies/Friends = 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.