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, 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 in 2024, we had 5 California International Marathon runners as well!
Suggested fundraising limits:
RH Athletes / Community = $600
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.
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I'm a long-time runner, freelance journalist in the coffee industry, and avid concert-goer living in Los Angeles.
Running has always been my way of maintaining the deep connection with nature that I've felt since I was a kid.
I have an M.S. in International Agricultural Development, which I utilize in my writing to amplify the voices of farmers and underrepresented communities.
Why do you want to be a charity runner?I ran track & cross country through high school and college, always motivated by my team. Racing two marathons solo post-graduation solidified that running as a self-focused endeavor would never be satisfying or fun for me. Running has always served something greater: community and spirituality. Running for charity is a unique conduit for raising awareness and staying focused on a purpose bigger than myself when my body starts to hurt.
Why Rising Hearts?
Growing up in Amherst, Massachusetts (Nonotuck, Pocumtuc and Nipmuc lands), nods to the regions' indigenous history were omnipresent in the running world -- names of hiking trails, mountains and parks -- but few people knew the true story behind the names on the signs. As a journalist, my purpose is to help everyone share their story. I was drawn to Rising Hearts because they combine my passions for storytelling and running. Rising Hearts empowers me to run with purpose and honor the land under my feet.
Fave Run tunes: Rosalia, Danny Ocean and Rauw Alejandro always get me dancing out the door to run.Fave Run fuel: Before: Bars like Aloha or Bearded Brothers, and organic coffee of course! During: Coconut water and organic gels like Muir.
One unique fact about yourself: I've always been a plant-powered runner! I went vegetarian at age 6, and I've been vegan since age 14.Share about any local community runs you're part of?Mohawk Wellness Collectivein Echo Park, Los Angeles. I've found fast friends in this community that fosters inclusivity and holistic wellbeing.
What race and do you have a goal for this run? I've run 3 unsanctioned 50ks this year, but my first official ultramarathon will be the Avalon 50k in January 2026. Every Woman's Marathon will serve as my speed test!
How's training going? I've been thoroughly enjoying taking in the mountain views at ultramarathon pace!
Fave shoes: Altra
Race: Next up, Boston Marathon!
When: April 21st
TEAM RISING HEARTS FUNDRAISING GOAL: $7,000
FUNDS RAISED:
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I am deeply passionate about this campaign because I believe in the power of community and the healing that comes from movement. Running has been a profound gift in my life, one I recognize as both a privilege and an opportunity. It has strengthened me physically and mentally, and it has helped me find and use my voice as an Indigenous woman in the running community. Through running, I have experienced connection, resilience, and belonging. The Rising Hearts community creates intentional space for Indigenous peoples and communities to experience those same strengths; through movement, cultural grounding, and community care. This campaign represents far more than race day miles; it is about visibility through the journey, giving access, and building pathways so that Indigenous runners are supported, seen, and valued now and into the future. My commitment to this work is also about legacy. I want to help create opportunities for my Indigenous brothers, sisters, and Two-Spirit relatives to engage in movement in ways that are affirming, culturally rooted, and accessible. This community embodies this vision by centering Indigenous leadership and collective well-being. This year, I am dedicating two ultra running events, the Crown King 50K and Javelina 100K to the Rising Hearts Community. Each race is an act of commitment to this mission and a way to amplify the importance of Indigenous presence and representation in endurance spaces. Funds raised through this campaign support the Rising Hearts’ community-centered work, including: Indigenous-led health, wellness, and movement programs Community grants and direct support for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit relatives Increased access to running and endurance sports through gear, race entry support, and resources Youth and community programming rooted in culture, connection, and movement * Storytelling, advocacy, and visibility for Indigenous voices in outdoor and endurance spaces Every dollar contributes to creating more access, representation, and opportunity—both on and off the trail. I am grateful for your support and for being part of this collective effort. Yakoke for standing with me and with Rising Hearts.
+ Race/Run goals for 2026: AZT Oracle Half Marathon, Crown King 50K, Javelina 100K
+ Fave Run/Post Race snack: Post race snack would be - Bag of Salty Chips!, Post race meal though - all day would be PIZZA! Burritos come in a hot second place.
+ Why Rising Hearts (to fundraise for)?: 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.
+ Anything fun and meaningful that you're part of in your own community that you'd like for people to know?: I support and run with Native Women Run and have previously been very involved in youth and women’s outdoor spaces. I’ve coached a local kids’ mountain bike team and served on the leadership team for a women-only mountain bike organization. With a new job and a busier schedule, my time is more intentional now, so I look for flexible ways to give back—especially through events and organizations that align with my values and allow me to stay connected to community through movement
+ Mantra that helps you stay positive, keep going: It is a privilege to be able to have the health to run and be able to participate in this space. You GET to do this.Race: Crown King 50k
Funraising Goal: $1,200
Funds Raised: $401
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+ 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. I never thought I would consider myself a "runner" or enter a race for that matter, but I am thankful for the inspiration, advocacy, and encouragement that the Rising Hearts community provides.
+ My fundraising goal for my 40th birthday is $1,500 and all proceeds will support Rising Hearts and the amazing heART work that Jordan Whetstone, Lex Saenz, and other athlete advocates do to amplify, celebrate, protect, and empower diverse voices in the running/movement community.
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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/Run goals for 2026: ScallyWompus Texas Hill Country Series (10 miler, 10k, 10k, half marathon). Possibly train for a sub 2 hr half marathon later this year. I'm still too nervous to commit just yet.
+ Fave Run/Post Race snack: Lucas strips and mandarin oranges during races. Post-run coffee and tacos (favorite taco: bean and chorizo with cheese).
+ Why Rising Hearts (to fundraise for)?: I've been an athlete advocate since 2021 but this is my first year fundraising for Rising Hearts. I appreciate this opportunity to use my running as a form of advocacy. Whether I'm running for my health, my joy, or my purpose, I want to share this with others in the hopes that they are inspired and encouraged to do the same.
+ Anything fun and meaningful that you're part of in your own community that you'd like for people to know?: I host a weekly run meet-up, alongside the Speed Burro Run group, called Mural Mondays (IG @muralmonday). We meet at 5 am at Brackenridge High School and run a 3-4 mile route which includes a different local art mural each time. Last year, we ran to almost 50 murals! We welcome everyone and all paces, including walkers, cyclists, & fur babies.
+ Mantra that helps you stay positive, keep going: "One day I won't be able to do."Race: 2026 San Marcos Half Marathon, 10k, 5k; Wanderlust 13.1, 10k, 5k; and Siesta Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,000
FUNDS RAISED: $203
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was initially a huge fan of Jordan and her misison 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!
Follow August: @techno.slut
Let’s cheer August with his goal of Ten Marathons in 2026!
Fundraising goal: $1,500
Funds Raised: $
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I’m running and fundraising for Rising Hearts, now through the Boston Marathon!!! So far, we have a team of 5 runners: Mel, Ashleigh, Caroline, Hosava and myself! We hope to meet our goal!
Rising Hearts began in January 2017. What started as an idea to support and elevate Indigenous voices and Indigenous as they fought against the Dakota Access Pipeline, grew to so much more since 2016. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to lobby. I wanted to advocate. I wanted to work for Indigenous Peoples and communities. I still do in a variety of ways and I love it. I was grieving at a pivotal moment for our relatives in Standing Rock and seeing the people I just met in DC being attacked by dogs, lit a fire and knew that this was how I’d honor my lala’s legacy. To stand up. Fight back. I began organizing. Bring people together with my friends. Fighting for change. Coalition building. Unlearning. Learning. And gaining some of the most amazing friendships out of it. Fast forward to going from just being an organizing group to becoming fiscally sponsored in 2020, we pivoted the heart work we do to be more intersectional, bringing people together, to learn from each other and help support each other through movement, mobilization, activation and advocacy after the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.Now having several programs, multiple short films, 36 athlete advocates, 7 Indigenous athletes, over 12 partnerships, and multiple collaborations and co-organizing events, our impact has grown and the requests keep coming. I never dreamed of this. I love Rising Hearts. This is our biggest year. From going to only donated/volunteer work, to fundraising and out of pocket expenses, to having a few grants and still pushing fundraising, we are in our make it or break it year. Instead of just me, we have a Programs Coordinator PTE. I still do mostly all of this voluntarily. I have prioritized our community and athletes and have always wanted to make sure we can support them. Our focus has shifted a bit more this year with applying for more grants and creative ways to fundraise! Help me reach my goal!
Race: 2026 Boston Marathon
TEAM RISING HEARTS FUNDRAISING GOAL: $7,000
FUNDS RAISED: $
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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
Goal: $1,000
Funds Raised: $
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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!
Follow Lex: @lexxsaenz
Race: Superhero’s Seattle 10k, Nike After Dark Half Marathon, Harvest Moon Half Marathon, Every Woman’s Marathon
Fundraising goal: $2,000
Funds Raised: $
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I want to run for Rising Hearts because I want to give back to a community that has done so much for me. Rising Hearts makes it possible so that more people have access to running and running communities.
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.There are three things that bring me back to life after a hard run: cola soda immediately after, a crisp apple after I’ve caught my breath, and hot Cheetos as recovery.
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.
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 running mantra is “Run the mile you’re in.” It helps me stay focused and not worry about what I may know is coming, a long distance or a big hill.
Race: Ouchita Switchbacks 25K,Midsouth Double, OKC Memorial Half Marathon, Westline Winder 50K, Dinosaur Valley 100 miler
Fundraising Goal: $1,200
Funds Raised: $166
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Hi, my name is Susie and I've been a runner for most of my life so far. I'm fundraising for Rising Hearts because I want to support the work that the Indigenous-led organization is doing, upfront and behind the scenes, to make the running space more welcoming and inclusive. Rising Hearts elevates diverse voices, creates opportunities for athletes and brings people together, which makes such a positive difference in this world. When I'm not running you can find me coaching, teaching yoga, being a mum and a partner, and working on creative projects.
Favorite post run fuel / snacks: Fruit, waffles and coffee (sometimes with GU protein recovery mixed in)!
How’s training going? Pretty well! I'm looking forward to a few more long, hilly trail runs in the beautiful Sonoran Desert where I'm lucky enough to live.
After the Kai 70k I'm not sure what I'll focus on yet for the rest of 2026 but I'm still interested in running the marathon distance.
Race: Kai 70k
Fundraising Goal: $750
Funds Raised: $
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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.
Race:
Goal: $800
Funds Raised:
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I appreciate how Rising Hearts uses running as a tool to build community and amplify Indigenous voices. Organizations like Rising Hearts illustrate that while running is an individual effort, ultimately, it's a team sport and opportunity for each of us, no matter our skill level, to uplift and connect with those around us.
+ Fave Run/Post Race snack: I am a big fan of sour gummy candy, so I love to snack on Nerds, Sour Patch Kids, and Saltstick Blue Razz Berry Gummies on runs. My husband makes the best egg sandwiches that make the perfect post-race snack and while I'm not usually a pop person, there's something about a crispy post-race Coke that really hits the spot.
+ Mantra: I like to remind myself that I can do anything for a mile. This helps me stay focused on the present and not become overwhelmed by the distance left.Race: Bentonville Half Marathon, Tulsa Run, and a TBD full/half marathon for the fall
Fundraising goal: $800
Funds Raised: $
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I fundraise for Rising Hearts because running, for me, is about more than miles.
It is about honoring Indigenous people and the land we move through—not just using it.
It is about visibility, respect, and reciprocity—giving back to communities whose stories are often erased, but whose resilience is unmatched.
This is my second year running with Rising Hearts, and I am back because this community is real. I have grown—not just as a runner, but as a person—by being part of something bigger than myself. As someone reconnecting with my Apache roots—Ndee—this work matters deeply to me.
I run because I’m still here.
And I fundraise because others deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
Rising Hearts stands at the intersection of movement and meaning, health and healing, and culture, community, and visibility. My miles become a way to honor Native runners past and present, support Indigenous-led wellness and justice work, and turn gratitude into action.
This is not about hype or hashtags. It is about running with purpose—for legacy, for healing, for those who came before us, and for those still running their own long road forward.
Race: El Paso County Search & Rescue 10K, Garden of the Gods 10-Miler, Colorado Springs Half Marathon (13.1), California International Marathon (26.2)
Goal: $1,000
Funds Raised: $
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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
Goal: $1,300
Funds Raised: $102
FINISHED RUNS | FUNDRAISERS!
BIG LOVE AND CHEERS TO OUR RUNNERS WHO RAN WITH PASSION WHILE ALSO SUPPORTING THE HEART WORK WE DO!