I started running in 2019 after participating in an MRI-based research study that unexpectedly revealed a cyst at the back of my skull. Concerned about complications and the possibility of needing surgery, I wanted to get my body into the best shape possible—so I began to run. Not only did running improve my overall physical health, it also became a powerful way to manage the anxiety I was feeling at the time. And like so many others, once I started running, I was hooked.

Why do you want to be a charity runner? I feel incredibly grateful for the life and opportunities I have, and I believe in using that good fortune to help others. I know how lucky I am to be healthy and supported—and I want to channel that into something meaningful. Being a charity runner is a great way to turn personal challenges into a force for good in the lives of others.

Why Rising Hearts? I deeply value the intersectional approach Rising Hearts takes and its commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices. As someone who comes from a place of privilege, the importance of listening, learning, and standing in solidarity with communities whose histories and experiences are marginalized cannot be overstated. I think Rising Hearts does a remarkable job addressing systemic inequities while also honoring the rich identities of who they represent.

What race and do you have a goal for this run? Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic 50K. This is my first ultramarathon so my goal is simply to finish.

How's training going? Training has been going great! I’ve been mixing in a lot more gym time with running and staying injury-free. Running through the winter was really nice this year—I love the cold, quiet, snowy nights. And with the mild spring we’re currently experiencing, long runs have been super enjoyable.

Fave Run tunes: Lately it’s been AURORA’s album “A Different Kind of Human (Step II)” specifically “Apple Tree” and “The River”. 

Fave Run fuel: SaltStick Orange Chews and UCAN gels.

Fave shoes: HOKA Clifton 9

One unique fact about yourself: In 2024, I ran the original marathon route in Greece from the city of Marathon to Athens. 

Race: Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic 50K | October
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $800
FUNDS RAISED: $387

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: $530

Cheryl Mora Robison, Diné, was raised outside of Washington, D.C. and identifies as an URBAN INDIAN. An only child, she spent a lot of time with her Navajo grandmother and Pima grandfather who taught her to be proud of her heritage and to fight for equality. She earned a master’s degree in Sociology and worked as an advocate and social worker for almost 20 years before leaving her career to focus on her family’s small business. Cheryl mindfully bears the weight of her own trauma history and the generational trauma of her ancestors. She runs because it is one of the few things that makes her feel truly free.

+ What brought you to running? I played soccer for most of my childhood and started running regularly in high school as part of conditioning during the off-season. I would run around my neighborhood listening to a WU-TANG tape that my cousin forgot at my house and quickly fell in love with how running made me feel. Listening to music and going for a run calmed my nervous system and quieted my mind in a way that nothing else did. As a rowdy young adult, I would sometimes lose touch with running for months at a time but I would always come back to it whenever I sensed that I needed to. Even when running was difficult, I was drawn to it. I liked the challenge. 

+ What was it like running the Detroit Marathon? Training for and running the Detroit Marathon was a sacred experience. I feel incredibly lucky to have shared that experience with a diverse group of BIPOC women all running our first marathon together. We were scared together, excited together, humbled together, and proud together. None of us knew what we were doing but we got to be brave together and face the challenge - each in our own way. The marathon itself was tough... I ran strong for the first 18 miles and then hit a wall. My shoes had betrayed me and my feet were in a lot of pain for those last 8 miles. But I got through it and crossed that finish line! I didn't want a stupid banana or a tin-foil blanket. I wanted that damn medal!

+ What gets you out the door to go run? I still get nervous before almost every run. I have no idea why. But what gets me out the door is knowing how good the run will feel once I start it. I love how running makes me focus on the present; putting one foot in front of the other and just breathing. When I'm running there are no other demands or distractions and when I finish a run, I feel peaceful and proud of myself in a way that I don't think I feel anywhere else in the world.

+ Any mantras / affirmations you tell yourself? Not really. I should probably find some!

+ How'd you connect with the Prolyfyck Run Club? Soon after Littlez created the Prolyfyck Run Creww instagram account, the algorithms put it in front of me and I went to check out a run soon after. I immediately felt welcome in the space in a truly authentic way and I loved that the route we ran felt meaningful. Not only was the route especially challenging, but it went through parts of Charlottesville that were often overlooked or ignored. In addition, there was an unmatched feeling of camaraderie and joy for all to experience. Everyone was invited to push themselves outside of their comfort zone but there was no sense of competition - only community. Prolyfyck was and remains a rare space where we are all - especially people of color - invited to unapologetically show up as our entire selves.

+ What's your goal / hope for the New York City Marathon? I have run two marathons so far. The first was in Detroit, the second was in Savannah. In Detroit, my goal was simply to finish. In Savannah, my goal was simply to "do better" than I did in Detroit. I hoped to feel stronger (especially after mile 18) and finish faster - even if only by a few minutes. Even though I walked a lot more than I expected to in Savannah (it was a HOT race and I started playing it safe early on), I still finished stronger than I did in Detroit and 30 minutes faster. I think my goal for New York is the same: to simply "do better" than I did in Savannah... I hope to not walk as much and still finish feeling strong... and hopefully shave a few more minutes off my finishing time. Nothing crazy... to simply keep improving is enough for me.

+ Mondays for a Prolyfyck run? Were you hoping to join us at 6am for the full/OG route or the 1-mile route we started doing in the evenings? My evenings are pretty flexible but I love the full/OG route at 6am a lot more than the 1-mile route we are now doing in the evenings... I can do the Monday evening runs pretty much any time but won't be able to do the 6am route until September 29th. I was hoping we could promote/collaborate more with the Rising Hearts Orange Shirt Run this year anyway - any chance you'd want to come run with us that day? We could dedicate our route that day to the cause and encourage people to register. Let me know what you think! We've done a run in remembrance of the children who were forced into residential boarding schools in the past (my grandmother is a survivor) and for MMIW as well. I had to take a step back from these though because it was just too much for me to take on by myself... even if you are unable to attend our run that day, I still plan to talk to Littlez about encouraging Prolyfyck runners to register for the virtual 5k this year and dedicate our route that morning to the cause, the families, and the children. It would just be so much more memorable if you could be there too!

Race: New York City Marathon | November
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $5,000
FUNDS RAISED: $2,712

I grew up in a small village called Hotevilla on the Hopi reservation. My maternal clans are Spider, Bluebird, Bear, and Mole. My paternal clans are Bow & Arrow, Road Runner, Bamboo & Reed and Greasewood. I am also an enrolled member of the Navajo (Diné) Nation.

I have been running competitively over 10 years and started to take running seriously after high school. After attending Coconino Community College in Flagstaff and continuing to train, I was lucky enough to compete at the Division II level at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO, where I obtained my bachelor's degree in Public Health with a minor in Molecular Biology. I qualified for the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships in 2018, where I nearly missed out on an All-America selection. I continued training and competing when I returned home to Arizona where I pursued an advanced degree. In the Spring of 2021, I graduated from Northern Arizona University (NAU) with a Master's degree in Public Health with an emphasis in Indigenous Health.

I attribute my success to my clan family, my village, and the Hopi and Diné Nation as a whole. Running is embodied into the histories and ceremonies from both of my cultures. I have learned much from my heritage that keeps me humble, to serve others rather than myself, and represent my heritage, especially in areas where there is little to no representation of Native Americans. I ran my first marathon at the Los Angeles Marathon in March 2023. I was fortunate to be accepted into the elite/professional division for this race. The result was something extraordinary, finishing 6th place overall and being the 1st American finisher with a time of 2:19:55. I also ran the Mesa Marathon earlier this year and ran 1:03:57. This means I am only 57 seconds away from qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Trials - a long time dream of mine since I was a little rez kid. 

Race: The Marathon Project | December
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,000
FUNDS RAISED: $20

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: $803

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 Collective in 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: ‘25 Every Woman’s Marathon | November
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $800
FUNDS RAISED:

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: $867

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: $284