Sara Aranda is a writer and endurance athlete based in the mountainous west. She grew up in the diverse communities of Southern California and graduated with a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of California, Riverside. Her creative work and love for running, climbing, and other body expressions have been at the core of her mixed identity and heritage. With so much more to (un)learn and celebrate, her passion for undefining and redefining the body within, and in tandem with, the craft of creative writing continues to flourish. Her writing has been published by Alpinist Magazine, The Climbing Zine, American Poetry Review, and Boulder Weekly, among others. She currently resides on Ute, Pueblos, Diné Bikeyah land. You can follow her running adventures on Strava or her writing (including the monthly Moonbox Notes) on bivytales.com.

Boozhoo, My name is Jasmine Grika, Citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Red Lake Nation. I have a deep passion for community sovereignty, equity, justice, healing and our great Mother, Mother Earth. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate of Social Work at USC, with a focus on designing systems, and anti-racism, with the hope to play a role in the establishment of community driven systems. Running is always there for me as a form of discharge and healing, and it is where my spirit feels the most freedom. In times when I am not working or at school, you can find me enjoying my solidarity and peace in the woods or along the river hiking with my dog. Mother Nature gives us more than we deserve, and I hope I can be a part of the change to honor and respect her by using my #legsforlandback.

My name is Alicia Garcia. I have many roles; daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, friend, and I am proud to be a runner! I started running later in life in my 30’s. I was motivated by several people, however at the core was my mother. She had struggled with obesity, diabetes and heart disease her entire adult life. My mother died when I was 32 from ovarian cancer and I had participated in an annual 5K ever since. My goal was simply to run the 5k without stopping. I never stopped. I completed my first marathon in 2017 and a triathlon in 2019. I am determined to see my grandchildren grow up.

My mother’s side of the family includes a history of homesteading in the Dakota’s in the early 1900’s. I was horrified to learn that my family was able to generate generational wealth from stolen land. My father’s side of the family includes a history of colonization, first by the Spaniards, then the Mexicans, and currently by Americans. My father grew up during the Assimilation period. His parents were the first to leave the Pueblo and never looked back. Proper paperwork wasn’t filled out, making my dad a non-member with no claim to the land or tribal resources. The Assimilation Period erased the cultural existence of millions of Native people. Being a part of the ReNew Earth Running team is one step towards healing. One step may not seem like much, but is is forward motion that completes the race.

I was born in Mexico City and grew up in Zacatecas (Zacateco land). Running has always been part of my life. From playing futbol (‘soccer’) from a young age into my 30’s, to running in races and community events, I have been running all my life. Growing up I had access to natural areas where I played and learned; without knowing it, these experiences were the beginning of my love for trail running. I enjoy trail running, gardening, bird and butterfly watching, and looking for wildlife tracks and sign. I live in O’odham & Yoeme lands (Tucson, Arizona) with my wife Jenny, our cats Lupe, Carlos, and Pancho, and Toby, the desert tortoise. #TobyChronicles My work sits at the intersection of social and environmental justice, and I have over 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation and research on both sides of the arbitrary US-Mexico border. (#NatureHasNoBorders)

I run for physical and mental health. In the Sonoran desert where I live, I run with the birds and the roadrunners, lizards and hawks, coyotes and cacti. I run to connect with my own identity. As I learn about my own Indigeneity, I run to connect with people and the long-standing Indigenous running culture. Living among the Indigenous Tarahumara (Raramuri) of the Sierra Madre, I witnessed the power of running as individuals, as communities and as a culture. Since then I have developed deeper relations with Native people, with running, and with the land I run.

I also run for those who are not able to run. I run to raise awareness and support Native causes, like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. (#MMIWG2SLGBT) .

My running goals don’t relate to time or medals. Running for #LandBack is a fitting goal in my personal and professional life, and I’m excited to be part of this team going #BeyondLandAcknowledgement and accomplishing meaningful results for the benefit of Native communities anywhere they are. I’m ready to use my #LegsForLandBack

Hello! My name is Mattea Prison. I am a settler born and raised on Confederated Salish and Kootenai and Niitsitapi (Blackfeet) lands in so-called Evaro, Montana. I love spending time connecting with nature through running, hiking, and biking. My physical history has mostly been ballet and other dance forms, however I have found an abundance of agency, joy, and physical and mental grounding in my revitalized running practice. When I heard about ReNew Earth Running’s mission, I knew I had to apply! I want to use my new-found passion for running to start from a foundation of land acknowledgment and activism, restoring land stewardship back to its rightful place in the hands of Indigenous peoples. I am so excited to join this awesome group of runners and use my #legsforlandback!!

Alicia Smith is Yupik from Pitka’s Point Village in Alaska. Alicia began running in 2013 after a friend and sister invited her to register for a turkey trot. This run became the catalyst to register for other runs and increase the family bond amongst sisters. Alicia and her sister meet regularly to run and the running has expanded to other family members too!

Outside of running, Alicia has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Morris and a Master’s Degree in Tribal Administration and Governance from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Alicia is the American Indian Advisor for the Economic Opportunity and Nutrition Assistance Programs at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. As the American Indian Advisor, Alicia provides guidance on American Indian worldview to raise the profile of American Indians for better relationships, increased access to services, and equitable outcomes related to anti-poverty and nutrition programs. All of the work Alicia does is on behalf of the American Indian community so they can reach their full potential–intellectually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Growing up in South Minneapolis (Dakota/Wahpekute land), I only ran for play or to get away when chased. As an adult, I embraced running as a practice and extension of my recovery. I wanted to live long and strong so I could be active and have fun with my (theoretical) grandkids one day. I've since found great purpose in running through teams like Mile in My Shoes and RER, I’ve embraced running as a way to heal people, communities, and the Earth. I’m grateful and excited to return to this team and use my #LegsForLandback!

IG: @krevWon

I am a Navajo ultrarunner currently living on the Navajo reservation in Fruitland, NM near the Four Corners. Cross country was my introduction into running and it grew exponentially after college. While attending Western Colorado University in beautiful Gunnison, CO I got into ultrarunning my sophomore year of 2016 when I joined the Western Trail Running Team. Ever since then I have done multiple ultra races, competed against elite fields, worked with/paced athletes, spoke at universities, and done running projects for charities. My recent accomplishments of 2023 would be winning the Arches 50 mile in January as well as winning the Monument Valley Ultra 50 mile with a course record time in March. I strive to inspire my Navajo people and everyone else to run not only for one’s self but to run for community. Running is medicine for all and can help strengthen community in ways that make each step sacred. You can follow my journey through my Instagram: @timboslice_39 and Facebook: Timberlin Henderson. I currently run for All in Trail Collective, Ultraspire, Greenhouse Healthy, Stigma Wellness, Zensah, Mad Moose Events, GoPro, Skullcandy, and Ryno Power Sports Supplements.

I was born in Newcastle, England but grew up in Dubai. I now live on Neusiok and Coree land (Onslow County NC) as I’m active duty Navy stationed with the Marine Corps, I retire from active duty in 2024. I am a licensed clinical social worker and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Social Work where I focused on mental health and became passionate about social Justice and health equity.

I found a love of running in my early twenties when I was in the Marine Corps. It became a form of therapy, healing and a spiritual practice and I always take time to connect with and feel gratitude for the land. I also love off-road cycling and compete in several gravel cycling races in the US.

I don’t really run for time anymore and resonate with running for a purpose. When I found ReNew Earth Running I felt a new motivation and passion I feel I have been seeking for a while. I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to utilize my love of running for advocacy and activism. I believe the lands we live, run and cycle on need to be restored to indigenous leadership and can’t wait to do my part.

I am an Ojibway runner originally from the north but living in southwestern Manitoba, Canada. I run in treaty 2 land, the unceded territory of the Dakota, and the homelands of the Red River Métis.

I developed a love for trail running while in college, and recently started into endurance sports which has reignited that love. I run for my health, and to set a good example for my family.

I am excited to represent Renew Earth Running and the legs for land back movement. It’s a cause that hits close to home as my reserve, Long Lake #58 (Ontario) is currently in the process of their own land claim process.

Christen is an ultra-runner, trail enthusiast, community servant leader, wilderness first responder, and fiber artist who lives and works most of the time upriver from Bdote on Dakhóta and Anishinaabe land. They prefer to run by and in nature instead of concrete. Their relationship to running includes land stewardship, movement, finding and growing indigenous and local fuel at farmers markets and community gardens, trying to learn indigenous languages, and healing communities through systems change like fixing broken treaties and returning stolen lands.

You can follow the adventures on Instagram @socialfabricresearch. See you on the trail!

Hi!

My name is Brea. I live, pray and run on the stolen lands of the Osage and Erie in Ohio. I love exploring different places like the mountains and the desert through running- learning about different environments and the first people to inhabit those lands. But I feel most at home running on a single track in the forests where I live.

As much as running has connected me to the environment and the greater world around me, it has also connected me to myself. Running, and being outside has brought me a great sense of healing at a time in my life when I needed it most. Through running, I have been empowered to improve my physical and mental health. The practice of running and being outside heals my spirit and gives me the energy and ability to take care of others including my children and all of the patients I see working as a women's health nurse practitioner. In addition to running; growing flowers, vegetables and keeping bees brings me a great sense of joy.

I believe we can all be healed by being in outdoor spaces, but we must also protect these spaces through land back initiatives, placing land in the hands of their native stewards. Running has given so much to me personally, now I am ready to use my #LegsForLandBack! I am honored and humbled to use my running to support the initiatives of the ReNew Earth running team.

Yá'át'ééh!

I am Afro-Indigenous, an enrolled member of the Diné Nation. I currently reside in Chumash Territory (Santa Barbara, CA) with my husband and son.

In the past, I'd run often, averaging 50 miles a month, mainly trail running along the beautiful beachy coast. Unfortunately, life got in the way of my constancy. I miss the feeling of running in the sun and the sound of running on crunchy earth.

By joining this team, it is my intention to get back out there, connect with nature, and be a good relative. I'm honored to be a part of this running team and to be a voice for native people and land restoration.

Hi, my name is Karla and I am currently running on Muscogee and Cherokee lands in Atlanta. I began running when I was in middle school and have had a complicated relationship with the sport throughout the years but am grateful to be running with purpose in this season! My family is Indigenous to this continent by way of Mexico. I am reclaiming my language (Nahuatl) as it was lost in my lineage recently through migration and stigma but my abuelito remembers it fleetingly with fondness. I am grateful for the lands of my grandparents that keep me rooted to who I am and honor their history everywhere I go. I am so excited to be part of the RER team and to run for Indigenous stewardship and Land Back!

High school teacher, mom, dog mom, and grad student (again!), Julia eeks out as many miles as her body will allow in Seattle, WA, on the unceded lands of the Coast Salish peoples. Julia enjoyed almost a full decade of sub-elite competitive running before banging up her body in a bad bicycle accident. Now she is grateful for all modes of movement that take her outside and bring her in community with human and more-than-human kin alike. Julia has made Indigenous-lead #landback efforts central in the humanities classes she co-teaches with students and colleagues and research she continues to do as a graduate student. Julia is honored to be on the RER team, dedicating her movement to and raising funds for #landback efforts. #legsforlandback—let’s go!

Katey Peck (she/her) is a space holder, writer, and dreamer. A white settler ally raised on the southern banks of the Patawomeck (Potomac) River in Northern Virginia, she is grateful to also call Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu, Hawai’i and dxʷdəwʔabš lands (Magnolia, Seattle) home. Katey was first introduced to running by her dad and has been in an on-again off-again relationship with the sport for over 15 years. She’s raced everything from the 4x4 relay to the marathon, but her sweet spot is long-ish races at slower paces, lip syncing and smiling at every person and dog she passes. She sees running as a practice to (re)connect to herself, people, and 'āina (land, that which feeds). Katey is grateful for opportunities to weave together physical movement with collective movements for healing and liberation. She is humbled and heartened to join the ReNew Earth Running community.

Ya'at'eeh! (Hello)I am so excited to be part of the Renew Earth Running Team. My name is Candace Gale, and I am Diné (Navajo). My clans are Haltsooi (The Meadow People Clan) éi nishłį̨. Naakai dine'é (The Mexican People) báshíschíín. Kin ł ichii'nii (The Red House Peple Can) dóó Kinyaa'áanii (The Towering House Clan) dashinálí. Naakai dine'é (The Mexican People) báshíschíín. Kin ł ichii'nii (The Red House Peple Can) dóó Kinyaa'áanii (The Towering House Clan) dashinálí. I am from Window Rock, Arizona. When I am not running, I work at a local hospital in the Finance area. Running connects my family, hobbies, body, and mental health. Running is something I excelled at from high school through junior college. Since I returned home after graduating from college, I have had great aspirations to return to running regularly. I entered local road races and even joined my Aunt Nancy’s running groups in the evenings! I became interested in running ultramarathons two years ago. I entered my first six-hour race, and my interest grew to 30k, 50k, 50 miles, and 100k. Now, my goal is to run Moab240 this year. I began to recognize that I wanted to do something more to contribute, and running was the only way I could do it. Running is my ability to help recognize I need to bring more awareness to issues of the environment, returning and restoring land to the Indigenous peoples. I saw ReNew Earth Running is an excellent place to start for me to use my #LegsForLandback! I am committed to using my platform as a runner to advocate for environmental sustainability and the rights of Indigenous communities.

Sal Palmero (they/them) is a farmer and artist living in Albuquerque, NM, an uninvited guest on Southern Tiwa Pueblos land. They grew up in northwestern New Mexico & southern Maine, moving from high elevation to sea level, and big shifts like that have continued to define their life. Building a running practice post-gender affirming surgery, after spending much of their adult life completely uninterested in running, is a good example! Incorporating running into an already active and outdoors-based life has been meaningful, and as a descendant of settlers and colonizers going back many generations, if felt necessary to work with more intention to acknowledge & support the lands and people where they recreate and make a home among. They are excited to join the Renew Earth Running team!

Meryn (she/her) is a settler of Irish, French, English, and German ancestry, currently living on unceded Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) territories in the South Coast of so-called British Columbia, Canada. Growing up on Treaty 6 lands in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (aka Edmonton), her deep appreciation for the outdoors was cultivated by running through the river valley. Meryn immersed herself in trail running when she moved to Coast Salish lands to study sustainable food systems at the University of British Columbia in 2015. After years of running ultras and on-and-off injuries, Meryn has been working to reestablish a connection to her inner self and the land through her running practice. In her day job, Meryn supports building out school meal programs to ensure that every child has access to tasty, nourishing, and sustainable food.

Jess has been a runner for 53 years and ran for Duluth Central and Univ. of MN-Duluth in the 1970's.

After college, Jess continued to race, mostly on the roads, putting up PR's of 2:25:29 for the marathon, 31:19 10K, 15:18 5K, and 52:40 for 10 miles (at age 40.)

Now, Jess is slow, but still after it. He completed his first 100 miler at the Across the Years race in Phoenix on New Years day, 2024, in 33:40:00.

Along with his wife, Julie, he completed a 3700 mile walk/run across the US in April, raising awareness about Harm Reduction (specifically overdose prevention using Narcan.) Special attention and gratitude was given to recognizing whose tribal lands they were passing through.

Though his real racing days are probably past, he hopes to use running and outdoor adventure as a means to spread the word about food and land sovereignty.

A retired college English teacher, he continues to do some writing for small publications and radio.

Jess lives on, and is an enrolled member of, the Grand Portage Reservation in Minnesota.

Harmony (they/she) is from a family of immigrants and colonizers. They’ve had the honor of living in many places around Turtle Island, China, and Taiwan; and currently live on Onondaga/Tuscarora land in rural Central New York. In all these places, running has been a constant component of Harmony’s way to explore, to be in a place, and re-center themselves. Harmony is honored and excited to be a part of the Renew Earth Run team since 2022 and believes that everyone benefits from intentional physical movement and careful stewardship of the land. Currently, Harmony spends most of their time working on ethical and sustainable food systems, and as a parent to a young child, sharing the joy of learning about and loving the lands that they live on.

Boozhoo! Niin Wawatesi i Agyaq nindizhinikaaz.Hello! I’m Emily, and I live on land originally inhabited by my Anishinaabe relatives, in the State named from the Dakota word Mni Sóta Makọce. I am a proud member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, belonging to the Makwa Indoodem (Bear Clan). Movement and the outdoors have always been integral to my life. I grew up cycling, skiing and running track in my youth, played rugby in college and rediscovered running as an adult. I put myself through the latter part of my bachelor’s degree by working as a personal trainer, helping others achieve their goals. While fitness may have been focus back then, I realize the true joy for me has always been the sense of community and connection with nature. Today, movement is less about looking a certain way, and more about celebrating the capabilities of my body, increasing representation, my community and enjoying the outdoors.

My first career as a cultural anthropologist took me across Alaska, deepening my appreciation for our connection to the land and the resilience of Native peoples. This experience led me back to graduate school in Counseling Psychology, where my focus has been on delivering culturally competent and socially aware mental health care. Through these experiences, my appreciation for my own culture and the importance of cultural representation was solidified.

Outside of work and running, I stay busy with my two young children and our large Rottweiler, often finding ways to explore and enjoy the outdoors together. Joining the ReNew Earth Running Team has added a new layer of purpose, meaning, and community to my running journey.

Hello/Boozhoo! My name is Bethany Kozak and I am a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; born and raised in Hugo, MN. I started running at a young age through various sports, but focused on distance running in high school in White Bear Lake, MN. I fell in love with the sport from my incredible high school coaches/family and pursued it in college at the University of South Dakota (USD) where I also learned more about my heritage through Indigenous health & science organizations on campus. At USD I studied Spanish and Exercise Science, and since then received my Doctorate of Physical Therapy and became an Orthopedic Certified Specialist within the field. I currently work in outpatient orthopedics as a physical therapist with special interests in running treatment, women's pelvic health treatment, and bone health throughout the lifespan. In the Twin Cities you can find me running, exploring the many trails with family and friends, seeking out concerts in town, trying new foods/coffee shops, reading a good book, and thrifting. Furthermore, I love traveling, learning about different cultures, and admiring art. I am excited to be a member of RER and am honored for this opportunity to protect the land and environment that fuels us daily!

Kelsey (she/her) is an epidemiologist and distance runner running and living on Eno, Tuscarora, and Occaneechi land. She races road and trail 10 milers-ultras and loves running for its ability to help us to find joy, prayer, community, and solidarity through movement and nature. She is both a Citizen of Cherokee Nation and of colonizer descent which influences both her running and public health practices. She will be running Boston for the second time in 2025 and is excited to represent RER. She’s honored to be on this team and to use her #LegsForLandBack!