71 runners participate in half-marathon
Route extends along parade route from Window Rock to St. Michaels to Ft. Defiance then back

Runners bless the Navajo Nation Fair parade route in Window Rock Sept. 8. Submitted photo

Runners bless the Navajo Nation Fair parade route in Window Rock Sept. 8. Submitted photo

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - In the early morning on Sept. 8, as the streets of Window Rock began to fill in anticipation of the annual Navajo Nation Fair parade, there was a group of runners getting ready to bless the parade route, one step at a time.

For the first time this year, the Navajo Nation Fair Committee sponsored a running event, a half-marathon (13.1 miles) that led runners along the parade route in Window Rock down to St. Michaels, up to Ft. Defiance and then back.

"This is the first time in many years that we have had runners on the parade route," said Darwin Mitchell, coordinator for this year's run. "I think this is an important part of us coming together, showing that exercise is a part of what we do as Dine' people."

In all, 71 runners took the 13-mile challenge, almost twice as many as in previous years.

Among the runners was Jonathan Nez, Council Delegate from Shonto.

"I am proud to say that I am now a runner," he smiled as he recovered after the run, adding that he has gone from 285 lbs to 185 pounds over the last 8 months. "I realized that I was talking about wellness and being healthy but I was not living it. So, I made a resolution to change things in 2012, and here I am running long races I could never dream of doing just a year ago."

In addition, the Navajo Nation Vice President, Rex Lee Jim, came out to the event in full running gear. "I want to see our Navajo Nation become a running nation, bringing full health back to our people," he told the crowd before the event. He urged the crowd to support the upcoming "Running for a Stronger and Healthier Navajo Nation" that takes place next month (www.nnsdp.org).

Runners in this year's event came from across the Navajo Nation, ranging from youth to elders. Mathew Carr, an 18-year-old from Gallup, said he enjoyed the course, especially the latter half of the race which was run on a sandy wash.

"I think getting more youth to participate is a good goal for future races," he said, noting that he was one of the few youth to take part this year.

"This was a great way to start this Fair weekend," smiled Mariana Kahn from Tsaile-Wheatfields, beaming with pride at having completed the course.

Freddie Tapana from Round Rock finished the run as his third half-marathon completed, and talked about the bigger picture for him, "When I was told that I had high blood pressure three years ago, the doctors gave me the option of taking medications or changing my lifestyle. I politely said 'no' to the meds." Tapana has lost more than 100 pounds since then, and is already thinking about the next race he will do.

And for those who missed the fun, look for similar running/walking events in conjunction with the upcoming Shiprock and To'Nanees'Dizi fairs. In addition, there are local running groups, Zumba classes, and other fun ways to get active with others in your communities - T'aa Hwo' Aji T'eego (Just Move It) Navajo and Hopi Nations!

(Editor's note: Anthony Fleg is a family physician with the Native Health Initiative (www.lovingservice.us), partnership to address health inequities through ajobah (loving service). He can be reached at afleg@salud.unm.edu.)

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