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 UC Riverside. Her work and love for running, climbing, and other body expressions have been at the core of her fluid, mixed-ethnic identity, though not without grief, constant self-reflection, and difficult learning opportunities. Sara is a BRCA1 carrier, an avid note-taker, a traveler, a wasn't-raised-but-learning Spanish speaker, and a wife with a passion for undefining the boundaries of the body and the English language. 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 Jefferson James Guy aka J.J. I'm a Diné (Navajo) trail runner currently living in Flagstaff Arizona (7000ft). I am Tódich'ii'nii(Bitter Water Clan) born for Kiyaa'áanii(Towering House Clan). This running journey has allowed me to stay connected to the earth and has been my medicine. I run for me, my health, for those incapable, for those who suffer, for the land, for my kids and for my family. I'm looking forward to continuing this journey with my wife and running teammates. Let’s go RER team!!!

Stevie Ada Klaark is an Artist, Educator and Writer who lives and works on Dakhóta and Anishinaabe land. They believe that running can be a source of physical, emotional, and spiritual empowerment. Stevie began an intentional running practice in 2017 - shortly after learning to walk again. When not running, she spends her time as a mentor through several organizations including the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop and Free Arts Minnesota.

Anthony is a a jack of all trades, but identifies as a Mountain Ultra Trail Runner (MUT). He enjoys GOING FAR in al aspects of life and the challenge of any endeavor. He first found running through his older siblings and as a way to get healthy from childhood obesity. Anthony began pursing running seriously in high school and has never looked back. From the roads and trails, to a mile to 120+ mile trail runs, Anthony loves to do it all. He loves big mountains, lots of vertical gain and all the incredible scenery he is able to see while out on the adventure. Originally from the small PNW town Vancouver, WA, Anthony now calls Boulder, CO home for the past three years. Anthony runs for Honey Stinger, Pure Power CBD and Suunto. You can follow his running adventures on Instagram @Anthonyclee94 or on his blog Anthonyclee.blogspot.com

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

Hi / Yá'át'ééh / Halito!

My name is Kelsey, aka @longcommakelsey Kinyaa’áanii nishłį́, tł’ogi bashishchiin, kin łichíínii dashicheii, naakai dine’é dashinalí. My greeting above is in English, Navajo (the native language of my people), and Choctaw (the native language of the peoples where I currently live). Although I only speak English fluently I do know a couple words in Navajo and Choctaw.

I grew up on my family ranch in Coolidge, New Mexico and since then have made my way to Durant, Oklahoma, on the Choctaw Nation Reservation. I moved to Oklahoma 9 years ago and I started running over 5 years ago - all because a little girl with a wet nose and fuzzy tail needed exercise and attention. Before my pup, Missy came into my life I couldn’t find joy in running. It. Was. Torture! When I eventually came around to it I longed for long distances. My goal to be an ultra marathoner.

When I finally found joy in running I tried to be my best and constantly tried to PR. At some point I plateaued and needed more reasons to run. A couple years ago I read about Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel and the advocacy she did for the MMIW movement at the Boston Marathon. I had heard about what was happening but I never thought I could make a difference because I did not live in a major city. She inspired me to use my running as a form of advocacy.

Running with a purpose is more important to me now because I have a niece and nephews who deserve a better world. Issues that are important to me are protecting Indigenous peoples and protecting the environment. I believe that doing one affects the other so I fight for both. With that said, I am so happy to be a part of the Renew Earth Running team and being a part of restoring land to its original stewards.

Mia Montoya Hammersley is a water and environmental attorney of Tigua and Yoeme descent. Running has been a part of Mia's life for as long as she can remember. She grew up running 5k's with her mother and later running high school cross country. After tendonitis required her to limit running on pavement, Mia began trail running and never looked back. For Mia, trail running is a source of healing, strength, grounding, and connection to the land and her culture. This connection with the land ultimately motivated her to go to law school, and she received her law degree from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law with certificates in Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy and Environmental Law & Policy. After graduating from law school, she moved to Washington DC to serve as the Healthy Communities Fellow with Earthjustice, working on behalf of communities that bear a disproportionate share of environmental health harms. After completing her fellowship, she returned to Arizona as an Associate Attorney with a boutique law firm where she assists Tribes with securing and using their water rights and natural resources and with safeguarding sacred sites. Mia is thrilled for the opportunity to connect her love of running with her role as an advocate.

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!!

Becca Jay (she/her) lives in Colorado on the stolen lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Tséstho’e (Cheyenne) and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Oglala Sioux) with her husband, Luke, and two boys. You can find them hiking and playing in the mountains, enjoying any moments they can exploring and appreciating the beauty of the trails. Becca grew up playing soccer and transitioned into trail running when her boys were younger and wanted to hike the 14ers (14,000 ft peaks) in the Rocky Mountains. Running and hiking is healing and contemplative for Becca. She uses her time on trails to move intentionally, to be present and to practice gratitude for Earth and for those who nurture and care for the land. She has completed several ultra-marathons and looks forward to more. When she is not on the trails, Becca works a personal trainer, encouraging people to feel empowered in their bodies and minds, helping them to build durability, strength and balance. Becca is excited to help fulfill the mission of ReNew Earth Running.

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 grew up on Abenaki and Mohecan land in what is called Vermont, and now live in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley surrounded by the mountains and beautiful trails of the Monacan, Manahoac, Sappony, and Shawnee ancestral lands. I have been a runner most of my life, starting out as a hurdler and 400m runner in high school and college, and now as an ultramarathoner. Renew Earth Running has given me a tremendous opportunity to integrate the movement of my body with the movement for justice, reparations, and land back – what I call “movement movement.” I love to reimagine running, and all movement, as a vehicle for connection with community and land as opposed to the conquest mindset that comes with colonial conceptions of exercise and competition. The work of decolonization and repair can seem overwhelming and daunting, but it is also joyful when we can (re)connect our bodies through running.

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.

Annie Weiss is a Registered Dietitian for Rogers Behavioral Health, specializing in eating disorder treatment, and teaches at the high school and college level within her field. She is the co-author of Fueling on Purpose, an interactive workbook to help readers gain comfort around nutrition and with their bodies. She is also the host of Between 2 Pastries podcast, discussing and debunking current nutrition fads. Outside of work, Annie is an accomplished runner, holding the record for the women’s fastest known time on Wisconsin’s 1200-mile Ice Age Trail. She enjoys racing in the mountains and overseas to explore new trails, enjoy local foods and traditions, and meet new people. Annie loves to travel outside of running, too. She has been to 6 continents and over 2 dozen countries. She loves to bake, play soccer, and occasionally goes birding as well!

Kelsey (she/her) is an epidemiologist, PhD student, 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 a descendant of colonizers which influences both her running and public health practices. She’s honored to be on this team and to use her #LegsForLandBack!

Meryn (she/her) is a settler of Irish, French, 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 K-12 food literacy and land-based learning projects.

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 started running in 2015. Running has changed my life completely. I was in this phase where I saw myself saying 'I can’t a lot. I didn’t really want that to be my mantra anymore so at the age of 43, I decided to run a 5k.

I started my fitness journey with my husband by hiring a run coach for a Zero to 5k program. When I started, I could barely make it around a track! Bit, bit, and with the help of my first coach, I began to see changes emotionally, physically, and even spiritually. After my first 5k, and getting across that finish line, the feeling of accomplishment I felt was unlike anything I'd ever experienced in my life. Then, in 2016, I ran my first half marathon, just one year after the first 5k, and I never looked back. And finally, in 2018, I became an RRCA Certified Coach (Level 1) to inspire and challenge others to move and achieve their wildest dreams.

To date, I've run numerous races and distances from 5k to ultramarathons. This includes 13 marathons (4 Abbott World Major Marathons - NYC, Chicago, Tokyo, and Berlin), and five ultramarathon.

For me, running has been a space where all things seem possible to achieve and do. Whether the result comes to pass or not is irrelevant, what has become most important to me is to try. I believe that fitness is for every BODY, no matter your size, shape, gender, current ability or physical limitation. To that end, I started podcasting in 2020. My podcast "The Last Tenth Podcast" seeks to share the stories and experiences of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled runners. and athletes.

I also believe that running is a great vehicle not only for personal change and growth but also for social change. I am honored and proud to support the work of ReNew Earth Running.

Ti is a multi-cultural (Apache/ Diné/ Anglo) trail runner, storyteller, photographer, and outdoor brand strategist based in Durango, Colorado — the ancestral lands to the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Pueblo, and Diné peoples.

Ti began running at the age of 10, participating in local fun runs before joining the XC team in middle school and high school. Since then she has found her true passion lies in ultra distances, and recently completed her first 50-miler at the Antelope Canyon Ultra on her Diné homelands.

Running has allowed Ti to connect more deeply with her culture and the lands that comprise her home in the Southwest. In more recent years, she has found ways to tie her love of the sport to causes she cares about. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ti raised over $5,000 for the non-profit Adopt A Native Elder by summiting the four sacred mountains of the Diné, which helped to provide food and supplies to native elders living in remote areas.

When she’s not running around in the mountains or desert, you will find her mountain biking, rafting, snowboarding, writing, or baking. Follow her on Instagram at @run.wander.ride.

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!

Luke (he/him) currently lives, works, and plays in the Green Mountains of Vermont, the ancestral homelands of the Western Abenaki. As a husband and father of two (if you don’t count the dog, cat, chickens, and goats), Luke and his family are committed to a life lived in connection with the land. He works as an outdoor educator in a public school, working to help young people connect with the natural world so that they might one day become its protectors. He also runs his own professional development and consulting business, helping educators to find ways to take learning outside of the traditional classroom. Luke coaches cross country and track, instilling in young people a love for running, personal challenges, and connection with the natural world. Whether trail running, biking, swimming, or skiing, Luke thoroughly believes in using muscles, not motors.