Be a Messenger for your People
Reposted from Ross John, Jr. Linkedin
Ross John, Jr. recently shared “I would like to formally announce our non-profit, “Run Like A Native!” This is something we have been working on for a while now. Our goal is to promote Native athletes and advocacy through running. As Natives, we have a long history with running, as Messengers for our people. It is a tradition we look to showcase throughout our events.
Stay tuned for our upcoming events, at our Instagram (@runlikeanative), Facebook, or www.runlikeanative.org. Nya:wëh!”
Run Like a Native: Founded in 2025, Run Like a Native is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Native advocacy through the power of running. Our miss is to uplift Native voices by sponsoring Indigenous runners in local and national races, raising awareness about the critical issues facing Native Nations, and empowering our ambassadors to carry this message with every stride.
The Messengers: In our Nations, runners were more than athletes – they were trusted Messengers, carrying the words of leadership across vast lands, pushing their minds and bodies in service of the people. Our goal is to celebrate this role and bring that mentality back into modern day running.
What does it mean to Run Like a Native?
- For our health: Combat colonized diets. Take control of your wellness. Running helps prevent diseases that disproportionately affect our people – like diabetes.
- For our mentality: We carry the weight of stress, generational trauma, and daily struggles. Running is more than exercise – it’s medicine for the mind.
- To continue our legacy: We come from some of the strongest distance runners in the world. This is our heritage. Be proud. Carry it forward.
- This is more than a workout. It’s tradition!
There are 500+ Native Nations across the Americas. Each one with its own language, traditions, and ways of life. Every Nation is different – and there’s beauty in that. Celebrate individuality. Unify Nation to Nation.
We are nothing without our people and communities. Your support fuels our movement, and your voices carry us forward.
