Run Hopitutskwa
The purpose of Run Hopitutskwa is to promote the cultural and traditional strengths of Hopi running through community service projects that benefit the Hopi people. The history of our people as runners and farmers played a significant role in developing strong and healthy runners. So strong one of our own, the great Lewis Tewanima, was able to attain a silver medal in the 1912 Olympics in the 10,000 meter running event.
Run Hopitutskwa aims to promote the education of our history in running and farming, to motivate our current runners of all age, to pursue health and wellness within themselves. The teachings passed on to our people will carry into our programming which involuntarily had an effect on performance at elite levels of running. Our efforts will focus on supporting the current runners of all ages and levels, who engage in the physical activity of running for health, sport, and competition.
Hongvimamant: Hopi culturally focused female running retreat
Inspired by Hopi runner Caroline Sekaquaptewa, the Hopi Distance Project aims to continue to raise funds to support a week-long retreat for Hopi female youth. This retreat provides a unique running and Hopi value based learning experience to help carry on the traditions of the Hopi way of life.
The Marathon Project: Internship Opportunity
In December 2025 4 native youth runners were able to experience a behind-the-scenes look at how a professional marathon event was run. They spent long days of checking in athletes of all calibers, started early morning pre-race setups, and competed in the community 5k themselves. Most importantly these young aspiring runners were able to connect with elite and olympian athletes, attaining a better understanding of how these athletes train, and what drives them to be the best in the world. We want to thank meet founder Ben Rosario, for his willingness to accommodate the Hopi Distance Project Interns, we look forward to this opportunity again this year.
These opportunities are at no cost to our youth thanks to generous support of those who donate and support our fundraising efforts. Askwali!