Let's Get 1 Million Indigenous People Moving!

Contributed by: Kickapoo Running Braves

Completed 12/31/11 with 40 participants

A new tradition came to life on December 31, 2011 when two Tribal
members hosted the 1st Annual Kickapoo Nation 5K walk/run. More than
35 participants, ranging from six to sixty years old, gathered on a
brisk and clear New Year's Eve evening to run five kilometers, or 3.1
miles, and to promote community physical wellness through physical
activity. The race began at GEC's northeast corner and ran up
Goldfinch Road for 1.55 miles, and then back. Kickapoo Fire Department
members provided support at two points along the route with water,
flashy lights, and tons of encouragement. This run represents our
initiative to promote wellness in all aspects of life through physical
activity. Running any distance takes a great amount of physical and
mental effort, and it is no easy feat! It is our goal to promote and
strenthen the community's physical well-being through a combination of
physical activity, goal setting, and execution of such goals.
Donations from local businesses made it possible to reward the runners
for their efforts! Esteemed Native graphic artist, Ryan Red Corn,
provided the event's logos. Fire department volunteers and the
community came together to support our efforts as well.

 

Best Features:
Our presentation to the community was amazing! As cars passed by our runners, several were more than encouraging us to keep going! It was great to have the community supporting our event!

Creative Features:
The event was held in the evening hours, so we used flashing lights and glow in the dark bracelets to make our presence known, along with safety colored shirts.

Future Plans:
We are promoting our group at our Tribe's Annual Health Fair held in March 2012. Our plan is to encourage members of the community to join us for weekly run/walk events, as well as planning 5k's throughout the year!!