A Decade of Running Strong
Updated: Aug 21
August is a month of milestones at Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa. As IHCRC celebrates 50 years of serving the American Indian community, another important anniversary is also worth recognizing, 10 years of Running Strong.
What began a decade ago with support from the Nike N7 Foundation has grown into a thriving run club that brings Native people of all ages together through movement, encouragement and community. Running Strong started with just a few participants and, over the years, has grown to include more than 70 members at a time.
The program helps remove barriers to participation by covering race registration fees and offering group practices throughout the month. Members also receive incentive items that help encourage them along the way. Some participants join with a goal of completing their first 5K, while others want to improve their race time, stay active or simply enjoy being part of a supportive group.
Over the years, participants have made it clear that Running Strong has become about more than the miles.
One participant shared, “Running Strong is a great program. It involves camaraderie with other Natives. It brings us together to be healthier together.” Another described the program as giving them “community, and confidence in myself.”
That sense of connection has been one of the program’s greatest successes. Running Strong creates a place where participants can encourage one another, celebrate progress and build lasting relationships while working toward their own wellness goals.
The program has continued to grow thanks to foundations and organizations that have invested in wellness within the American Indian community. Following the original Nike N7 Foundation grant, support from organizations including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, and Williams helped keep that momentum going. Today, Running Strong is supported through a grant from the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, which allows IHCRC to continue covering race fees, offering incentives and creating opportunities for participants to stay active together.
Ten years of Running Strong represents countless practices, races and personal milestones. More importantly, it represents a decade of Native people encouraging one another, building community and making movement part of their lives.
As IHCRC celebrates its 50th anniversary this August, Running Strong’s 10-year milestone is another achievement worth celebrating. Here’s to 10 years of Running Strong and many more miles ahead.
Be part of the next 10 years of Running Strong.
Enrollment is now open for the fall season. Whether you're ready to run, walk, or simply start moving with a supportive community, there's a place for you on our team!
