NYRR Celebrates 2023 Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, which celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans. Throughout this month, we'll share stories of the Native American runners and cultures. Check out content from our blog at the links below.
Patti Dillon: My Journey as a Mi'kmaw Woman
Patti Dillon received the 2023 Abebe Bikila Award, presented annually by NYRR to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of distance running. Patti shares the story of her heritage and her dramatic run at the 1980 New York City Marathon, where she became the first American woman to break 2:30.
Verna Volker and Native Women Running at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon
ABC News' Linsey Davis spoke with marathon runner Verna Volker of Native Women Running on her quest to bring sisterhood to Native American women running for community, healing, and visibility. Verna led a Native Women Running team at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon.
Welcoming a New Season of Storytelling
Autumn serves as an important time of year as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day in early October and Native American Heritage Month in November. NYRR Contributors Circle member Dinée Dorame shares her thoughts on this time of reflection and reset in both running and Navajo culture.
Native American Runner Patti Dillon Receives 2023 Abebe Bikila Award
Patti Dillon (née Catalano), the recipient of the 2023 Abebe Bikila Award, was one of the most dominant American runners of the 1970s and 80s. She set world and national records, including the American record at the 1980 New York City Marathon. A member of the Mi'kmaq nation, Patti now directs Wings of America's elite athlete program.
Celebrating Our Diverse and Thriving Cultures
NYRR Contributors Circle member Dinée Dorame writes that there is a complicated and sometimes tense history behind heritage recognition months, but this month also presents an opportunity to recognize Native athletes and communities and to forge new relationships in the running space.