Harold Benally is Navajo, living in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a longtime distance runner and has run road marathons and now runs ultra trail races. He’s competed in several 100 milers and is currently training for his longest race, the Cocodona 250. Verna, who is also Navajo, and Harold have been friends for many years: that shines through in this beautiful, powerful, and rich conversation. As Harold tells Verna, he has been running for as long as he can remember: this sport is both challenging and it connects his to his culture, his community, his family, and his ancestors. Formative in Harold's life was the time he spent with his grandfather, who was a medicine man. Running was intertwined in the teachings he learned from his grandfather, and it became something he did with his sisters, and then later he competed in school, beginning in junior high. Harold ran for Page High School in Page, Arizona, a school that has a long reputation for having a strong running program. After graduation, Harold became a coach there. To this day, Harold works to support younger runners, including, proceeds from his race fund youth programs. Harold and Verna discuss Harold's racing experiences, including running the Boston Marathon in moccasins to honor the passing of his father and running his first trail race. Harold shares how his strong connections to his ancestors and remembering the hardships they endured as well as the enduring legacy they've left behind give him strength. Verna also asks about the Antelope Canyon X Half Marathon, the race that Harold created and is race director for. She and Harold talk about the land the race covers and the personal touches Harold gives this event, including hand crafting jewelry for each participant who finishes—Harold's answer to race medals. And of course, Harold talks about his preparation for his longest challenge yet: the Cocodona 250, which kicks off on May 4. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast EARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com Mentioned in this Episode Harold Bennally on Instagram: @haroldbennally Moccasin Running on Instagram: @moccasinrunning EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin
