Endurance and Remembrance: 10K Run Pays Tribute to Navajo Code Talkers

WINDOW ROCK — On Sunday, September 7, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren rose early Sunday morning to join runners at the Navajo Code Talker 10k race at the Navajo Nation Museum.

As the sun peaked over the rock formations that surround the museum, runners gathered at the start line and waited for their 6.2 mile race to begin.

This also marked Camille Uentillie’s first event as the 2025-2026 Miss Navajo Nation, where she shared a few words to runners and did the race countdown.

Hosted by NavajoYES, this race is known for its challenging uphill first miler that loops around the flat, rocky trails that transitions into sand near the Window Rock.

Additionally, a two mile course was also offered for runners to participate in the Navajo Code Talker run. Altogether for all race categories, there were over 500 runners and over 80 veterans that participated, who also received a medal.

Throughout the event, songs were sung by Taliban Begay, Skoolboykook and the Forest Lake Singers.

Not only did runners receive medals, but they received posters of Navajo Code Talkers, which were created by artist Alwyn Shorthair. He also presented an original painting to the family of the late Code Talker Tom Gorman, which was an honorary portrait of Gorman.

The family shared their appreciation for the painting and shared a few words about Gorman and the family that lives in his honor.

A big thank you to Tom Riggenbach, NavajoYES, sponsors and volunteers for hosting a successful 10k event. Running series like this promotes fitness and support in the sport of running while offering challenging courses across Navajo.

“We gathered here today for the Navajo Code Talker 10K, but not just to run, but to remember,” President Nygren said. “Every stride honors the courage of our Code Talkers and strengthens the unity of our people.”