WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The morning came alive with runners making their way across the rocky terrain of Window Rock as Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren cheered on First Lady Jasmine Blackwater Nygren and fellow runners competing in the Navajo Code Talker Run, hosted by Tom Riggenbach and the nonprofit Navajo YES.
The 10K course challenged runners with the rugged Navajo Code Talker Trail beginning at the Navajo Nation Museum before winding its way toward Window Rock. Runners pushed across the rocky landscape, looped around the Navajo Nation Fleet Service area and continued past the Navajo Nation Office of the President before heading onto the roadway.
The course carried runners past familiar community landmarks, including the Navajo Nation Cinema and Post Office, before turning them back toward the Navajo Nation Museum. Along the way, spectators gathered to encourage runners as they tackled the demanding course that combined rocky terrain, pavement and long stretches of road.
President Nygren stood along the route cheering on runners and offering encouragement as participants continued toward the finish.
Kesh Hughte led the 10K field, taking first place with a time of 45:08, followed by Gavin Sosa and Ryan Roanhorse. On the women’s side, Nicole Gene was the fifth runner to cross the finish line with a time of 48:19, followed by Alisha Edminson and Leona Slim.
The Navajo Code Talker Run gave runners a challenging route while honoring the legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers with traditional honor songs, the playing of taps and speeches by Navajo Code Talker families.
