The Unity Run was founded in 1995 by a small group of grassroots people from both sides of Mexico and the United States, consisting of Tohono O’odham, Hia-Ced O’odham, and Akimel O’odham.  The group’s main goal is to bring awareness to the youth and to adults of the legacy that our ancestors gave us centuries ago. The coordinators are actively working to perpetuate our culture and preserve it for the generations to come. Reinstating the tradition of running and carrying prayers unites us in respectful observance of preserving and healing our history, language, and culture. The Unity Run is highly recognized as an alcohol-free, drug-free and gang-free traditional cultural happening.

 

The Akimel O’odham, Hia-Ced and Tohono O’odham have long been known for their expertise in long distance running in the desert regions of our Ancestral Lands of what is now the Southwestern United States and Mexico. For over more than 150 years the O’odham Nations have dealt with the separation caused by the border between the United States and Mexico. We do not acknowledge this separation within our Himdag; we encourage our unity to continue as one O’odham people.