“Make Every Bead Count.” More Than a Sport, Trail Running is Grounded in Native Culture

By Sergio Avila, RIDC Board Member

Running among the red rocks and millenary canyon formations in Diné Bikéyah (Navajo lands), where the Earth’s colors mix and match to form the most beautiful and unexpected landscape, is an experience like no other. This land of expansive views over the mesas, rocky trails dotted with sacred plants and animal tracks, sandy washes, and a climb called ‘cardiac canyon’ - where ropes and wooden steps help runners climb out of a canyon full of stories - is where ‘Antelope Canyon X’ half marathon is hosted annually. 

Every year Harold Bennally, Navajo, founder of Moccasin Running, puts on a masterclass in community-focused trail running events rooted in reciprocity and love for running. Highlighting and benefiting local youth, involving local people and sharing the pride and strength of his Diné culture, Harold makes sure every participant walks away transformed by an experience that goes beyond running. Here, people come together to participate, support and experience not only running through beautiful land, but also the power of community and mutual care. 

Courtesy of Moccasin Running

There is so much intention and thought behind every detail of this event. The timing of the race (April) ensures that runners enjoy the sunrise at the start, while Harold conducts a welcoming ceremony and blessing for everyone gathered. The route exemplifies the places where Harold grew up running, exploring, and dreaming of organizing races for others to enjoy. Proceeds from registrations directly support the local high school Track Team, the way Harold wished to have been supported during his school days. Friends and family come to support as volunteers, giving visibility to a culture where the achievement goes beyond individual time or place in the race; where running is an individual effort rooted in community. At the end of the race, everyone receives a handmade award, a piece of traditional jewelry made by Harold, who works for many months to make them. 

I first ran it in 2019, excited to meet Harold, enjoy the scenery and experience running in a new location for me. I was “all business” and ran as hard as I could, without stopping to enjoy the views or capture some images. After the run, looking at social media posts of the race, I realized I missed hidden places and photo opportunities because I was so locked into just running. The following year, I stopped here and there, took some photos, and took time to enjoy with friends; it was possibly my slowest time in a half marathon, and I loved the experience. I have run this event four times, and each time is better than last. It feels like a family reunion, a ceremony, and a break from all other typical races. 

To put this event together, Harold partners with Native tour operators in lesser-known sites in the Antelope Canyon system. To the visitor, these might seem remote, isolated canyons, but ‘Canyon X Tours,’ a company owned by a local Navajo family, sets a high bar hosting the races, making sure volunteers care for each and every one of the runners, emergency personnel are available, and aid stations are stocked up and well managed. Nobody is left behind, lost or forgotten; everyone is welcome, safe and encouraged.

Courtesy of Tara Yazzie @terrafocus_media

“Make every bead count,” are the words Harold shared while talking about the finishers’ necklaces, and the vision and motivation for this event. Harold explains how each bead represents a piece of his and your effort as a runner, an experience, a moment in life that will build something beautiful. Make every step count. Make every day count. Make every run count.

This race has become a tradition for me, it’s my favorite race of the year and I’m always inviting others to come. I have run it in 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025. I’m thankful to run in this place, among all these friends and relatives, and I am already looking forward to 2026. Would you like to join in the fun?

Thank you, Harold Bennall,y for your hard work not only putting amazing trail running events as Race Director, but also making these awards by hand for all runners to take home. Thank you for teaching us that running goes beyond a sports event; it is connection, it is tradition, it is culture.