The Hopi Indians have a long history and relationship with running. We talk to Professor Matthew Sakiestewa Gilbert the Director of American Indian Studies and Professor of History at the University of Illinois. Matthew was involved in the making of the movie Beyond the Mesas and has a book called Hopi Runners: Crossing the terrain between the Indians and the Americans.

Background

• Grew up in Flagstaff Arizona
• Part of the Hopi Indian tribe
• Did Phd research on Hopi tribe
• Professor of Indian Studies and History

Hopi high school boys had won 27-state titles in a row and first or second the last 29 years in a row.

Success is telling of their long history of Hopi running

Hopi History

• How long do we run, to the fence and back
• Distance runners in western perspective is distance/time Hopi running was going out and coming back
• Running is the Hopi trustworthy mode of transportation
• Family members pass down the tradition of running and spiritual aspect

Hopi Runners Book  Beyond The Mesas Blog Beyond The Mesas Twitter Hopi ESPN Segment