The spread of COVID-19 completely changed the proposed structure of the revised race. Instead of an in-person race and relay, Mwangaza Athletics Club and Wings of America now aim to partner to create a “virtual race” that will engage new and former race participants while also encouraging Pueblo and Navajo youth that have recently been involved with Wings programs to continue their fitness journey. Native youth participants will be invited to register for the virtual race for free by Wings. There will be 1,000 spots available for Tribal youth ages 6-18. Not only will their completion of the virtual race earn them a commemorative race neck gaiter (face mask), but also provide them an opportunity to earn a pair of running shoes by documenting their continued commitment to a daily walking/running routine and completion of a small community service project.
Silver Stallion Bicycle & Coffee Works has agreed to lend Wings its recently-acquired “Mobile Ride Center” (MRC), to transport shoes to Tribal communities this fall/winter. The MRC will be set up as a fitting station in public areas on or near Tribal communities and staffed by Wings staff and/or volunteers trained to maintain strict social distancing/sanitation protocols when interacting with youth that come to pick up the shoes they earn.
