The Center is excited to announce that we will be supporting Dirk Whitbreast, a Sac & Fox Tribal leader, who will take on the extraordinary challenge of running 10 marathons in 30 days – a total of 262 miles – to support Native youth! All money raised for his runs will be donated to support the ongoing efforts of the Center for Native American Youth.
Check out our the new features on our website for more information about…
- Dirk’s Run,
- Learn how to Donate to Dirk’s 262 Mile Run to Support Native Youth, and
- Participate in the Follow Dirk blog to hear about his journey and support him by offering words of encouragement and inspiration.
Dirk Whitebreast, a 31-year-old member of Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, is taking on the challenge of running 10 marathons (listed below) in 30 days in an effort to raise awareness of the tragic level of youth suicide in Indian Country and other challenges faced by Native youth. All the money raised for Dirk’s 262 Mile Run will be donated to support the Center for Native American Youth.
On March 28, 2003, Dirk suffered the tragic loss of his 18 year old sister, Darcy Jo Keahna, to suicide. At that moment, in an effort to cope with the loss of his sibling, Dirk decided to take control of his life and become a healthier, stronger leader for his family, tribe and the entire community.
Dirk hopes to share his experience of running marathons with Native youth, tribal leaders, and other organizations. Through his running, Dirk’s aims to first and foremost honor his sister, promote healthy living in Indian Country, and set an example of commitment, motivation, hard work and leadership for all Native American youth. Dirk’s 262 mile challenge is a symbol of strength and endurance for Indian Country, and will create hope for Native youth while playing a part in preventing and raising awareness of the tragedy of youth suicide.
Be a part of Dirk’s 262 mile run and show your support for the Center for Native American Youth by donating today and sharing Dirk’s flyer with anyone who is interested in learning more!
Cheer Dirk on as he runs the following marathons:
The North Face Endurance Challenge – Madison, WI September 17th, 2011 * Run is actually in Eagle, WI http://www2.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge/
Community First Fox Cities Marathon – Appleton, WI September 18th, 2011 http://www.foxcitiesmarathon.org/
American Birkebeiner Trail Run – Hayward, WI September 24th, 2011 http://www.birkie.com/
The Quad Cities Marathon – Moline, IL September 25th, 2011 http://www.qcmarathon.org/
Freedom’s Run Marathon – Shepherdstown, WV October 1st, 2011 http://www.freedomsrun.org/
Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon – Milwaukee, WI October 2nd, 2011 http://www.milwaukeelakefrontmarathon.org/
Prairie State Marathon – Libertyville, IL October 8th, 2011 http://www.allcommunityevents.com/fall_marathon/psm_home.html
Bank of America Chicago Marathon – Chicago, IL October 9th, 2011 http://www.chicagomarathon.com/
Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon – Kansas City, MO October 15th, 2011 http://www.waddellandreedkansascitymarathon.org/
IMT Des Moines Marathon – Des Moines, IA October 16th, 2011 http://www.desmoinesmarathon.com/
