Alethea Greyeyes is an Indigenous runner and role model from Treaty 6 territory – and she is the first ambassador to be announced in a new joint project between 321 Go Running and Brainsport.
To put a spotlight on the importance of mental health and running, three ambassadors and their important stories will be announced this spring.
“Running is my meditation. Running is a place that I take myself for prayer, strength, beautiful scenery, and the ENDORPHINS, oh those beautiful endorphins,” says Greyeyes.
“My older brother/hero/savior Cole was an accomplished track athlete. He made a profound and everlasting impact on our community and his little sister, me. Cole left us over 30 years ago, going on ahead of myself and our mother, Elaine.
“I run to be close to him. It’s the closest thing I have on this physical plane of existence to be one with him.”
Greyeyes started running almost 20 years ago and has carved her own inspirational story.
“As a young, single mother in university in 2006, I decided to take it upon myself to
engage in running as means of stress relief, self-care and to become a woman that my little one (my daughter) would emulate one day,” continues Greyeyes. “I wanted her to know that being an Indigenous, single mother in university and raising her meant I could engage in variety of facets that produce positivity and healthy outcomes. I am proud of the races I’ve competed in over the past 10 years and I plan to be running for another 30 years.”
Greyeyes has competed in races across North America, including the New York City Marathon last year.
She will be at the start line on September 22nd in downtown Saskatoon for the 10km in Step Up for Mental Health – with Cameco as presenting sponsor.
“As an Indigenous runner, running is an integral part of my life and enhances the four quadrants of my medicine wheel, which is composed of my mental, physical, emotional and spiritual strengths,” says Greyeyes.
“Running honours those quadrants and rewards me with a clear mind, healthy heart, a vibrant spirit and emotional vitality.”
Follow Greyeyes on her social channels (FB: Alethea Dawn; Insta: danika_alethea) as she prepares for Step Up for Mental Health.
Finish Lines: The early-bird deadline for Step Up for Mental Health is fast approaching. The special $55 registration cost for adults (plus tax and fees) ends June 7th at midnight… Virtual registration spots for Step Up are being scooped-up. Almost 600 of the 1,000 spots have already been taken. More details on the event and registration details can be found at www.321gorunning.ca