After receiving specialized training on race morning, the Eve’s Fund Massage Team welcomed runners to the Massage & Medical Tent at the 44th Shiprock Marathon.
For the second consecutive year, Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, through its ThinkFirst Navajo Injury Prevention Program, returned as sponsor of the Massage & Medical Tent at the 2026 Shiprock Marathon. Volunteers provided complimentary recovery massages and medical support to 180 runners.
Now in its 44th year, the annual Shiprock Marathon sponsored by NavajoYes, brings together runners, volunteers, and supporters for one of the Navajo Nation’s premier sporting events.
Eve’s Fund volunteers checked runners in at the Eve’s Fund Massage & Medical Tent before enjoying complimentary recovery massages following their races
Throughout the day, whether participants completed the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K Trail Race, Elders Run/Walk, or the Ashlynn Mike Mile, every finisher achieved something remarkable. Eve’s Fund was honored to play a small role in helping runners recover and celebrate their accomplishments.
Doubling our Shiprock Marathon Massage Team
This year marked an exciting milestone. Eve’s Fund doubled the number of volunteer massage providers, making it possible to offer many runners longer 10- to 12-minute recovery massages. In some cases, two volunteers worked together to help relieve especially tired and sore muscles.
As a result, runners received more personalized attention and had extra time to relax before continuing their journey home.
Training Volunteers for the Shiprock Marathon Massage Tent
Most of our volunteers were Navajo Community Health Representatives (CHRs) from the Shiprock and Chinle Service Units. To ensure every runner received safe and effective care, volunteers completed specialized training before the first participants arrived at the tent. The excited group participated in a hands-on training session led by physical therapist Cyndi Frank and licensed massage therapist Gosia Allison-Kosier.
Their instruction focused on safe, effective recovery massage techniques. By the time the runners arrived, our volunteers felt confident and prepared to assist them throughout the day.
Community partnerships at the Shiprock Marathon
The success of the Shiprock Marathon Massage Tent was truly a team effort. We are grateful to the Shiprock Marathon organizers, corporate sponsors, our dedicated volunteers, and the many runners who stopped by the tent.
Founded in 2005, Eve’s Fund partners with Native communities across the Navajo Nation to promote injury prevention, literacy, educational opportunities, and healthier futures for Native children and families. The organization was established by Dr. Bob Crowell and Barbara Crowell Roy in memory of their daughter, Eve Erin Crowell.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 Shiprock Marathon
Looking ahead, events like the Shiprock Marathon remind us that health, wellness, and community go hand in hand. Eve looks forward to returning to the annual Shiprock Marathon Massage Tent in 2027. Our generous donors enable us to continue supporting runners while working alongside our valued Navajo partners. We hope you will join us and it’s not too early to register to participate in one of the races. You can sign up here!
Congratulations to every participant and thank you for making the 2026 Shiprock Marathon such a memorable event.
