Kellen Lomayestewa

Kellen before Cocodona 250 in 2023
Credit: www.facebook.com/cocodona250

Kellen after Cocodona 250 in 2023
Credit: www.facebook.com/cocodona250

Kellen Lomayestewa is 45 years old, a member of the Sand Clan and is from Village of Mishongnovi located on the Hopi reservation. Kellen is a son, father, alum of the Hopi High School, a product of the Hopi Community and a proud Hopi Ultra Runner.
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Mr. Lomayestewa has always been an individual that had a love for sports. In 1997, he was apart of the Hopi High Schools 2A state boys basketball championship team. For his love of running, it comes natural. Being Hopi, you are born to use your legs, your feet. This practice of running is used for ceremonial and traditional practices that strengthened the body, and rejuvenated one’s energy. "We run as prayer for all living things and for moisture, almost every ceremony we have involves running." Kellen took this practice one step further in life by running long distances on the reservation roads, trails in the canyons and places that his feet could take him.
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In 2023 he took a chance and was a recipient of a scholarship bib for athletes from historically underrepresented backgrounds to run the Cocodona 250 Trail Run that takes place from Black Canyon City, AZ to Flagstaff, AZ. Those that choose to participate in this intense run, have the privilege to see incredible views of Arizona but also find it in themselves to complete 250-miles of rough trails in 125 hours.

It took Kellen 119 hours and 35 minutes to complete Cocodona 250 in 2023. With the support of family, friends, community members, and those cheering him on from far, he was able to overcome the biggest obstacle he challenged for himself.






Guess what!
Kellen is taking on Cocodona 250 again in 2026!
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With the support and privilege of obtaining a Charity Bib from Wander Project, a nonprofit organization empowering individuals to make an impact in the communities they run and play in. They focus our efforts on enabling athletes to use running as a mechanism for raising awareness and funds for causes close to their heart. Their supporters raise awareness for a wide range of topics including environmental sustainability, mental health, indigenous voices, physical disabilities, and much more.​


A Charity Bib is a way for individuals to turn an event into a meaningful contribution for a cause they care about by fundraising a required minimum amount and gain free entry into an event the Wander Project partners with.​​
We are happy and excited to announce that Kellen chose the Hopi Foundation as the nonprofit organization that he would like to raise funds for! He chose to support The Hopi Foundation because he deeply believes in our mission: "Help People, Help Themselves." This guiding principle reflects a powerful and sustainable approach to community development that empowers individuals to build resilience, independence, and long-term success. He admires how the organization supports people across all ages and walks of life, addressing a broad range of needs within the community. Our commitment to cultural preservation, education, and holistic wellness has had a lasting and meaningful impact, and he is inspired by the positive change we continue to create.
We asked Kellen why compete and take part in Cocodona again?
"Honestly, I just wanted to try it. That's where it started - not for recognition, not to prove anything, just to see what I was capable of. But along the way, it turned into something much bigger than I expected. I learned more from it than I ever thought I would - not just about endurance, but about myself, about resilience, and about the people around me. It demanded more from me than I thought I had, and somehow, I still found a way to keep moving. It brought people together. Not just during the race, but after. The impact didn't end at the finish line. Others saw what took place and used it as fuel for their own paths. I never meant for it to get attention. I wasn't doing it for the spotlight. I just wanted to try. But I'm coming back because there's still something in it for me - something I'm still chasing, still trying to understand. And maybe that's the point."



In order to fulfill his Charity Bib requirements to be registered to participant in Cocodona 250 in 2026, he must raise a minimum of $6,000 for the Hopi Foundation. Kellen started his fundraising journey in May when he got the news that he was a recipient of the Charity Bib.
He has to raise the full amount by April 2026.
With excitement and gratitude, the Hopi Foundation proudly acknowledges Kellen for his incredible effort in participating in the Cocodona 250 Ultra Marathon!
Let’s help Kellen reach his $6,000 goal to #RunnitBack and compete once again in this challenging endeavor. Every donation made through the link below will support Kellen and directly benefit the Hopi Foundation’s programs that uplift our community.
Thank you for your generosity and support!​



We’d love to share Kellen’s inspiring journey from 2023 and celebrate his determination in conquering one of the toughest races out there once again.
