06/10/2026
WSER fundraiser for the Washoe and Nisenan Tribes:
Honoring the Land and Indigenous Stewardship: The 2026 WSER Fundraiser.
For 2026, the Western States Endurance Run is embarking on a fundraising campaign to deeply support and honor the Washoe and Nisenan Tribes. Both the Washoe and Nisenan are the original stewards of the land on which our race, training runs, and trail work opportunities take place each year. Their enduring commitment to these spaces remains at the forefront of how the world understands the immense cultural, ecological, and spiritual meaning of the mountains and valleys we traverse.
This campaign is the continuation of a meaningful journey. Back in 2022, to celebrate the connection between the land, the runners, and the community, we were incredibly honored to feature a stunning landscape painting by artist and 2022 WSER finisher, Yatika Starr Fields (Osage, Muscogee, Cherokee). The painting was inspired by Washoe community recommendations of and marks along the Western States Trail. This profound connection was made possible through our collaboration with the Indigenous-led non-profit organization, Rising Hearts, whose guidance and Running on Native Lands initiative helped WSER connect with the Washoe and Nisenan communities, as well as Yatika himself.
We ask that the WSER community consider making a financial contribution to further vital Tribal initiatives for the Washoe and Nisenan peoples. To maximize the impact of your generosity, WSER will match every single donation dollar-for-dollar up to $3,000. Your support will directly elevate Indigenous-led initiatives, investing in the future generations who will continue Native land stewardship. Together, we can actively give back to the communities who have cared for these trails since time immemorial. Venmo .
