The Paatuwaqatsi Run - Water is Life

Testimonials

From Anthony "Woofi" Humpage, Phoenix.

"If I had not seen a posting about the Paatuwaquatsi run, I would have missed it. That would have been my great loss. We ran in the Long Run Paatuwaquatsi celebration. This ranks as one of the more memorable runs of my life. Not the longest, in itself quite hard, especially for the distance, but the scenery was absolutely first class. I went because I remember Dennis Poolheco, who I consider one of the classiest guys in ultrarunning, telling me about his runs on the Hopi nation, and how it was part of their history.
I am sorry to say those of us who were not Native American numbered only five. Me, Larry, Don Meyer, Frozen Ed Furtaw and another gentleman from Flagstaff. When you miss this run you are cheating yourself, pure and simple. It's hard. Hand over hand climbing in places, but really runnable in others. Dennis won in 3:01. I was at 5 or something. There is so much history in this run if you want to be open to it, it is amazing.
What I was not prepared for was the genuine welcome, humility and kindness shown to us by the Hopi people. One example sticks in my mind: after the initial climb onto the village of Walpi on top of the First Mesa, we were met by an older lady and her husband who offered water from a saucepan. I drank some but did not understand what she was saying in Hopi. It was only later when I was talking to Dennis about the Hopi language that I understood she was saying 'Thank you' over and over.
Running the trails and visiting the springs is important. This made a tremendous impression on me. If you can get to it, you are robbing yourself if you do not do this run next year. Tradiotional hopi food and singing after, a great experience which I will not forget. Or the message of not running to win, but for life "

From Robyn Slayton-Martin, Flagstaff:

"I just wanted to say thank you again for the Water Is Life event. That was the best race event I've ever participated in. I felt as though I had been welcomed into a wonderful family. Ferrell gave a wonderful eloquent speech. Please tell the folks who cooked the food was wonderful. My 10th place prize for the 5K was great--it's the first time I've ever won anything for running and I'm glad I won it at the WFL race!"

From Don Meyer, Phoenix:

"The course this year went over [the] mesa three times and at 5,500' plus was a good work out in a beautiful place!!!! The Hopi are wonderful hosts - awards for all finishers - vast amounts of food at finish line - great tee shirt...the post race speakers offered interesting insights into the Hopi culture that one would never learn on a sightseeing trip."

From Manny Pino, Scottsdale, AZ

"The Paatuwaquatsi Run was one of the most scenic and competitive courses I have ever run. Your whole crew did a great job, especially the COOKS! I hope to recruit more runners to come to the beautiful mesas at Hopi."

From David Jaussi, Flagstaff, AZ

"The Paatuwaqatsi Run for me was deeply moving experience that approached the sublime on many different levels. Although I found it a difficult experience, over time it became a most beautiful endeavor. In the end, I believe that the success of the run cannot be measured in terms of its numbers, but only in the quality of the hearts behind it. And in this manner the message deeply touched all of us in most profound and spiritual way. I thank you for putting on a wonderful event. "

WHAT? 50k ultra run and relay
WHEN? September 20, 2008
WHERE? Polacca, AZ (Off Highwway 264 at milepost 390)

WaterIsLifeRun.Org (2003-2007)