“Whitehorse Exists”: Two runners represent Navajo Nation at state race

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK – Ethan Begay and Keiarra Martin, both cross country runners from Whitehorse High School, have achieved impressive feats as the only Navajo athletes to earn medals at the Utah All State Cross Country Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah, this year.

Both runners not only competed but excelled, with Begay placing in the top 10—a honor he also earned last year—and Martin making her mark among the top female racers, finishing 4th. Their hard work and commitment come from a deep connection to their community and family support, sharing a larger goal of inspiring pride and good health on the Navajo Nation.

Courtesy photo
Whitehorse sophomore Keiarra Martin celebrates her success after placing fourth at the Utah 1A Girls State Cross Country Championships.

The state championship course at Salt Lake City’s Sugarhouse Park was challenging, featuring a difficult combination of rain, snow, wind, and rugged terrain. Begay described the course as a difference from his typical training conditions on the reservation, explaining, “The course was really challenging… there was big hills, all going different directions, and the grass was wet.” Martin agreed that the course was tough. “It was cold, and it was raining and snowing with temperatures below 30 degrees,” she said.

They both noted that training on the reservation prepared them well, though it differed from what they faced at state. “My training is on the reservation. I usually run on gravel with some hills,” he said. Motivated by the support of his family and in memory of his grandfather, who taught him the importance of resilience, Begay runs with purpose. “I always think about my great-grandfather… that motivates me to run,” he shared, adding that his grandfather’s strength through hardship serves as a reminder to push forward, no matter the obstacles. Martin’s motivation also comes from her family, “I run for my little sister, and all the other kids in the world who have down syndrome, like her,” shared Martin.

Despite cross country being an individual sport, Begay said he finds strength in his team, “We run together and encourage each other… we come from a small community,” he explained, highlighting how team spirit bolsters each runner. Martin shares a similar sentiment, noting that she appreciates her coaches and community for their support. One quality that both athletes share is their determination to showcase their community’s presence and abilities at major events. “We want to be in the big city,” Begay said, conveying their ability to demonstrate that athletes from small Navajo communities can succeed in big ways. “Whitehorse exists,” he stated proudly, hoping to bring visibility to their school and the Navajo community.

Begay’s mother, Carolene Johnson, shared her pride in her son’s humility and dedication, noting, “He’s up there challenging himself… he’s our inspiration as well.” She also explained how their family and community support him at every event, and they celebrate his efforts with gatherings at the end of each season. “We appreciate him… he inspires us to stay healthy. He says, ‘Eat right… exercise,’” she said, noting the positive influence he has on those around him.

As Martin wraps up her season, she has her sights set on next year already, with one big goal in mind: to win an individual state title. “It’s been 30 years since a female runner has been able to bring back that individual state title for Whitehorse,” says her mother, Toni Dee. “She fell short of that goal this year, but I know that makes her even more hungry to improve.”

For Begay, he will compete in the NXR Southwest Championship finals in Mesa, Arizona, a significant event drawing elite high school athletes from around the region. This race will be the final highlight of his season, after which he will focus on his senior year and the goal of a first-place finish at state.

As Begay and Martin look back on another successful year of training and competition, their determination and dedication continue to serve as a powerful inspiration for their community. Their accomplishments at state this year show what can be achieved through resilience, teamwork, and a shared commitment to representing their heritage.