Window Rock High harrier to compete internationally

By Quentin Jodie | May 29, 2025 | Track & Field |

CROWNPOINT

Window Rock standout Bearren Kee is one of eight runners that was named to the 2025 USATF U18 Mountain Running Team.

On June 14, the US team, which consists of four boys and four girls, will compete in the 18th edition of the International U18 Mountain Running Cup in Donovaly, Slovakia where 20 other nations are scheduled to compete.

The 17-year-old applied to be a part of the USATF team and with his selection he is the first Native American to make the team.

“I’m really excited to represent the Navajo Nation and Native Americans,” said Kee, who just completed his junior year. “It’s a big honor and I’m going to try my best out there.”

The Window Rock harrier said making the team is a big accomplishment and he’s hoping to shine a light on what Native athletes can do.

“I think it’s going to help other Native Americans get recognized more, and be seen more, and that’s pretty cool,” Kee said.

Initially, though, he wasn’t sure how strong his submission would be among the other applicants. One of the criteria to be considered was running a 5K race under 16 minutes, which he did when he captured gold during last fall’s Window Rock Invitational when he clocked in at 15:42.

“I had to meet certain standards and when I met all of them I applied,” Kee said. “But I really didn’t know if I was going to get selected because it’s the USA team.”

Kee is leaving for Europe on June 10. The USA team will pay for Kee’s room and board. The Santa Fe-based nonprofit group Wings of America has stepped in to pay for his airfare.

“I’m very thankful for Wings of America paying for my plane ticket because it would have cost me $1,300,” Kee said. “I’m very thankful for the USA Team covering my lodging and meals, too.”

Next month’s race will take place at Park Snow Donovaly in central Slovakia on one of the country’s famous ski resorts. The 5.8K course is an uphill course that runs through forest terrain and alongside meadows on marked hiking trails. The top three teams and top three individuals will be honored with medals in both the boys and girls division.

Kee said he’s been preparing for the hilly course by training at Narbona Pass, New Mexico on the Chuska Mountains.

“It’s a mountain race, so I’ve been running a lot of hills to strengthen my legs,” he said.

Kee is hoping the international experience will help jumpstart his cross-country season later this year when he enters his senior year. After high school, Kee is looking to pursue running at the collegiate level.

“I want to continue my running and compete at the D1 or D2 level,” Kee said.

The Window Rock standout is looking to draw some interest from his top schools in Adams State College and Arizona State University.