As marathon enthusiasts lace up their shoes and prepare for the World Marathon Majors, it's important to reflect on the profound significance of the lands these races traverse. November not only marks the end of the WMM racing season but is also Native American History Month—a perfect time to honor the original stewards of these lands.
Each marathon we celebrate is set against a backdrop of rich history and cultural significance, with race courses that weave through Indigenous territories that have stories and wisdom spanning thousands of years. By acknowledging the original caretakers, we can better appreciate the deep cultural legacies embedded in these lands.
Berlin Marathon: The race course lies on land historically home to Germanic and Slavic tribes, including the Suebi and Semnones. As shared by the Sorbian community in Eastern Germany, "The ground beneath our feet holds stories as old as the forests."
Boston Marathon: This iconic race runs through the ancestral lands of the Massachusett, Wampanoag, Agawam, Pawtucket, Naumkeag, and Nipmuc nations. Cedric Cromwell, former Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag, beautifully states, "Our footprints are woven into the land. We walk in the memory of our ancestors."
Chicago Marathon: The terrain here was once inhabited by the Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and other tribes near Miami-Chunk-Sauk-and-Fox tribes, offering a rich tapestry of history and cultural resilience.
London Marathon: Originally inhabited by Celtic tribes like the Trinovantes and Catuvellauni, London’s lands hold a heritage that "flows through the rivers and lands of these Isles," as noted by Manda Scott, an expert on Celtic Britain.
New York Marathon: The race crosses the land of the Lenape people, including the Raritan, Canarsee, Rockaway, and other bands. Chief Dwaine Perry of the Ramapough Lenape Nation reminds us, "To honor the land is to honor the spirit of all those who came before."
Tokyo Marathon: Set on the Musashino Plain, traditionally home to the Ainu people, where the land teaches us about identity and cultural resilience.
Sydney Marathon: The course runs through the Gadigal lands of the Eora Nation. Aunty Fran Bodkin, a D'harawal Knowledge Holder, emphasizes, "Country is central to our identity; it sustains our culture and people."
As you race, remember the stories beneath your feet and the communities who have cared for these lands since time immemorial. Take a moment to explore and respect the Native lands you live on, race on, and recreate on.
For more information on Indigenous lands, visit NativeLand.CA. Respect and honor the spirit of those who came before us every step of the way.