Comanche Tribal Members Run OKC Memorial Marathon

The Comanche Nation Road Warriors participated in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and won their division on Sunday, April 30.

The team was led by Comanche Nation Chairman Mark Woommavovah and included C.J. Ahtone, Brandon Parker, Jessica Cleveland and Tavia Hart.

Hart was the first leg of the race, which was 6.2 miles.

“I went out and ran every day to prepare for this.”

Teammates agreed they ran for their health and enjoyment, but Cleveland had one extra reason.

“I’ve always been an avid runner because I have a little brother who is severely disabled, can’t walk, can talk and take advantage of the gift God’s given me when others don’t have it.”

Ahtone ran 3.1 miles for the second leg of the race. He said he enjoyed the marathon.

“It felt really good this morning to get up and participate with the team members,” he said. “You know we all came together…our own little tribe, as you would say, and it was fun [to] get out there and compete and…represent Comanche Nation as good as we can.”

Parker ran a little over 7 miles as the third leg; he lives in Arizona and visited Oklahoma to run the marathon.

“I’m in the service, so anytime I get to run back home is a beautiful feeling for me,” he said. “And to run it with the tribe in Oklahoma City, my fourth time running here, felt beautiful, so it’s a great day.”

Parker said he wasn’t personally affected by the Oklahoma City Bombing; however, he knew people who responded to the bombing.

“I’m a former Comanche Nation CHR, and at the time of the bombing, I wasn’t working as a CHR, but I do remember there were CHRs…and other members of the tribe who responded as first responders to the Oklahoma City Memorial bombing,” he said. “And so, because of that, and I was around those people as an employee, I held them in high regard…so in that way, it’s affected my respect for the men and women who were first responders on that horrible day and that tragic day.”

Woommavovah ran the final 6.2 miles of the marathon.

“I feel great because we’re able to share this with our Comanche runners right here. Not only that, but we showed our Comanche pride,” he said. “We will always run with our colors, and we let our community know we’re here and we’re doing big things in Southwest Oklahoma at the Comanche Nation.”

Cleveland said crossing the finish line was a great feeling.

“…Proud of my people; it was amazing crossing the finish line together, and I encourage you all to get out, especially on pretty days like this,” she said. “I know I’m guilty myself not going out every day, and I think we need to make it a priority to take care of ourselves and also represent our people at events like this.”

Woommavovah said he appreciated the support from the Comanche Nation and Lawton Ft. Sill Area.