Mogollon Monsters Track Club
The Mogollon Monsters Track Club is a youth summer running program in Flagstaff–operated through Run Flagstaff–the town’s running store. NAZ Elite director Ben Rosario serves as the team’s head coach. Monsters TC is open to any child ages 8-14 and the group meets every Tuesday and Thursday in June and July. Tuesday practices are at the Coconino High School Track while Thursdays are at local parks. For more info, and to sign up, click HERE.
HOPI TRIVIA NIGHT
Since 2017, the HOKA NAZ Elite team has hosted a Trivia Night in Flagstaff to benefit the HOPI High School Cross Country team. The evening is emceed by Coach Ben Rosario, the NAZ athletes and board members volunteer at the door, and the Flagstaff running community comes out in full to support its neighbors on the HOPI Reservation. Due to Covid-19 restrictions the Trivia Night was put on pause in 2020 and 2021. However, NAZ donated ALL of the proceeds from its 2021 Holiday Apparel Sale to the HOPI Cross Country team. The 2022 Trivia Night was a huge success and the 2023 Trivia Night will take place on Thursday July 27th. Registration available soon. For more info on the HOPI Team watch this ESPN Video.
FERGUSON TWILIGHT RUN
In its ongoing efforts to introduce new runners of all ages and abilities to the world of running, and to celebrate diversity in the sport, the HOKA NAZ Elite team began working with the Ferguson Twilight Run in Ferguson, Missouri in 2021. The Run highlights the city of Ferguson with all proceeds going to charitable organizations in that community. Coach Ben Rosario serves on the race planning committee and the NAZ athletes serve as race ambassadors. In 2021 and 2022, several NAZ athletes participated in Zoom calls with local schools the week of the race, and the 2022 edition saw Ben Rosario and Julia Griffey attend the race in person. Check out the FTR website HERE.
KIDS ON THE RUN
The Kids on the Run Program at Sechrist Elementary in Flagstaff helps introduce kindergarten through 5th graders to running in a fun and safe way. The program was started by former 20k American Record Holder and current coach of the Flagstaff High School Cross Country team, Trina Painter. Coach Painter and her husband, David–a fourth-grade teacher at Sechrist, launched KOTR when their two daughters attended Sechrist. Now Ben and Steph Bruce, whose two boys attend the school, are the directors of the program. For more check out the KOTR website HERE.
Do you want to partner with HOKA NAZ Elite on a charitable project? Email Ben Rosario at [email protected]