RIDC Champion Spotlight: Marlinda Francisco
By Amy DiTommaso
An RIDC Champion is someone who is actively doing the work of the mission and vision of our organization and is a living example of the goals we have.
Our next champion is Marlinda Francisco. She is a mom, runner, member of ReNew Earth Running (RER) and Native Women Run (NWR), fitness instructor, and community organizer . . . just to name a few hats she wears! Though always on the go, Marlinda is committed to making time to run not only for herself but also to honor family members and community.
Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC): When and how did your running journey start?
Marlinda Francisco (MF): I started back in 2015/2016 after my uncle’s passing. My family and I ran in his honor during the Shiprock Marathon, where I ran my first half-marathon. I made a commitment to myself to continue running.
RIDC: What is your favorite distance and location to run, and why?
MF: My favorite distance is 50K. I feel more connected to the land on trails on the Tohono O’odham Nation, where I am from on my father’s side. Running is part of our culture, our ancestors would run to pass along the message to each village. It’s also a place where we harvest our traditional foods and where our medicine grows.
RIDC: How do you balance all of your hats, such as mom, advocate, and runner? (Please tell us all of your hats, too!)
MF: I try my best to be where I’m needed. As a mom of four, I’ve always been busy with sports and being part of the parent booster club. My kids participated in basketball, cross country, football, and baseball. And now my older daughters have graduated from college and high school. My son is the youngest and is in his sophomore year in high school. I’m also part of the RER team and the NWR leadership team, I’m a health education specialist for a diabetes prevention program on the reservation, a fitness instructor through work, I coordinate marathons and half-marathons on the reservation also through work, I’m a community college cross country coach, I have a youth run club, and I’m a runner. I love the work I do in my community. I have so much support that I receive from other programs and individuals for the work I do. My kids have traveled with me to races I run in. I commute two hours to and from work every day. It’s tiring, but I’m doing it every day and it makes my kids proud. My weekends are sometimes busy with baseball tournaments or if I’m running elsewhere or in training.
RIDC: How long have you been involved with Native Women Run and what are successes and challenges your group experiences in the running space?
MF: I have followed NWR for seven years and spent two years on the leadership team. The community grows every year. NWR is here to create spaces and let our voices be heard. The collaboration with other organizations is amazing! We are being seen, and it makes us happy and proud. The running community is beautiful and I appreciate being part of it. And I thank Verna [Volker] for that. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I’m at.
RIDC: What are you excited for and what do you want to see more of in the running industry?
MF: I’m excited for this new year. The new running schedule was shared and there are so many races in a lot of places. I would love to see the running community continue to grow and to have the youth involved more.
RIDC: What are the amazing things you are up to next? Aka how can we support and promote all the amazingness that you are?
MF: I am looking forward to what my race schedule will look like. Last year I ran my first 100K at Javelina Jundred, and this year, I would love to go for 100 miles. This would be my biggest challenge ever, and I would love your support! It’s gonna be a great year.
Know someone who is an RIDC Champion? Reach out to amy@runningdiversity.com and share them with us!