The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas held its annual Badger Run before sunrise on October 24, 2026, launching the Tribe’s 56th Annual Fall Dak Éé Sí Pow-Wow in Alton, Texas. Guided by the motto “Teach your children to run,” the ceremonial five-mile run honors endurance, balance, and the Tribe’s living tradition of long-distance running as a spiritual, communal, and healthy practice.
This year’s participants included Joseph Sahagun (North/White Badger and leader), Jacqui Razo-Haynes (West/Yellow Badger), Robby Soto (South/Blue Badger), Linda Walking Woman (East/Black Badger), and Albert Vasquez (Gray Badger). Youth participant Marceline Lozano attended as a Badger runner-in-training. Kimberley Valdez was the official starter, with runner Carl Arellano providing standby runner support. Each directional runner carried an eagle feather baton and fulfilled responsibilities associated with their direction. The runners expertly adapted to a last-minute change in the route due to heavy road construction in Alton that made the regular path impassable for foot traffic.
The Badger Run is rooted in the creation stories and oral traditions of the Lipan Apache. It commemorates Badger's journey to find out if the surface world was safe for life. Of all the Animal people who volunteered for this mission, only Badger returned. He ran many miles to get back to his people, embodying qualities of courage, endurance, trustworthiness, and reliability.
The run also pays tribute to the eagle, which is honored by the Lipan people as the Chief of all birds, and recognizes the Tribe’s right to use eagle feathers in their ceremonies. Known also as the Victory Run, it commemorates Robert Soto’s federal court victory against the U.S. Department of the Interior. This landmark ruling allowed hundreds of Tribal members to legally use eagle feathers in their Native American ceremonies.
The Tribe uses the Badger Run to pass on cultural teachings about perseverance, discipline, responsibility, and tradition. This encourages future generations to follow in their ancestors' footsteps. Additionally, it promotes a healthy life, inspiring our youth to
“Be a Badger — Run your own race.”
For more information on the Badger Run, please visit the Tribe’s official website at www.lipanapachetribe.gov. If you want to be a runner support volunteer at next year's Badger Run, email Linda Walking Woman, Contact Us. (Note: Must 18 years or older to be a runner support volunteer).
