Running Strong’s mission is to help Native American people meet their immediate survival needs – food, water, and shelter – while implementing and supporting programs designed to create opportunities for self-sufficiency and self-esteem.
Billy Mills (right) joined forces with Eugene Krizek (left) in 1986 to help found Running Strong for American Indian Youth®.
Running Strong was founded under Christian Relief Services in 1986. After Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) became the Olympic champion for the 10K, he made it his priority to give back to his community and create a better future for Native American youth.
Running Strong’s work began primarily on the Pine Ridge and Cheyenne River Indian Reservations in South Dakota. We implemented programs to provide immediate and lasting aid with food and nutrition, water access, youth, education, and seasonal demands. Over the years, our service population and programming expanded dramatically. Today we are proud to serve Native American people both on and off reservations throughout the United States.
