Bringing Native Communities into Trail Running: Brandon Dugi

Brandon grew up on the Navajo Nation, in the remote area of LeChee. He talks to Verna about how he was raised in traditional Navajo culture. 

He also talks about how sharing his story and representing for his culture and for younger members of his community is important to him. In addition to being a runner and storytelling photographer, Brandon is a high school running coach at Page High School in Page, Arizona, his alma mater. Page has a long reputation for having a strong running program. 

Brandon and Verna also discuss the Western States 100-mile Endurance Race (WSER). Brandon shares that he had spent years learning the course and helping other runners at WSER, with the ultimate goal being to run it himself. That happened last year, 2025, and Brandon talks about that experience, too, including how he was able to bring many members of the Page High School running team with him to experience the race. 

Looking ahead, Brandon shares what he’s focused on in the immediate future as well as some of his long-term dreams and goals. 

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Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor 
Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com

Mentioned in this Episode 
Brandon Dugi on Instagram: @brandon_dugi

EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4

Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir 

Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin