Having the physical ability to run 26.2 miles is not the only requirement for getting to the starting line of the New York City Marathon.
One must be accepted, and though there are an estimated 25,000 athletes who participate each year, not everyone who wants to take on the challenge gets a coveted entry form.
Recreational runner, New York City resident and Chickasaw citizen Elizabeth Isaly was elated to find what she considers the perfect way to do so.
“I happened to find Rise Above, which is an incredible charity based out of Seattle, Washington, that supports Native youth,” Isaly said.
Rise Above was cofounded by Jaci McCormack, a First American who played center on the Illinois State University women's basketball team. Its website (NativeYouthRiseAbove.org) says it is “a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Native American youth to lead healthy lives.”
“I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this is perfect,’” Isaly said. “Being a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and with most of my family still there in Oklahoma, I have seen firsthand the positive influence sports has on Native children, making this the perfect marathon fundraiser for me.”
She wrote an essay to Rise Above and was selected to their team consisting of other First American runners from different tribes.
“I thought it was a great opportunity. The Chickasaw Nation has done so much for me over the years, especially by providing financial assistance while I was attending Texas A&M University where I obtained a biomedical engineering degree and a master’s in finance. The Chickasaw Nation has always been so supportive,” she said.
“I feel so grateful the tribe has supported me through my education, and to now have their support for the New York City Marathon is amazing. I’m so proud and honored to represent the Chickasaw Nation in the race.”
Isaly’s training schedule has her averaging 30 to 40 miles a week with weekend long runs of 18 to 20 miles.
She admits finding time to run is a constant challenge with more than a full-time workload, but there have been benefits too.
“Yes, it’s been hard, but I think it has been good for me too because it has forced me to be disciplined with my time. I do the big runs on the weekends, but during the week you still have to run a lot of 5, 7 and 9 milers. That does take time, especially with work.”
She says she has tried not to be too hard on herself by allowing herself breaks for recovery to stave off any injuries that might keep her from running the race.
“My goal with training has been to get in good enough shape so that I am able to enjoy the entire New York City Marathon experience.”
This does not mean the experience has been pain free.
“My knees have been a little sore,” Isaly said. “I’ve been icing and started doing some physical therapy. I feel like I am playing club volleyball all over again. At this point and so close to the race, I just want to stay healthy.”
Isaly says she traces her Chickasaw heritage through her mother’s side of the family, whose father is Robert Imotichey, inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame in 2023.
Her parents live in Bermuda. They and her younger sister expect to watch her run.
“My mom, dad and little sister are all coming to New York for it. It’s going to be a big family affair. It will be special. And I’m glad I’m running it with Rise Above and other Native Americans from different tribes across the country,” she said.