The Chickasaw Nation-sponsored Loksi' Malili (Turtle Run) 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk will take place Saturday, June 4, at the Ardmore Regional Park, 2704 N. Rockford Road in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
The 1 mile fun walk begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K starts at 8:30 a.m.
Online registration will be open until 11 a.m., June 2 for the in-person run.
There is also a virtual race option available that gives individuals the opportunity to run a 5K on their own time and submit the results online. The virtual race will begin May 25 at 6 a.m. and end June 5 at 5 p.m.
This event is offered at no cost and is open to the public. On-site registration will be available the day of the run.
Strollers are acceptable, but pets are not allowed.
Visit TurtleRun5k.itsyourrace.com to learn about the award categories, rules and how the event follows COVID-19 precautions.
AYA – Your Fitness Journey
Runners can learn about Chickasaw history and culture at the Turtle Run with AYA, the free and interactive mobile walking app. It is available on Google Play and Apple.
“AYA” means “to go” or “to journey” in the Chickasaw language. Using step-tracking technology, the app takes the runners on a journey to unlock traditional prayers, hymns, locations and Chickasaw words.
Their route is mapped along the same route Chickasaw ancestors walked during Removal from the Homeland to Indian Territory, a path that is reversed for the app from currentday Oklahoma to Mississippi. Along the way, users will get acquainted with historical sites and landmarks.
AYA syncs to step counters in Fitbit devices or directly to phones with Apple Health kit.
For more information and updates regarding AYA, visit AYAWalk.com, Facebook.com/ AYAWalkApp, Twitter.com/AYAWalkApp or Instagram.com/AYAWalkApp.