 Kallup McCoy II is a proud Native American and an active member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Throughout his 39 laps around the sun, he has experienced the highs of elite finishes at marathons across the country and lows of cripplingly drug addiction and multiple stints in jail. Kallup just crossed the Mississippi River into Tennessee on his quest to run across the country to raise money for he and his wife’s non-profit RezHOPE Recovery and Consulting. His story of determination and inspiring effort on this Transcontinental run is something that we are honored to share with the HPM audience as we aim to inspire move activity in people’s lives and support those doing incredible work in their communities. Kallup and his wife gave us a few precious minutes between daily runs to share a bit more about his backstory, the inspiration for this deeply meaningful run and long-term vision for RezHOPE.  Question: Who is Kallup McCoy II? Answer: Kallup is a proud member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a person in long-term recovery. After years of battling addiction and incarceration, he transformed his life and found healing through running and reconnecting with his culture. His story is one of resilience, faith, and purpose. Today, he’s a father, husband, community leader, and advocate for Indigenous wellness and recovery. Question: When was RezHOPE started and how many have been impacted? Answer: RezHOPE Recovery and Consulting Services was founded in 2018, by husband and wife team of Kallup McCoy II and Katelynn Ledford-McCoy. Since its inception, we’ve impacted hundreds of Native American men and women by offering recovery education, Transitional Living/Housing programs, and community healing initiatives.  Question: Why is this work so meaningful in Native communities? Answer: Native American communities face disproportionately high rates of substance use disorders due to historical trauma, systemic neglect, and limited access to culturally relevant care. This work is about more than recovery—it’s about restoring identity, reclaiming culture, and rewriting generational stories. For Kallup, this mission is deeply personal—he knows what it’s like to feel lost and is committed to making sure others know they’re not alone. Question: What’s your long-term vision for RezHOPE? Answer: Our goal is to grow RezHOPE into a sustainable national model for culturally rooted recovery. We want to expand our programs, create recovery housing, and establish a center that blends traditional Native healing with modern recovery support. We also aim to implement our addict-to-athlete programming to enhance a holistic approach to healing through fitness.  Question: Why did you choose to run across the country and what’s the route? Answer: The Transcontinental Run is both a personal and spiritual journey for Kallup. He’s running to raise awareness and funds for RezHOPE, while honoring the resilience of Native peoples. The route started in San Diego, California, and will end in Wilmington, N.C., covering over 3,000 miles across 8 states. He’s currently averaging about 50 miles a day. Question: What does a typical day on the road look like? Answer: Each day starts with coffee and breakfast for Kallup. Crew members will assist with making sure Kallup gets dressed in a timely manner, has his calves massaged out, taped with KT tape, and some stretching. Kallup runs 20–30 miles in the morning, breaks for rest and recovery, then finishes the day with another 20 or so miles. It’s physically and mentally intense—but fueled by purpose and community. The Crew usually travels anywhere from 2-5 miles ahead, depending on the weather and that day’s logistical changes.  Question: Who’s handling all the logistics? It’s a family-led operation. I, along with the support of other crew members, manage logistics, outreach, and support vehicle operations. I’ve also been handling the organization of crew flying in and flying out, keeping the RV clean, running errands, grocery/supply runs, etc. We also have amazing videographers Lewis Fierle (of HPM Adv Club fame!) and Rob/RVRS Films who are capturing every moment, handling media, and even some content for fundraising aspects. It’s truly a grassroots mission, with volunteers and supporters helping along the way. Question: How can people follow or join the run? Answer: We update daily on Kallup’s Instagram HERE, you can find more information on RezHOPE's Instagram HERE and folks can track the journey, donate, or even run a few miles with Kallup by reaching out in IG to coordinate. We love meeting people along the route! More information and a direct link to donation can be found on our website HERE.  Question: What’s the best way to support the run and RezHOPE? Answer: Donations through our campaign page HERE are the most appreciated and direct way to help. All funds go toward sustaining RezHOPE and growing its impact. You can also support by sharing our story, joining Kallup on the run, or hosting a community event when we pass through your area. Question: Speaking of ... Will you be running through Charlotte, so we can support in person as well? Answer: Yes! We’ll absolutely be passing through Charlotte, and we’d love to have the Human Powered Movement community join us. Once we get closer and have the exact day, let’s plan something special … a group run, a meet-up, or just a loud cheer squad!  Question: Final thoughts for the Human Powered Movement audience? Answer: This run is about movement in every sense—physical, emotional, cultural, and communal. Your support keeps us going, mile by mile, and helps rewrite stories of addiction into stories of hope. Let’s keep pushing forward together. /// From Human Powered Movement We hope that you will join us in supporting Kallup on this incredible journey across the country and in changing lives in the Native Americans community and beyond! Here's how you can support:
 Journal - Running Across The Country For Hope ... RezHOPEComments are closed.
|