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Annual Tradition Marks Start of Native American Heritage Month at UC Merced

November 1, 2023
The annual "Toloma 5K pays tribute to the tradition of distance running amongst indigenous tribes.

The UC Merced Toloma 5K event was held over the weekend to mark the beginning of Native American Heritage Month. "Toloma" is Miwuk for "bobcat", and the annual event pays tribute to the tradition of distance running amongst indigenous tribes for communication as well as competition.

UC Merced students, faculty and staff and their families were joined by members of the community for this event that raises funds to support the University's growing scholarship on native affairs as well as native students. The route spanned across much of the campus, beneath the "Beginnings" sculpture, along Scholars Bridge, and past the Toloma Grove Native Acknowledgement and Reflection Area. (Click photo below to scroll)