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Hulbert Today
By the People, for the People
Cherokee Nation Wings Program Celebrates 30 Years
The long-running wellness initiative offers free 5K races across the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:04am
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The Cherokee Nation Wings program celebrates 30 years of promoting fitness and community through free running events across the reservation.Hulbert TodayThe Cherokee Nation Wings Program is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026 with 18 free 5K races scheduled across the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The program, open to both citizens and non-citizens, promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles through in-person and virtual running events.
Why it matters
The Wings program is a key part of the Cherokee Nation's broader public health and wellness initiatives, which have received significant funding and support in recent years. These efforts aim to make fitness, nutrition, and preventative care more accessible to the Cherokee community.
The details
The 2026 Wings race season will feature 18 events in communities across the Cherokee Nation Reservation, including Stilwell, Grove, Sallisaw, Tahlequah, Pryor, Jay, Webbers Falls, Westville, Vian, Bartlesville, Nowata, Vinita, Muskogee, Claremore and Hulbert. In addition to the 5K runs, all races will also include a fun run option.
- The Wings program kicked off its 2026 season on April 4 with the 'CC Camp 5K' in Stilwell.
- The 2026 race schedule will run from April through December.
The players
Cherokee Nation
The federally recognized Native American tribal government that oversees the Cherokee Nation Reservation in northeastern Oklahoma.
Chuck Hoskin Jr.
The Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, who has made public health and wellness a key priority for the tribe.
Bryan Warner
The Deputy Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, who has also championed the Wings program and other wellness initiatives.
What they’re saying
“The Wings program has been a long standing program for 30 years now through the Cherokee Nation. Our employees, citizens and non-citizens always look forward to these races every year.”
— Chuck Hoskin Jr., Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation
“The Wings program is a great way for Cherokee citizens and non-citizens to prioritize fitness, while also building a community and visiting our communities across the Cherokee Nation Reservation.”
— Bryan Warner, Deputy Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation
What’s next
The Cherokee Nation Wings Program will continue its 2026 race schedule through the end of the year, with the final event, the Frigid Forest 5K, taking place on December 5 in Hulbert.
The takeaway
The Cherokee Nation's long-running Wings wellness program demonstrates the tribe's ongoing commitment to improving public health and fitness among its citizens. By offering free, accessible running events across the reservation, the Wings program helps build community and promote active lifestyles.
