Nominator Amber Hefner-Rishel, sports and event sales manager for the Dalton Convention and Visitor Bureau, wrote, “Jenny Baker is a trail race director who goes far beyond just the race to help the running and trail world. As the race director of the Georgia Jewel 100 miler, an event she and her husband took over four years ago, the event has grown every year since and is a huge economic impact for the City of Dalton. Jenny and her team always give back to the Dalton community where she holds the GA Jewel Race, by buying and staying local. Jenny also donates all the extra-unopened food and drinks to the local food bank at Providence Ministries in Dalton.

“She is an advocate for trail maintenance and cleanup of the trails,” continued Hefner-Rishel. “The GA Jewel holds a pre-race day clean up on the Pinhoti Trail to give back to the trails. She is also the director of an all-female outdoor adventure camp, which is held in Chattanooga, TN, each year in July, called SheVentures Camp, and author of a book titled, The War on Normal.”

Meet Jenny Baker:

At age 38, Jenny Baker has a busy life with her husband Franklin and two children – Luci age 8 and Levi age 6 whom she home schools – and Forest the family’s three-year-old dog. With a hometown of Dallas, TX, the family has lived in Chattanooga, TN, for the past five years.

She started trail running in 2006, “Because I was invited,” said Baker. “Invitations go a long way! I’ve done short trail races and ultras and my favorite distance is definitely a 50k or marathon. I can run and get back home to still be a good mom/wife/friend for the day!”

Her foray into race director came about almost by accident. “Franklin decided to run the Jewel 50 miler our first year living in Chattanooga. As I waited for him at the finish line I overheard the RD talking about letting the race go because of upcoming international traveling. I casually told her I’d be more than willing to volunteer to help her,” related Baker. “The next month she called and told me she’d like to give me the entire race. I walked back into the kitchen and much to Franklin’s dismay, announced we were now Race Directors.”

“We just completed our fourth year directing and feel like we’re finally figuring it out (maybe…),” continued Baker. “The Jewel is Georgia’s oldest 100 miler and in addition to a 50 and 35 milers, we added an 18 miler in hopes of encouraging runners to give the trails a try. It’s a family adventure for sure and we love the opportunity to teach our kids what a lifestyle of volunteerism and giving back look like!”

In fact, Baker said, “I might love volunteering as much as running a trail race!”

Over the years she has performed a wide array of volunteer duties, from being a cook, an aid station captain, a pacer and crew. “One of the cool things the RDs in our area do is what we call a, ‘volunteer swap.’ We each commit to volunteering at the other’s race to help support, promote and encourage the good work we’re all doing. When RDs work together the entire trail community benefits and is elevated. We learn from each other, share our best practices and even pass down unused Cokes, chips and other leftovers. We’re SO fortunate to have a group of kind and generous RD’s in our circle of friends!”

Baker says the best part of volunteering is serving people. “In our culture we’re wired to take care of ourselves and might even teach our kids that survival motto,” explained Baker. “I had a runner tell me after this year’s race that he’s never had someone offer to fill his water flasks before and was amazed at the kindness. That’s how life EVERYDAY should be. I love being able to show people how worthy they are of being cared for…and yeah, it sounds super gooey but it’s true. When we help other’s reach their personal goals we ‘stick’ kindness to them and it’s really hard to not naturally want to pass on that sticky goodness. When runners leave a race feeling that way, they take it into the world and our culture becomes better.”

Volunteerism for Baker extends to trail maintenance which she often does, “If not on the Pinhoti then on our local Chattanooga trails, or on the trails on our 530 acres,” said Baker.

She explained the work she and her team does on the Pinhoti Trail. “It has taken us 4 years to develop our relationship with all the amazing groups who touch the Pinhoti. We’re super fortunate to have LOTS of great people who love this trail system! Caring for these trails takes constant communication with SORBA, The Pinhoti Trail Association and our National Forest Service friends. To do tree work (more than just picking up branches) in a National Forest, you’re required to complete and pass a Sawyer Certification Program. Franklin worked with our local foresters to do this and we’re thankful to be able to work with others to clear downed trees and other obstacles that prevent people from staying on trail and lead to trail erosion because of this type of, ‘trail creeping.’ Trail maintenance is an on-going endeavor and not just one that can be done in one big work weekend. The countless and quiet volunteers who work with us are truly the amazing heroes of the trails.”

Baker has learned some great lessons from trail running. “I’ve learned that quiet spaces are a gift and not a burden; that running helps empty my heart and head of noise so that I can hear the voice of inspiration and truth; and that trails are a healing, and hopeful place!”

Her advice to someone considering getting into trail running or racing is simple. “Just say yes. Find a friend/race/group that will shower you with encouragement and support and then just try it,” said Baker. “My first ultra race I knew nothing. I ate white bread and pretzels the whole time, drank nothing but water, wore a hydration belt (this was pre-hydration packs), and wore shoes a size too small…and, I loved it! You don’t have to know everything to say ‘YES!’”

In the coming months, you’ll find Baker racing on the trails at Lookout Mountain 20 Miler in December and Mt. Mitchell Marathon in February. She said, “At this point in my running journey my yearly goals are the same. Live a generous life, run as much as I can in as many places as I can, while still giving my family and community my best.”

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

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US Trail Running Conference director Terry Chiplin nominated Paul and wrote about him, “I first met Paul Gigliotti through the US Trail Running Conference. Paul has been a popular panel member at Conference in recent years, and has inspired many race directors and trail runners with his creative ideas, problem solving, energy, enthusiasm, and quirky sense of humor. It is a huge pleasure to recommend him as an ATRA Trail Ambassador!”

Meet Paul Gigliotti:

Forty-one-year-old Paul Gigliotti was born and raised in metro Detroit, but has lived in Mountain Home, Arkansas for the past 13 years. Father of two girls – Makenna and Sophia – Gigliotti lives with his partner Misty Krug, herself an avid trail runner.

Gigliotti was a self-confessed late bloomer when it comes to running. “I didn’t start running until I was 32 years old,” said Gigliotti. “Once I got into running, I submerged myself into our local running community and was one day invited to join the group on a trail run. I didn’t quite understand what it meant at the time, but I instantly felt like a kid frolicking through the woods running with a smile from ear to ear. It was love at first step!

“Having been used to running on the road, I took those first few trail runs serious, bounding down the trail and running hard,” continued Gigliotti. “It wasn’t until I went on my first trail run with my now great friend Jake that I learned that I could slow it down and take it all in. In fact, it was that run with Jake that I learned that hiking uphill is perfectly acceptable! The notion of slowing down to get the most out of the day on the trail, while I didn’t realize it then, is one of the best things about trail running. Slow down, conserve, think about what you’re doing, enjoy the day and bomb the downhills!”

His love of trail running transferred to trail racing. “I love running trail races! The only thing better than hanging out with trail runners when putting on an event, is participating with them,” said Gigliotti. “Trails are where it’s at! The adventure of the trail is such that the same trail can give you varying experiences time and time again. I have some favorite local trails that we train on which offer the full experience: single track, dirt roads, groomers, technical and knobby, flat, elevation changing madness…I love the variance and racing on trails is always a blast!

“I’ve ranged from the 10K to a 50K and managed to put in a 50-miler pacing a friend on her 100 mile endeavor,” continued Gigliotti. “Of course, as trail races go, we make use of what we have, I’m particularly fond of a 21 mile race that’s pretty burly! I’m torn between the 50K and 25k as a favorite race distance. The 25K you can run hard, but the 50K is where the endurance really starts in. You can’t just grunt out a successful 50K; there’s the element of strategy, which is of course its own factor. It makes the race experience a complete mind and body challenge.”

Gigliotti’s event management business, Pirate Perry Events, has an interesting history. “The name ‘Pirate Perry Events,’ is the brainchild of my then 5-year old daughter,” explained Gigliotti. “I had taken over the helm of a local marathon and half marathon race and quickly grew the numbers and had great success. After year two I was approached by the David’s Trail Foundation who wanted to put on a race beyond what they had done on the local level in the past. Well, it became apparent if I was going to get into this race management stuff, I had to be legit and start a race management entity. In the spirit of ‘kids say the darnedest things,’ I asked my girls (then 5 and 7) for help coming up with a name. Here’s how this went down:

• Me: Girls, Dad is starting a running company, and I need a name for it. Take your time, give it a few days, a week, whatever. I’m looking for something cool and different; let’s see what you come up with. (Over a two-week period they’d sling some rather mundane and cliché ideas my way. There was something about a cheetah and some other not-very-original ideas. Until one day I was sitting at the computer and little Sophia came tearing ass around the corner.)
• Kid: Dad, I have a name for your races!
• Me: (Turing and giving her my full attention) Sweet, let’s hear it.
• Kid: (With ear to ear smile and arms out in excitement)….PIRATE!
  – There was a pause –
• Me: “Pirate” huh? That’s it? Just…Pirate?
  – brief pause –
• Kid: No Daddy….um…Pirate….Pirate…PP..PPAPPAPPEPI…PIRATE PERRY!
• Me: I like it! Let’s roll with that!

And there it was. It’s a fun name, a little goofy, it sticks out, but not too weird. We came up with what I think is a cool logo and it’s been a blast ever since!”

Although his girls haven’t followed in their father’s footsteps and become runners themselves, they’ve taken a fairly active role in race management. “My older daughter Makenna is my co-director for Jog With Your Dog, a 5K that utilizes the trail at our local dog-park,” said Gigliotti. “The goal of the race of course, ‘to raise money for the animals.’”

In the beginning, Pirate Perry Events was simply legitimizing a hobby for Gigliotti, but now race directing is his livelihood and he’s embraced all aspects of it. His work is never boring. Gigliotti said, “A ‘day at the office,’ may be creating routes or marking a course, working with different organizations, nerding-out doing my websites, or any other obscure task I hadn’t thought of when they used to ask what I wanted to do when I grow up.

“Trail running and race directing make the perfect storm of being a kid while looking like an adult,” continued Gigliotti. “And that’s basically what I try to bring to my events: I have made some of the best friends and memories doing both. We (my kids, my girlfriend, my buddies) have laughed, cussed and felt so proud putting on events enjoying the outdoors and the people. Of course, the goal is to be profitable, but we help people build their own memories of good times all the while helping some great charities along the way!”

Protecting the environment is a big focus for Pirate Perry Events, “We’re always looking for new and more ways to go Green,” said Gigliotti. “I’ve been making trips to the recycling center before it was cool, and I’m a stickler for recycling at our events – even if it’s the basics of collecting, paper, plastics and beer cans. Maybe we’re not the absolute model of perfection when it comes to making sustainability efforts, but we have taken, and continue to take, steps in the right direction, and often in some fun and creative ways.”

Here’s what Pirate Perry Events does to reduce their environmental impact at races:

• BYOB – Bring Your Own Bag to packet pickup. We don’t provide plastic bags for packet pickup goodies.
• Bring your own everything! – Post race meals, you’ll need your own plate, cups, and utensils. Again, not every race, but it’s a thing! We no longer provide disposable items, and again, runners are cool with it.
• Cupless aid stations – While not every race is cupless, we’ve taken the leap, runners don’t mind at all, and we’re taking steps to push this further.
• Less packet pickup goodies – Let’s be honest, most of what we see as giveaways and advertisements at any given packet pickup get tossed. We try to keep this to a minimum.
• Paperless registrations – We’ve taken registration to the 21st century! You won’t find links to download paper registration forms on PPE sites and on-site registration is done from a laptop or tablet.
• Recycle bins & baskets everywhere – Pitch in!
• Recycle race medals – last year’s left over finisher medals become this year’s age division medals.
• Shoe recycling drives – meet our friends at www.EcoSneakers.com
• The $5/5K where the intentions are to purge swag from past events, use left-over medals, bibs and whatever else can be put to use.

Giving back is also important to Gigliotti. “At Pirate Perry, we volunteer our time and experiences to help other events get set up,” Gigliotti said. “From an administrative consultative side, which is rewarding, we help the newbies brainstorm through the mountain of details associated with putting on an event. Also a favorite activity is attending races where we’re happy to pitch in with packet pickup, course marking or just shooting the breeze and having the RD bounce ideas off of us.

“Volunteering provides a great opportunity to learn from fellow race directors and to have conversation from the ‘business’ side,” added Gigliotti. “Networking, meeting new friends, catching up with old ones and so on…that’s some of the best stuff that comes out of attending other races. It’s the sharing of ideas, often through casual conversation, where lightbulbs go off and all the problems of the world are solved.”

That volunteerism extends to helping out to maintain trails. “Anytime I’m on the trail, there’s a good chance I’m coming back with more than I left with,” said Gigliotti. “I think we all owe it to our trail loving community to pick up litter and be proactive. More officially, my friend and often co-director Jake and I have cultivated a great relationship with the North Central Arkansas Master Naturalists. The NCAMN are ‘volunteer educators, citizen scientists and stewards of the environment striving to protect and preserve Arkansas’ natural beauty,’ who spearhead and staff an abundance of trail clean-up projects. Over the years, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for the NCAMN to provide equipment to help them through their endeavors. Pirate Perry is proud to name NCAMN as the benefactor to the Buffalo National River Trail Runs & Biathlon as well as the Big Bluff Challenge 5K & 10K trail run.”

When asked what Gigliotti has learned from trail running, he turned the tables. “What haven’t I learned from trail running?” he said. “Life moves fast, so think about what’s happening in front of you. Think about where you’re headed and be strategic about how you’re going to make it to the end! Trail running – particularly ultra distances – requires a full mind-body acknowledgement. The physical and mental elements must be in sync. For me, it’s planning for all the little things. What do I need to have prepared, how do I execute, and how can I make it even better for the future!”

His advice for someone considering getting into trail running or racing is, “Don’t let the terrain get into your head! So often I hear folks who are nervous about getting hurt out on the trail. If you’re smart, pay attention to your surroundings, and watch your footing, you’ve got it covered! Put one foot in front of the other, enjoy the greener side of running, take in the fresh air, and have a cool time in the woods!”

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

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Run Toto Run Trail Races

Meet Mindy Coolman:

With a hometown of Syracuse, Nebraska, 37-year-old Mindy Coolman has lived in Omaha for the past six years where she works as a registered dietitian, the last four years of which have been at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center.

This proud dog mom and self-described stellar aunt has been trail running for the past decade completing distances up to 100 miles. In fact, on September 6, she finished her favorite trail race, the Superior 100 Mile, for the fourth time. Her time of 31:27:03 placed her sixth in the women’s field. “My first trail race was a 20 miler in 2010 put on by the Trail Nerds in Kansas City (an ATRA single track member),” said Coolman. “Prior to running that race, I was rapidly ticking off marathons. So, of course I thought 20 miles on trails would be a walk in the park… pardon the pun. Despite being nearly too sore to walk the next day, I was hooked! A year later I returned to the same race and ran my first ultra – a 50k. It has now been years since I ran a road marathon.”

Psycho Psummer Trail Runs

Coolman moved to the Omaha area in 2013, relocating from Kansas City where she was very involved in the trail running community. “I remember my biggest fear was missing out on the camaraderie of trail running,” recalled Coolman. “I knew about the ATRA single track member Greater Omaha Trail Runnerz (GOATz), as they had been formed a little over a year prior to my relocation to the area. I knew after my first GOATz group run, that I had found a great group of people.”

“We have a great variety of trails to choose from and it is rare to go for a run on trails without seeing other GOATz,” continued Coolman. “One thing that I think sets the GOATz apart is our mission – Community Driven Running. We give back to the community in many forms; through trail work, giving to charitable organizations, a scholarship program for cross country teams, and more. It’s something I am very proud and honored to be a part of.”

Rockin’ K Trail Runs

That volunteer spirit has been a big part of Coolman’s involvement with the sport. “I started volunteering at trail races about 5 years ago. Surrounding races, I am the trail marking guru. I know all the courses for the current local races and I enjoy doing it. I will be marking the course for Hitchcock 100 Mile in December. Having run many races, I know what a well-marked course should look like. I also do some trail mowing and weed eating during the summer.

“The best part about volunteering at trail races is primarily watching others succeed at their goals,” added Coolman. “Secondarily, being on the other side and gaining a deeper appreciation for those who give of their time to volunteer. It might seem like an easy job, but it’s not always. I truly feel everyone should volunteer at a race to better understand the demands.”

Flatrock 101K

What Coolman has learned from trail running is that most people can accomplish way more than they ever think they can. “At times it’s hard. At times it’s easy. But, it’s always worth it,” she said.

Her advice to someone considering getting into trail running or racing is this, “Grab a friend and check out a trail. Ease in until you are comfortable. Then think about this: Have you ever made it to the top of a mountain in time to see the sunrise? Or, perhaps the sunset? Trail running can change your life if you let it.”

Glenn Tachiyama Photography.

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

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Finnesy has spent all of her 50 years in Colorado. She was born and raised in Boulder and now lives in Lafayette. She met her boyfriend 10 years ago while managing the Cunningham aid station at the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run, her introduction to the ultrarunning world.

Megan speaking at the US Trail Running Conference.

As creator of the the Golden Gate Dirty 30 in 2009 and the Silverton Ultra Marathon in 2016, she splits her time between race directing and massage therapy, which she has practiced since 2003. “I have my own business, working out of my home in Lafayette,” said Finnesy. “Race directing takes up most of my time and massage is about a quarter of my work.”

Her memories of her first trail running experiences harken back to her late teens. “I attended the University of Idaho for a year and went on an outing up to Schweitzer Ski Area,” reminisced Finnesy. “We took the gondola to the top to hike around and this one guy and I ran down to the bottom while everyone else rode the gondola back down. I loved running straight down the mountain…not even using the trails.”

Earlier memories of the trail running include her time as a youngster. “I used to hike when I was in elementary and junior high school up in Rocky Mountain National Park and I remember loving to run down the trails.”

Trail runners always have fun at Megan’s events.

Fast forward to 2004, and Finnesy attended a Bolder Boulder Training Camp with Brian Metzler as the coach. “He talked about trail running,” said Finnesy. “I signed up for the Imogene Pass Run that year – I think that was my first trail race.”

She still runs trail races, most recently completing the Broken Arrow 52K. “I love the community and I love the places trail running takes me,” remarked Finnesy. “I love getting deep into the mountains and exploring. Being able to run long distances helps me see and do more in one day than it used to take me three days to do.”

Her preferred distance to race is 50Kish, though she’s run up to 100 milers. “My favorite was Hardrock 100,” said Finnesy. “I loved the mountains, terrain, community, history, challenge, energy, remoteness… I loved accomplishing something really hard.”

Megan awarding medals & hugs at the Silverton Ultra Marathon.

Her volunteerism on the trails goes back a decade. “I started volunteering in 2008 for the Hardrock 100,” she said. “I started by managing the Cunningham Aid Station. I was in complete awe of this ultra running world and have been back every year since. I managed Cunningham in 2009 and Chapman in 2010. I helped at registration and other places in 2011 and 2012. I ran it in 2012, and I volunteered up at Krogers Canteen with Roch Horton in 2013 – 2015. I got trained as a trail crew leader in 2014, and have been leading trail work with Hardrock since 2014. Since then, crews have completed over 1484 hours of trail work on the trails outside of Silverton (these hours don’t include all the hours that the other Hardrock 100 trail crews have completed).” 

“I also recruit other trail crew leaders to help with our trail work efforts,” continued Finnesy. “I have combined the efforts of the Silverton Ultra Marathon volunteers with the Hardrock 100 and I also started leading trail work in Golden Gate Canyon State Park in 2015, and have been doing it every year except 2017, when we got snowed out. We have completed over 542 hours of trail work in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. I have volunteered at other races along the way as well.”

Golden Gate Dirty 30 start.

The best part about volunteering for trail races for Finnesy is becoming a part of an amazing community of people. “This is a community that embraces possibilities and takes on really hard and challenging goals,” said Finnesy. “This is a community that supports one another unconditionally. This is a community that seeks out adventure and loves to use their bodies to get to where they want to go. This is a community that really celebrates each other’s accomplishments. I feel like I could go on and on, but these are the main things I love about this community. I love being a part of it, I love doing my part in connecting people and sharing it with newbies. I believe we are all ONE.”

From trail running, Finnesy has learned that, “Anything is possible when I set my mind to it and I take the baby steps to reach my goals. I had no idea I could run a marathon, it seemed so far and impossible to me, let alone a 100 mile very hard race. No way in a million years did I ever think that would be possible for me. I have learned that I can get to anywhere I want to go with my own two feet. What a concept. I can see places that are deep in the mountains, and lots of times in one day, I have learned how to better connect with others in a more meaningful way. I have really embraced this community like no other.”

“I spent most of my life feeling like an outsider and feeling like I did not belong,” said Finnesy. “It has taken a while for me with this group, but I really feel like I belong here. I have found my peeps. I love serving this community.”

Her advice to someone getting into the sport starts with simple participation. “Come play, enjoy the community, join group runs, make new friends, support others by volunteering at races, crewing and pacing,” said Finnesy. “I would also emphasize starting slow and enjoying the journey. There is no rush. There is so much to enjoy and take in. Start with the shorter distance and get your legs underneath you. Get your connective tissues acclimated to this new sport. Listen to your body, but don’t be afraid to push it either. You will be amazed at where it can take you. AND DON’T FORGET TO PICK UP YOUR FEET!”

Future goals for Finnesy include directing, running, and volunteering of course. “I want to improve relations with the Columbine Ranger District and continue to build our trail work efforts in the Silverton area. I am planning on running the Zion Traverse, a 40 mile point-to-point route across Zion National Park in October. I like big mountain races, so I want to check out Speed Goat and the Crested Butte Ultras.”

Want to hear more from Megan? Listen to her podcast with Orange Mud founder & CEO Josh Sprague.

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

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Nominator Olivia Affuso wrote, “Not only is Dr. Beau Beard an amazing trail runner/ athlete, he is a fantastic sports chiropractor and supporter of the South East trail running community. Beau often shows up to races early to help other runners with last minute evaluations and quick tape jobs before going off to run the race, too. Many days he comes in first overall, or at least in the top-five finishers and then hangs around to cheer on the remaining finishers. Outside of patient care and trail running, Beau brings knowledge to the community through his regular podcast with top practitioners and scientists in the country. We, especially me, are so lucky to have him in the Birmingham community as he keeps us all running even us masters’ ultra runners.”

Hailing from Canton, a small town smack dab in the middle of Illinois, Beard has also called Telluride, Colorado, and Anchorage, Alaska home. But for the past six years, he has lived in Birmingham, Alabama, where he and his wife Sloan run their business, The FARM: Functional Athletic Rehabilitation & Movement. “I’m a sports chiropractor, rehabilitation specialist and human performance coach,” said Beard. “At The FARM we specialize in sports injuries and holistic healthcare.”

Beard started running trails about sixteen years ago, “I fractured my femur when I was nine years old and was told that I would probably never run again,” said Beard. “Well I’m hard headed and played sports all the way through college, but I didn’t really start trail running until I moved to Alaska in 2003. I started running up Flat Top Mountain a few times a week and entered my first trail race a year later. I came in third place, and I’ve been finding freedom on single track ever since.”

That freedom has encouraged him to go farther in his training and racing. “I’ll be running my first 100 miler this year,” said Beard. “I’ve always leaned more towards half marathon and shorter due to my middle distance background, but I’m really enjoying getting out and taking on more 50Ks and 50 milers. My favorite trail race to date was also one of my worst showings to date. I ran The Rut 50K in 2016, and it was brutally hot, but what a beautiful and tough race.”

His dedication to the sport is evidenced through his practice. “About 75% of my patients are runners/trail runners,” said Beard. “I see a variety of injuries, but I also provide in depth gait analysis, in clinic as well as online cross training geared specifically towards runners, and I teach quite a few seminars around the country each year on injury prevention and performance maximization.”

Beard’s dedication transfers over to volunteerism. “I’ve been volunteering at a variety of races for at least the last 10 years,” said Beard. “I’ve been the medical director for races across the U.S. Currently through my practice we offer first aid services, minor injury care, soft tissue therapy, stretching, taping and other recovery services for races around the Southeast.

“The best part of volunteering in a medical capacity is that sometimes we are the X factor when it comes to someone finishing a race,” continued Beard. “Hearing someone tell me that they wouldn’t have made the last 25 miles without our care, or that they haven’t dealt with injury since the last time they saw us at a race really makes working with all those gross and sweaty runners totally worth it!”

Beard is a member of the Birmingham Ultra Trail Society and a sponsor of Southeastern Trail Series, both of these groups help organize trail maintenance efforts, and Beard pitches in as much as he can. “I’ve also organized several trail clean-ups where we gather runners and other trail enthusiasts together to clean up areas of trail that need some TLC,” said Beard.

Like most trail runners, Beard enjoys the solitude and peace realized on the trails. “The biggest lesson I’ve taken from trail running is that at this time in human history we all need to unplug from the stress and constant barrage of everyday life,” said Beard. “My wife can tell when I’m overdue for some trail time, and I think there are many people out there that would benefit greatly from hitting a trail for an hour or two and revitalizing a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature.”

As a medical professional, Beard has some advice to those getting into trail running and racing, “Strengthen your body off of the trail, to be sure that you can enjoy the trails for as many years as you can,” he said. “Most injuries can be greatly offset through proper cross training and just getting a bit stronger and more robust overall.”

Look for Beard this November at his first 100 miler, the Pinhoti Trail Race, a point to point course from Heflin to Sylacauga, Alabama, all on the Pinhoti trail.

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

The post Meet ATRA Trail Ambassador – Beau Beard appeared first on ATRA.

Nominator Jason Bahamundi wrote, “Greg coaches athletes, sets up group training runs, provides advice and recently started the Team Dirt and Vert concept to help get more people involved with trail running.”

“I can write a book about Greg as he has been my pacer at five different hundreds and will be pacing me at Western States and I will be pacing him at Cruel Jewel this year,” continued Bahamundi. “When you become friends with Greg, or are coached by Greg, you realize that you can do more than you expect from yourself and that is because Greg pushes you to get better. He doesn’t do this with an in-your-face type of action, but rather a more subtle nudging. Before you know it, you are doing things that you considered ‘crazy’ and are excelling at them. Over the past eight years, I have seen him become more and more of a trail running advocate. He volunteers to help athletes, looks after the trails and does everything he can to ensure that the trail running community is served.”

With a hometown of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, Greg Sisengrath has called Allen, Texas home for the past 19 years, 17 of those years married to his wife Fiona – also a trail runner. The couple has three daughters – Rylie 15, Haylie 13, and Emerie 10.

Sisengrath has worked as a Business Analyst for Bank of America for 15 years, and more recently, he has included coaching as a profession. “I started informally coaching in 2015, when a friend of a friend asked me to help her train for her first trail ultra,” said Sisengrath. “It’s grown organically since and Team Ninja now currently has a roster of about 30 road and trail runners.”

Sisengrath started running in 2009, in an effort to “get back into shape.” He discovered trail running about a year later (thank you Born to Run) and has been predominantly a trail runner ever since. “I mainly stick to trails and rarely race on road,” Sisengrath said. “I’ll race any trail distance from half marathon to one hundred miles. My favorite distance would be the 50K because I feel like that distance doesn’t require extended taper or recovery. My favorite race now would be the Franklin Mountains 50K in El Paso. The amazing views and challenging terrain are unmatched in Texas.”

In addition to racing on the trails, Sisengrath also volunteers. “I started volunteering at local races just so I could still be involved in the trail scene when I wasn’t racing. I’ve worked in aid stations, the timing tent and as a course sweeper,” he said. “The best part about volunteering is being able to give back to the trail community and positively impact someone else’s race.”

Part of his volunteer efforts focus on trail work. Sisengrath recently spent three hours doing trail maintenance at one of his local trails with the local mountain bike group, DORBA (Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association). The work included filling in deep ruts in the trail caused by water erosion. “A couple of friends and I (we call ourselves Team Dirt and Vert) will be organizing a trail relay in July to raise money for trail maintenance at our local trail. This will be our second event. We held a “fat-ass” 50K in March on a few weeks’ notice and were able to raise money which we donated to DORBA that will be used for trail signage.”

From trail running, Sisengrath has learned, “To never stop challenging yourself in life and that we are all capable of more than what we think.” His advice to someone getting into the sport includes a supportive environment. “I would recommend reaching out to their local trail community and just joining a group run. I think trail runners are the most friendly and accommodating and are more than happy to welcome new runners to the ‘dark side.’”

You’ll find Sisengrath racing the Cruel Jewel 100 next month, and Wasatch 100 in September. “I’m hoping to compile more tickets for the elusive Hardrock lottery,” he said. “I will also be pacing and crewing friends/athletes at Western States, Vermont 100, Leadville 100, Arkansas Traveller and the Pinhoti 100.”

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

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Mort Nace nominated Laura and wrote, “Laura is an all-star in our trail running community – and not just in Rochester but wherever friends are training/racing. When she isn’t racing herself she is the first to offer her time to help in any capacity, bringing that smile and endless energy of hers.”

Ellie Pell added, “Laura is someone who I’ve known seeing her at #TrailsRoc events for a few years, but until recently did not understand the depth and passion in her personality. She is quite simply the best.”

Howard grew up in the small town of Honeoye Falls, located just 20 miles south of her current home in Rochester, which she enjoys with her husband Jonathan. She has worked for the past nine years as a mental health counselor.

Howard was introduced to trail running in her local community. “I started trail running when #TrailsRoc started up seven years ago,” said Howard. “I had originally been a road runner, but found the trail fit my personality better. I run trails pretty exclusively except for the necessity of a training run on the road from time to time.”

#TrailsRoc is a non-profit trail running organization that focuses on giving back to the community in a number of ways as Howard explained, “#TrailsRoc helps people learn to trail run at our three weekly free runs, and provides a sense of community and connection to those that share a love of outdoor spaces. Our profits come from our trail races, which are affordable and low key. The money goes back into the community through trail work at the local parks, donations to other trail organizations, and emergency response organizations, as well as sponsorship for local runners to reach their dreams.”

Howard has been part of race directing teams for the past four years, and prior to that, she frequently volunteered at events in other capacities. She is the volunteer coordinator and a course manager for Twisted Branch 100k, as well as the Special Event Organizer for #TrailsRoc. She has experience crewing friends at every distance up to 100 miles.

Howard, a runner herself, said, “It is not personally sustainable to run all of the races, but I enjoy being out supporting other runners and spending time with friends at the aid stations. It is an incredible feeling to hang out in the woods, cheering on people to accomplish things they probably have doubts about.”

When asked to pick a favorite race, Howard had a tough time choosing just one. “There are so many great options in our region,” she said. “My top three are #TrailsRoc 0SPF half marathon, Red Newt Racing Cayuga Trails Marathon or Whiteface Sky Races. I haven’t run Twisted Branch YET, but I am sure it will sit on the top of my list as well.”

In addition to running and volunteering at races, Howard is an advocate for protecting and preserving trails. “I do regular trail maintenance with #TrailsRoc in the Monroe County Parks and on the Finger Lakes Trail where Twisted Branch is held,” said Howard. “Giving back to the trails in this way is fulfilling.”

Howard has learned so much from trail running. In fact, she shares, “Things trail running has taught me,” in her blog.

She also has advice for those considering getting into trail running. “Ease in to it and find what about it makes you happy and hold on to that tight,” said Howard. “I would suggest checking out #TrailsRoc TLC (Trail Learning Crew) runs on Sunday mornings to get a feel for the trail, and meet people who are into it so that you can get advice. Let go of the fear, and just put one foot in front of the other, even when it gets hard.”

What does 2019 have in store for Howard? “I have been working to overcome injury for a year and a half, so I am hoping to get some revenge on the Muddy Sneaker course in April 2019,” she said. “I have my eyes set on a few hiking-related goals including some 14ers in Colorado, Great Range Traverse in the ADK, maybe the Pemi loop or Presidential Traverse. I doubt all of that will happen this year, but I will keep dreaming. Otherwise, I plan to be a most of the regular regional races that are lined up to volunteer.”

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

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Nominator Greg Chase wrote, “As the head coach of the Trail Running Team at Western Colorado University Josh Eberly is undoubtedly shaping an important segment of the future of competitive trail running. He fosters a community of consistent training and strives to pick up everyone on the team who is willing to put in the work and who is focused on improving as athletes. He is also a beast and leads by example.”

“I am also involved in the trail running community here in Gunnison and Crested Butte, which is vibrant,” continued Chase, “And Eberly’s influence and what he is doing with this group of athletes is amazing.”

Eberly was born and raised in Arvada, Colorado, and has called the Gunnison home for the past 20 years. He lives in this mountain hamlet –population 6,000 – with his wife and their two young children. Eberly owns Run Sleep Design , a web development/design company he founded 15 years ago which is responsible for designing & maintaining this website. For the past four years he has also been the Head Coach of Trail Running for Western Mountain Sports.

A former competitive road runner, Eberly got into trail running about six years ago. “I was getting a bit bored of the roads,” recalled Eberly. “I wanted to change it up and climb some mountains!”

Since his foray into the sport, he has run numerous trail and mountain races and represented the United States at the World Mountain Running Championships and NACAC Mountain Running Championships. He has run distances from 10K to 50 miles though he has no favorites. “They all bring out a different beauty,” said Eberly. “Whether it is super technical or mountainous, I’m glad just to be out on the trails.”

And out on the trails he is, much of the time with the Western Mountain Sports Trail Team he coaches. “This very unique, one-of-a-kind Collegiate Trail Running Program was built on a club framework,” explained Eberly. “With investment in coaching and resources, we turned this into a turn-key Trail Running program, where young athletes can get a dose of the Mountain, Ultra, Trail landscape. Bringing my work ethic from the NCAA side and somewhat rigorous training schedule, I was able to help these kids reach their individual goals of excelling in Trail Running.

“The program has grown immensely over the years and we are really having fun introducing this young generation to the trail running / ultra landscape. We have around 40 kids in the fall with less in the Winter/Spring due to the Winter Sports. These kids are the future of the Trail world. I am taking full advantage of this opportunity by showing them all the things I have learned over the years to become an ‘okay-runner.’ The number one thing is consistency and enjoying the process,” continued Eberly. “I have got a lot of athletes from the NCAA side who come over because they get too burnt out from NCAA. It takes about 1-2 weeks in our program to show them the joy and the reason they started to run in the first place. The NCAA is not for everyone, having an alternative to NCAA Running makes logical sense for any College to adapt. We train 6 days a week with 2 workouts, 2 core sessions 2 days of lifting, one over-distance run and a few easy runs sprinkled in there. We also do a lot of strides and agility drills. We are learning every year what to do and what not to do with these athletes. We have a lot of fun, and we never take ourselves too serious!”

The Team has enjoyed some great support. “We have been very fortunate to partner with adidas Terrex this past year and they have provided shoes, apparel, and accessories,” said Eberly. “The kids can now focus on training smarter and racing better without worrying about buying their next pair of shoes. adidas Terrex also provides an amazing opportunity for six of our athletes to race internationally this June at the adidas Infinite Trails World Championships in Gastein, Austria.”

Volunteerism is important to Eberly and the best part is, “To see the diversity and camaraderie in trail running. It is never about how fast you run, it is all about the stories and friends you meet!”

Annually, Eberly leads his team on a volunteer project with the local trails system. “Gunnison Trails has been such a great leader and has an amazing philosophy in trail maintenance and building. It is great to be a part of it,” he said.

Eberly has learned a lot from trail running, probably the most indelible is the following. “Sometimes stopping and appreciating the pure beauty that surrounds you every day helps with all of the ‘other noise’ going on in the world. It gives me a chance to unplug and think about the things important to me.”

Josh (second from right) and his teammates getting ready to clean-up at the 2016 NACAC Mountain Running Championships in Mexico.

His advice to those considering getting into the sport reads like this. “Trail running isn’t for everyone, but give it a try. Climb a mountain or run through a forest. I think you might like it.”

Follow Eberly’s results this year as he gets set to race at the adidas Infinite Trails World Championships in Austria, the Silver Rush 50 miler, the Audi Power of Four and Aspen Backcountry Trail Marathon.

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

Pictures Credit @riffraff002, @marcowernerfilms, @fujimakisho, Jeremy Wallace and Richard Bolt

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Nominator Jeff Crumbaugh wrote, “I have known Jim since our first Keweenaw Trail Running Festival in 2000. He attended with his family and camped out in Copper Harbor State Park. Jim ran all the Keweenaw races, including the 25K, Hill Climb and 10K while his daughter Bethany, who was then just 7, ran in the Kids’ Trail 2K. His enthusiasm for the sport was contagious. His support for other runners may have been the coach in him or his undeniable generous spirit.”

Jeffrey Crumbaugh nominated Jim Engel.

“Jim has been instrumental in helping to make the Grand Island Trail Races what they are today,” continued Crumbaugh. “Jim has run all of our Great Lakes Endurance events and he is still helping, coaching and encouraging other runners from packet pick up until the finish line. And then, after he has finished his ice-cold cola and Snickers bar, he can be found helping unload gear as the aid station crews return to the finish. On Grand Island he stays for hours, even helping us load up all the equipment on the boat for the trip back to the mainland. Jim exemplifies the true spirit of trail running – passion for the sport, generosity, durability and a helping spirit that endures regardless of the conditions.”

Engel hails from the “Great White North,” as he affectionately refers to his home state having grown up in Bay City, and since 1985, living in Wakefield. He and his wife Denise will celebrate 40 years of marriage this May, and the pair has three grown daughters – Bethany, Chelsea, and Janelle.

A retired school teacher with a portfolio including high school health, physical education and art and math and science at the middle school level, Engle started running in 1987 taking up trail running a year later. “I train in the Porcupine Mountains which are just 16 miles north of my home,” said Engel. “I just wanted to get off the highway and out into nature. I learned that running truly is play especially out on the trails. Hop, skip, jump, thru ‘da mud, water, bugs, sand,..can’t beat the trails.”

Engel’s advice to those thinking about hitting the trails is this simple,“Try it, you’ll like it!” He added, “It’s much more relaxing, more fun, gives you a much better feeling of accomplishment and self-satisfaction when done. And mentally it’s cleansing and reviving.”

Engel’s favorite trail marathons are the Grand Island Trail Marathon (he believes he’s the only crazy enough to have run them all) and the Two Hearted Trail Marathon (he’s done all those too). He especially loves the difficulty of the latter and said, “It has a tough course and a tougher bug population which adds to the challenge!”

Because of his Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – enlarged aorta – and aching knees, Engel no longer races the trail marathons so he’s planning to “sweep” the GLE marathons this summer which is his way to help out during the race, a job he eagerly looks forward to. “The best part of volunteering is hearing the runners say, ‘that was a great event!’ when it is over,” said Engel who has helped out at the GLE events for 20 years. “And…just the satisfaction of helping in many ways.”

In addition to helping out at races, Engel has organized several trail runs the longest of which will be the 20th annual Lake Superior Trail Run on Memorial Day Monday. “It’s an 18.2-mile training run; no aid stations, just the most rugged and remote trail in the ‘Porkies,’” he said.

Engel is equally committed to trail maintenance. “About four years ago we started working on trails here in Wakefield and formed the Split Rock Trail Association,” said Engel who is the group’s president. “These are mountain biking trails, which also serve as running and snowshoe trails and our work is progressing…slowly…but progressing. It is tough to get volunteers out in the woods workin’!”

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

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“As an endurance runner, Peter has endured his share of challenges,” continued Miller. “He’s won and finished in the top at numerous ultra and trail races, but injuries and professional challenges left him unsatisfied and unfulfilled. This led him to create programs for trail runners, and fund raising endeavors to give back to the community.”

Downing’s hometown is Denver, CO, where he’s lived most of his life except for his collegiate and law school years as well as a stint in Ghana, West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer science teacher. He and his wife of 31 years – Mary – have two grown children, Ellen and Graham, both avid trail runners.

Throughout his professional career, Downing has worn a variety of hats including that of public school science teacher, attorney, and director of an innovative teacher-training program. In 2001, he co-founded SPARK, a marketing/PR consulting firm focused on the outdoor industry, and is now the sole owner. He is also the co-founder and executive director of Suffer Better, a nonprofit focused on engaging the endurance athlete community and creating opportunities for athletes to give back to their communities and become a voice for resource conservation.

“Suffer Better was founded in 2014, launched by my good friend and training partner, Bob Africa and me,” said Downing. “It all started when he was running – and winning – the Leadman Competition and, after a stellar finish at the marathon was asked how he did that. His response was simply, ‘Well, you may be younger or stronger or have a bigger engine, but I suffer better.’

“That response resonated with both of us on so many levels, so we formed a company to connect the endurance community around our two foundational principles: Giving your all in all you do and giving back,” continued Downing. “We have since become a nonprofit, still focused on those two ideals, but also doing more to create opportunities for athletes to get involved and give back.”

Suffer Better organizes two trail races every year, The Suffer Better Trail Run –10 miles of rough and tumble mountain trail and RUFA-CO (Running Up for Air) – 3, 6, or 12 hours of mountain running each focused on raising awareness and funds for conservation issues. Additionally, the organization has launched a grant program – Do Good Grants – which provides funding for athletes who have innovative projects that combine endurance sports and philanthropy. As well, a variety of products including trucker hats, beanies, T-shirts, hoodies, and socks are sold to enable the community to fly the flag of which proceeds are donated to a variety of meaningful causes.

Downing grew up playing youth league sports – baseball in the spring and football in the fall. “My running was limited to getting around the bases and to the goal line,” said Downing. “I started running in college as a way to feel better and be outside, running the quiet, rural roads in farm country. My first trail run really came during my two and a half years living and teaching in Ghana, where I lived with a couple of Englishmen, both teachers and serving time as the British equivalent of Peace Corps. One of them was an avid runner and we immediately took to one another and enjoyed daily runs through the dense forests around our small town in Ghana.

“It was darn hot, crazy humid and seriously fun,” continued Downing. “Running between and through local villages was not common where we lived; the local belief was that the only folks who ran were thieves, running away from something. That kept us running fast. I ran my first trail race there too – a 10K competing against the students at our school. After the first ½ mile my roommate and I were dead last, but by mile two we were comfortably in first and second, where we ultimately finished. Our award: A potato! Trail running did then and still does – connect me with the outdoors and a way to clear my head, work through the never-ending issues and challenges I face, and renew/refresh.”

His early roots in the sport led to a competitive career where, in his 30s and 40s, he raced everything from 10ks to road marathons (he holds a 2;37 PR), to 100 milers. Top finishes included a second and fourth place finish at the Leadville Trail 100, four wins at the Collegiate Peaks 50, and a seventh-place finish at the Pikes Peak Marathon with an impressive time of 4:00:39. But, the first trail race he ran was the now-defunct Doc Holliday Run, a 35-miler in Glenwood Springs, CO.

“All runners had to drop a carnation on the Doc’s grave in the local cemetery and race photos were taken in a wooden casket. I couldn’t believe how much fun it was and what a great group of people came out to play,” recalled Downing. “Dropping that carnation helped me win a little cash – a whopping $150 – for finishing in third place behind two legends of the Colorado running world, Tom Sobal and Skip Hamilton.”

Reflecting on his career, Downing said his ideal distance was 50 miles. “I could run virtually all of it, and recovery was a whole lot easier and less painful than running 100 miles. After racing for years, I focused more on long outdoor adventure runs – things like the unparalleled 4-Pass Loop and the Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon. These days my racing is virtually nonexistent, but there is still nothing I enjoy more than a long solitary run in our Colorado mountains.”

Running and volunteering have always gone hand in hand for Downing. “I’ve been volunteering at trail races since I first got into them, doing everything from trail work to aid stations to course marking, to just doing whatever the race director needed doing. For my 40th birthday, we created an event – The Big 4-0 – that involved people running 40 miles, 40 km or 4 miles and raising money for a local food bank. We raised thousands of dollars and everyone had such a blast. That showed me in such clear terms the power of putting what you love to good.”

Downing says the best part about volunteering at trail races is the incredible camaraderie. “Inevitably it seems, volunteers are what makes a race successful or not – that unselfish commitment to ensuring that others have a positive experience,” said Downing. “I’ve never been a volunteer and not been surrounded by smiling, happy people who take such joy in giving something to others, even strangers.”

You can find Downing on the trails these days where he spends dozens of hours several times a year building and maintaining the courses for Suffer Better events. “My chief volunteer, my brother Jeff, and I are constantly tweaking and maintaining the courses so that our runners enjoy their experience. It’s a never ending battle!”

There’s no question that Downing has learned a lot from trail running. “It’s a long list,” he said. “Everything from discovering my own limits and finding the ways to push through them to the healing and renewing power of our natural world to the camaraderie that comes from sharing the trail and the experience with friends and running colleagues. Even though, for example, I’ve run certain trails literally hundreds of times, each time brings something new and different. No two experiences are the same. That freshness is addictive.”

His advice for someone considering getting into trail running or racing is ever so simple. “Do it. You’ll discover so many new things about yourself and your world. Of course, that advice starts with being smart about getting into a well-fitted pair of shoes, taking care of things like nutrition and hydration, and knowing your own limits. There are so many trail running groups that joining up with one of them in your community will introduce you to fellow runners, trails and the strength of that community.”

In 2019, Downing has two goals related to trail running. “I want to build our Suffer Better events and attract more men and women to get involved and join the fun, while raising funds for two great causes – POW (Protect Our Winters) and Conservation CO’s public lands preservation efforts, while raising our profile to attract more companies to support our events and grant program. Secondly, on the personal front, to continue to run trails and enjoy all the things that come from being outdoors.”

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

The post Meet ATRA Trail Ambassador – Peter Downing appeared first on ATRA.

Wrote nominator Laura Howard, “Scott’s love of trail is one we can all relate to. Trails, trees, soil and land are part of his being, as certain trails are for many of us. Scott has a deep connection with the landscape and through the Twisted Branch 100K Trail Run, an event he dreamed of and created, Scott has increased awareness, maintenance and usage of the Finger Lakes Trail. He believes that trail runners need to become trail builders and trail maintainers and be part of the process to learn about how these trails appear and become sustainable for generations of use to come. His passion ignites other people to share and expand their love for the FLT.”

Scott (pictured center) with some trail running friends.

Scott Magee has been married to his wife Patty for 17 years and the pair resides in Honeoye Falls, NY, with their daughters Ella and Molly. For the past 20 years, Magee has worked in the Telecommunications industry spending the last 4 years working for a software development company based out of Denver, CO.

He has been running, hiking and exploring in the woods since he was a kid. “I loved exploring and spending time outside,” said Magee. “As an 18-year-old senior in high school, I was ineligible to continue playing travel hockey, so I decided to join the cross country team instead. This was my first formal introduction into running, but it wasn’t until I was in my late 20s when I stumbled on a trail race in one of my favorite hiking spots.

“I love being on the trails in the woods,” explained Magee. “There is a quietness that comes over me. A stillness that is hard to find in the business of my day-to-day life and work. I now run almost entirely on trails, but I race only a few times a year. I love the Muddy Sneaker 20K, I think I have a 10- or 11-year streak going and I also run at least one ultra every year, but I’ve yet to tackle the 100-mile distance. Something I am considering for next year. I ran the Georgia Death Race this past year and I had a great time out on those trails.”

A race finisher at Scott’s Twisted Branch Ultra.

In 2015, Magee put on his first trail race – the Twisted Branch Ultra. In 2019, the event will celebrate its fifth running. It is a ~ 64 mile point-to-point trail race in the Finger Lakes region of New York run on the Bristol Hills Branch trail, which is part of the Finger Lakes Trail system. “We’ve seen amazing growth year over year,” said Magee. “While it takes me all year to pull this race off, I give credit to our amazing race volunteers and the friends at the Finger Lakes Trails Conference for the event’s success. I am not sure most volunteers realize the impact they have on a race or its participants. When it comes to a race like Twisted Branch, I think what most racers walk away with is the good-energy that all of our volunteers bring.”

In addition to race directing, Magee volunteers at events in his local community, something he’s done since he started running. He’s often seen crewing at aid stations, or running course sweep. As well, he’s involved in trail maintenance, primarily through the Finger Lakes Trails Conference. “The FLTC has nearly 1,000 miles of trail to maintain in New York State. Regional Coordinators work with section stewards to do the maintenance on the trail,” explained Magee. “While the Twisted Branch is a dedicated steward of roughly 7 miles of trail, our work often spans the entire 60-plus miles of trail and primarily involves clearing the trail corridor. We also look for areas that are damaged, need improving, rerouting or regrading and work closely with the FLTC and offer any help we can when larger work projects arise.”

Scott (pictured left) with a Twisted Branch Ultra finisher.

One of the lessons Magee has learned from the sport is, “How to roll my ankle and keep on moving.” Although he’s done racing for the year, his goal is to maintain fitness and focus on strength and flexibility.

“There’s a decent chance I’ll be running in a late spring/early summer ultramarathon in 2019, so my focused training should start before the winter is over,” said Magee.

His advice to those considering running trails is to do what you love. “If you like hills, single track, large or small races, ultramarathons or 5ks, seek out an event and spend your time running and racing on trails that you love.”

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

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Wrote nominator Krystal Hardy, “When you think about trail or ultra-running, you might not think about the Midwest. But go ahead and look up Ornery Mule Racing and you’ll find that the Midwest has a lot of really good races directed by Michele Hartwig, who puts her heart and soul into everything she does. Her main goal is to make sure every runner that runs her races feels important, loved, supported, and safe. Michele puts 110% into her races, as well as the trail community.

“’We Treat Our Runners Like Family,’ that’s her motto,” continued Hardy. “And if you’ve ever spent any time with Michele, you really will feel like family! She is very welcoming to runners of every ability, and the sense of community you feel at her races is second to none. Her love of trails is what drives her to be better, do better, and constantly give back to the trail community. Michele is always working hard to make sure her races and the communities she’s involved with are taken care of.

Because of fundraising at the Hennepin Hundred race, the event was able to donate $5,000.00 to have the historic bridge refurbished.

“She is my friend and one of my favorite people,” said Hardy. “I’m newer to ultra running and she has welcomed me with open arms into her races and always takes time to make sure I’m ok. Her active role in trail running and her community has really made Midwest trail running better.”

For the past 18 years, Hartwig has called Lakewood, Illinois home. Her family includes Royal, her husband of 23 years, and two children, son Royal and daughter Tasha. Of her husband Hartwig said, “He is an amazing supporter of anything I dream of. He believes in me, so it makes any dream possible.”

Part of that dream includes her business, Ornery Mule Racing, a trail and ultra marathon company she started eight years ago. Through her company she directs five events to include Kettle Moraine 100, The Hennepin Hundred, Frozen Gnome 50k/10k, Earth Day 50k/15 mile/5 mile, and Galena Sky Trail Races.

“I started my company truly from my passion for the trails,” said Hartwig. “When I started running there were not many people running trails in Chicago-land. At the trail and Ultra races I competed in there were never any runners that lived in my community. I had a beautiful single track trail system in Crystal Lake to run on, and I rarely saw anyone else out there. I felt a need to help bring people to it. So I decided to put on a trail race.

“My first race was Earth Day Trail race at Veteran Acres Park in Crystal Lake, IL,” said Hartwig. “I wanted it to be a beginner-friendly course to encouraged first-time ultra runners and feature a variety of single track. The first year we had 75 runners, and it has grown into a cap of 475 runners that sells out every year. That race grew into two races, then three, and now five. I love many different kinds of trails, and styles of racing. Every race represents a kind of running that I personally enjoy doing.

“Ornery Mule Racing has a strong yet simple mission,” continued Hartwig. “In every decision we make we follow these acts: kindness, community, giving back, and ordinary people doing epic things.”

In addition to her company, Hartwig works in sales for Squirrel’s Nut Butter and ATRA member Tailwind Nutrition covering multiple state territories where she works with running stores and businesses to grow the brands.

Hartwig started running when her kids were young. “My hobby of biking on the Prairie Path lead to running,” she said. “While biking, I would see runners and think how great it would be to be enjoying the pretty views at a run pace. So, I started running instead. Soon I learned about single track trails which sounded kind of scary, yet exciting. I tried them and fell in love. Running trails is such an amazing feeling to think about every step, root, rock, animals, flowers, the changes in terrain.”

Since her transition into running, she has raced quite a few ultra marathons and trail races with her favorite distance being 100 miles or 100 kilometers. “In those distances it becomes more than your training, you need to think and stay mentally strong,” said Hartwig. “It is crucial to make good choices to have the results you worked for. I love the challenge of staying focused for so many hours working towards a goal I had trained the last year for. Race day is the gift, after months of dedicated training.”

She has a special place in her heart for the Kettle Moraine Endurance race. “When I was racing a lot, Kettle Moraine was always my ‘A’ race,” said Hartwig. “Much of the course is on the Ice Age Trail, and it sits perfectly well in my mind. The variety of terrain is so fun. Overall the course is very runnable with sweet single track, rolling meadows, interesting climbs, and some fairly technical downhills. A great variety to keep you interested all day long.

“This race had the best race directors in the business – Tim Yanacheck and Jason Dorgan,” said Hartwig. “They were two of the first people that welcomed me in the trail community and took away some of the intimidation I felt by these ultra races. They retired this year, and I am beyond excited they chose me to carry on as race director of this 24-year-old ultra.”

As long as Hartwig has been involved in the sport, she has volunteered at races. “I have hosted aid stations, helped with timing, and cleaned up after an event,” said Hartwig. “It takes so many people to make a race successful, so I am game for any position the race organizers need.

“I feel an obligation to give back whenever I can,” continued Hartwig. “I don’t mind, I love volunteering. I have been blessed to run many races and I feel like it is my time to give back and help others reach their goals. Helping others learn they can do this is calming and rewarding to me.”

The best part about volunteering for Hartwig is the close bond she has formed with people. But, there are other benefits as well. “It will make you a better more thoughtful runner,” said Hartwig. “You learn a lot while watching others push. You also gain an appreciation of all the work it takes to put on a race.”

Hartwig is also a huge believer in giving back to the trails you run on. “I give back in both hands-on work, and donations,” she said. “I have a deep desire to do my part in leaving earth a better place for the generations that follow us. I have seen we can make big accomplishments when we work together to nurture the things we care about. I care about trails and outdoor space.”

One of her pet projects is working on her home town trail, which is part of Crystal Lake Park District (CLPD). She is on the CLPD board as a volunteer and has participated in many trail projects there. She is also on the Hennepin Canal State Park Foundation board board.

“The Hennepin Canal trail is Illinois’s longest trail, and it is full of history with many bridges built in early 1900s,” said Hartwig. “Ronald Reagan grew up by the canal and used to horseback ride the trail and swim in the canal. You can see historical remnants from when this was a working canal. Over the years, this rustic trail has gotten into disrepair and needs care to continue on for many more generations to enjoy, which is why a group of us are advocates for the trail. We made a connection with Senator Chuck Weaver and found he genuinely wants to help, and will call me at home with ideas he thinks of while he is out on the trail. We have shown him a voice for those that love this trail.

“Senator Weaver is a decision maker, politician and it is important to get them involved,” said Hartwig. “When decision makers see people caring, and working to make trails better, I have found they will help you. You just have to ask and show you are willing to do your part.”

Through trail running, Hartwig has learned her life passion and has grown as a person. “I was a very shy, insecure person,” admitted Hartwig. “I did not really feel comfortable with people or have many friends. Trail running helped me gain confidence and find worth in myself which lead to making many great friends. I learned that the most calming thing I can do for myself is help others.”

Her best advice to someone considering getting into trail running or racing is, “to run and have fun!” She also adds, “Do not worry about your pace and respect the trails.”

Goals for Hartwig include running more in 2019 as well as a few plans that, “Scare the heck out of me and have a high risk of failure, but I am looking forward to trying.”

One such plan is to run with friends over the same 150-mile route Daniel Boone ran in 1778. “Boone had been captured by the Shawnee Warriors and the Indians were planning to attack Daniel’s hometown of Boonesborough, so he escaped and ran 150 miles to warn the town,” said Hartwig. “They were able to fend them off when the Indians attacked. So far, Denise Sauriol, Scott Kummer, Krystal Hardy, Lauren Wills, and I are doing this so far, but we would welcome others to join us.”

Hartwig is also registered for Badwater Salton Sea with teammates Irene Koch and Michele Schueler. “I am so excited to run with these amazing ladies,” said Hartwig. “This will be the most challenging thing I have ever done.”

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

The post Meet ATRA Trail Ambassador – Michele Hartwig appeared first on ATRA.

Wrote nominator George Rehmet, “In 2017, Stephanie started a trail race in Huddart Park through the Mermaid Series which she co-directs, offering different distances on a course that was not overly technical to make it approachable for those new to trail running. Moreover, Stephanie taught participants trail etiquette and how to navigate trail markings. As a Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) certified coach and RRCA certified race director, she is very knowledgeable about best practices in coaching and putting on races. With the latter, Stephanie is currently planning her own trail race in Water Dog Park in her hometown of Belmont.”

Added Robert Rhodes, “Stephanie’s contributions to the running community in the San Francisco Bay Area span some 30 years. Her father, a former cross country coach in New Jersey, unknowingly gave her the tools to run successfully and injury free. She maintained her passion and dedication for the industry as a recreational runner, and in 2013, built a community called I RUN California. Through this group and on social media, Stephanie has successfully forged and maintained networking and sponsorship relations with major US marathons, running stores, race directors and other trail running clubs. At the same time she was building her network, Stephanie took on a number of roles as an Ambassador for brands that included, INKnBURN, Skratch Labs, and Swirl Gear.

“Naturally she found her way into race directing and started working with the Mermaid Series to host a number of large races throughout the Bay Area,” continued Rhodes. “I’ve been to a couple of these large events and saw her in action working timing, check-in and course marking. She exudes friendliness, goodwill, hugs and smiles! As a race director myself, I have had the pleasure to work with Stephanie on a number of occasions. Not only has she participated in my races but she has also volunteered… one time even sweeping an entire marathon course for me. She is very well-known and loved in our community and does so many great things to keep it fun and entertaining.”

Davies will soon celebrate her 20th wedding anniversary with husband, Mike. Possessing a degree in business, Davies started her career as a corporate accountant for a mutual fund company before time away from the office as a stay-at-home mom raising Chad, now a sophomore at UofA, Cole, a senior in high school, and Senna, a sophomore in high school. “After a few years at home, I decided to reinvent myself,” said Davies. “Today, I am a RRCA Certified Race Director and Coach, and for the past three years, race director with the Mermaid Series.”

Davies foray into trail running began when she was 17 years old. “My brother, who was 14 at the time, committed suicide,” reflected Davies. “Finding my brother was really hard to handle and I had to handle it alone. My parent, who had custody at the time of his death, did not believe in therapy. Running became my therapy and still is.”

Part of that running therapy includes racing on the trails, which Davies loves especially at the 50K distance. When asked to pick a favorite, there are many that come to mind for this trail racing aficionado. “For the quiet and canopied single track, thick with ferns and lush greenery, it would be the BayTrail Runners Whiskey Hill. For the challenge, I love Brazen Racing’s Trail Challenge at Mt. Diablo. And of course, through Mermaid Series at Huddart Park in Woodside, CA, the 3, 6, and 9 mile events I direct.

“The Mermaid Series has been such a wonderful experience for me,” continued Davies. “I started off as an ambassador in 2014, promoting the series on my community page, I RUN California. Soon, that ambassadorship became a partnership and job with the owner of the series, Carlo Facchino. Carlo asked me when I first met him, ‘What is your product?’ I couldn’t answer him initially, but I am happy to say that through Mermaid Series, I realized my product was and is to Inspire Women.”

With this product in mind, Davies inspires women every day getting them out on the roads and trails to try new distances. “I work with them to embrace the moment and love the skin that they are in,” said Davies. “Mermaid Series is about empowerment. I believe we achieve our goal and our message reaches our core constituent group. Recently, we were invited to China to share about our success in the United States as a women’s race series, and are one of the founding members of the International Women’s Running League, a group focused on women’s running.”

For the past four years, Davies has also worn the hat of a volunteer. “I have managed aid stations and registration, but my favorite role is sweeper,” she said. “I just love being there for that person at the end of the day. I stay far enough back that they don’t know I am there, but watching them achieve that goal they have set for themselves makes me so happy.”

Davies also has a focus to help preserve the Crystal Springs Cross Country Course in her local community. The course was created years ago by Robert Rush, now 85 years old, and greats such as Frank Shorter and President & CEO of New Balance, Rob DeMartini have run on the trails. “The creator is getting older and he really needs assistance. I feel it is my calling to help him out as much as I can. There are some people I know of who wish to close the course down, but I will stand with the over 700 thousand runners who have come to that course and save that from happening.”

Through trail running, Davies has learned patience and humility. “Trail running has taught me that I have to appreciate the beauty of the moment,” she said. “Trail running has taught me to be patient with myself.”

Her advice to those considering getting into trail running or racing is this, “Do it. Yes, you will fall – I have gravel in my elbow and knee to prove that. Yes, you will roll an ankle. However, if you don’t try, how will you know if you like it or not. It is sightseeing on foot in the most beautiful places. How can you pass up that opportunity?”

On November 17, join Davies when she runs the North Face Endurance Challenge 50k, or come out and support her as a volunteer, participant, or spectator in the Mermaid Series Trail Run on December 8, 2018.

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

The post Meet ATRA Trail Ambassador – Stephanie Davies appeared first on ATRA.

Wrote nominator Terry Chiplin, “Dr. Frank Dumont has become a passionate ambassador for trail running at all levels. In his work as an internal medicine physician he has encourage his patients to become active on the trails, including this treatment as part of his overall plan to help people achieve excellent health while stopping medications. Since being introduced to trail running through the support from Estes Park Medical Center for the US Trail Running Conference, he has become a trail runner himself, planning to run four 50 milers in Colorado in 2108! He believes that running in nature is healthy active for us at every level, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. His ability to see wellness as a holistic practice, and to deliver information in an eloquent and engaging manner, has been a thought provoking and sometimes surprising aspect of every time I have heard him present on the subject.”

Dr. Dumont is a “near-native” Coloradoan having moved to the state from his birthplace of Laramie, Wyoming in 1970. He grew up in Loveland and has lived in Estes Park for the last 16 years. His wife of 26 years, Katherine, is a teacher in Estes Park and the couple has two teenage sons, Ted, 18, and Gio, 16.

Dumont received his MD in 1997 and joined his first practice in 2000 after finishing his Internal Medicine training. He has been practicing at Estes Park Health (previously Estes Park Medical Center) for just over 16 years. “I practice a full spectrum of Internal Medicine (“head to toe” adult care) including primary care, hospital medicine, and nursing home care,” said Dumont. “Over the last five years, I have had the privilege of being the physician lead for wellness services at the Medical Center. This has allowed me to write articles and give talks on wellness-related subjects, perform wellness evaluations and consults, perform physiology tests such as lactate threshold testing, and lead group weight-management classes.“

He is also involved in a relatively new initiative. “For the last few years, we have worked with the University of Colorado to bring some of their wellness services to Estes Park. One of these offerings is the State of Slim, a 16 week class-style program which focuses on research-based nutritional changes, daily exercise, and attention and teaching with regard to the importance of mindset in order to help individuals achieve long-term lifestyle changes to help manage weight for life,” said Dumont. “I have been privileged to work with the researchers at the University of Colorado who designed the program to translate this to the Estes Park community and also to be one of the first Estes Park State of Slim coaches. I have been fortunate to witness some amazing people do some pretty amazing things. People have lost weight, jumped from the high dive for the first time, changed careers, become athletes, and even learned to love veggies. It has been a wonderful and humbling experience.”

Dumont is fairly new to trail running. “I have admitted to being a recovering road and mountain cyclist for the majority of my adult life,” said Dumont. “I ‘blame’ the US Trail Running Conference for my transformation, as I still remember heading out to run the Gem Lake trail with my family after the conclusion of the inaugural conference here in Estes Park five years ago. I started running more consistently three years ago and migrated to the trails two years ago.

“In spite of my ever advancing age, I think I have become more of an optimist over time with regard to the amazing things which people can accomplish,” said Dumont. “Trail running and trail racing allow people a venue in which to stretch, whether it be with regard to athletic boundaries or overcoming mental illness or substance abuse or spiritual growth. Perhaps for this reason, trail running seems to play a profound role in the lives of those who have been captivated by it. I have also learned that, in spite of the many miles spent on one’s own on the trails, trail running is a very social endeavor. Connections form quickly and strongly when on the trail. Finally, I have learned the importance, at least for me, of the meditative aspects of being out on the trail. I hope to be able to turn to running for mindfulness and peace for many years to come.”

His favorite distance is the marathon, or beyond. “I am partial to the new Estes Park Epic 50 miler (as my home town race), but my favorite race to date has been the Never Summer 100K. My goal is to find another favorite or two every year for as long as I can,” Dumont said.

Another goal is to complete the Gnar Slam by ATRA member Gnar Runners. “The Gnar Runners out of Fort Collins, Colorado puts on a great series of races. Completing the series of four trail races for the season is referred to as the Gnar Slam, and I am half way through the Slam,” said Dumont. “I have successfully completed the Quad Rock 50 miler and the Never Summer 100K (both excellent!) with the Black Squirrel Half Marathon and the Blue Sky Trail Marathon still to come. My tolerance for distance seems to keep drifting up. Next season…who knows!”

As well, trail building is a goal. “Working on a trail crew in Rocky Mountain National Park is definitely on my list. I would love to give back to the Park for all of the experiences it has given me,” said Dumont.

Giving back is important to Dumont who has been volunteering at trail and road running races and road and mountain bike races on and off since he was on his first cycling team in college. As well, Dumont has also been a huge supporter of the US Trail Running Conference since its inception five years ago. In fact, this year he will be the keynote speaker.

“I am so excited to be able to participate in the Conference again this year,” said Dumont. “My older son in going to school at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, and it is such a great area for running and riding. I am hoping to run with participants during the fun runs and will be racing the 50K on Saturday. In the conference, I will be participating in some of the panel discussions focused on nutrition and recovery and also on increasing diversity within the sport. I will also be giving a presentation on trail running as a panacea (a cure all, if you will). I started my medical school training in 1993. In 25 years, I have seen so much human suffering from disease—physical, emotional, neurological, and social. In this day and age, with all of our technology, we still struggle to really “fix” so much of what ails us as a population. Trail running might just be the ‘magic bullet’ I have been seeking my whole career.”

He adds that the most important facet of the trail running environment is by far, the community. “I never cease to be inspired by racers, volunteers, support crew members, and directors. Trail running appears to be a window into all of the best aspects of humanity.”

Some tips from Dumont for those considering getting into trail running.

Don’t talk yourself out of trying it.
For years, I thought that trail running was only for the craziest of those who were crazy enough to run in the first place. I finally had to just try it.

Don’t feel like you need to run every step.
The variation in the terrain naturally lends itself to a run-walk-run approach, and this is ok.

Start slowly and build up gradually.
Remember that just getting out is a great accomplishment.

Consider joining up with a trail running group.
I have recently started running with Estes Park’s Asylum of Runners. They are all inspirational individuals, and the conversations which naturally start up during the runs have been wonderful. They have also introduced me to so many new trails already. I tend to be a creature of habit, and I might be tempted to run the same trail three times in a week. Running with a group has taken me to trails in RMNP which I had not discovered in many years of hiking in the Park.

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

The post Meet ATRA Trail Ambassador – Frank Dumont appeared first on ATRA.

Wrote nominator, and Mark’s wife, Katelyn Garrigan, “Mark’s big goal is to bring people together to run on trails. That message is all over the nurun co. website, which he designed, and it really drives every decision he makes. Mark enjoys introducing people to trail and ultra running and he is always very excited to welcome new trail runners to his races. He puts on training runs leading up to this events and is always there to answer any questions or help runners with their concerns.

“As a race director, Mark’s appreciation for everyone who runs his races starts with a hand written thank you note sent to them after they register,” continued Katelyn. “His appreciation continues with the pre-race welcome, a personal congratulation to each and every runner that crosses the finish line, and encouragement to those unable to finish. Besides planning and directing races and other trail events, Mark also designs all the logos and graphics for T-shirts, medals, signs, and the website. To say he puts his heart and soul into this would be an understatement.”

Garrigan put his skills from 14 years as a web designer to good use in his current occupation as the owner of nurun co., which he formed in 2016. This expectant father of baby number two next month, started trail running for one reason. “I got into trail and ultra running because of… a girl,” said Garrigan. “I met her at my former place of employment and it just so happened she was on a relay team for a 50 miler. Since the team was full, I thought it would be a good idea to tell her I was running the solo event. Little did I know, I would not only fall in love with and marry that girl, I would also fall in love with a sport I didn’t even know existed.”

Since his passion was ignited for trail running, he has completed a variety of races from marathon distance to 100 miles. What he found in the sport was an endless supply of inspiration, encouragement, and optimism. “It’s amazingly obvious how awesome the people in the trail and ultra community are,” said Garrigan. “So nurun co. was started to connect and grow this awesome community through trail and ultra running events. Our mission is pretty simple: Bring people together to run on trails.”

nurun co. presently organizes two trail races with two more in the works for either 2019 or 2020. The first race, the High Cliff Ultra, is in its third year and the Black River Trail Classic celebrates year two in 2018. The Charity Bibs program is a special component of nurun co. races. “This is the second year of our partnership with Bigger Than The Trail, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is using trail running to advocate for mental health,” said Garrigan. “When runners participate in our Charity Bibs program they receive a complimentary entry to the race and also raise money for Bigger Than The Trail.”

Giving back is important to Garrigan, whether through his events, or as a volunteer. “One of my first volunteer jobs was at the 2016 Hardrock 100. I decided to start volunteering with a bang,” said Garrigan. “Volunteering is such a crucial part of our sport. The best part is simply knowing you’ve helped people achieve a goal. Many times your happiness and success at a race is due to the efforts of a handful of people whose name you’ll never know and you may never meet again. Knowing that there’s a volunteer waiting at the next aid station to encourage and support you is often what keeps us moving.”

Trail maintenance is a big goal for Garrigan in the coming years, “As our family grows and gets a little older, I’d love to combine trail work with family camping and exploring.”

Garrigan shares what he has learned from the sport, “Success isn’t always measured by when, or even if, you finish a race. Success can often be measured by each step you take on the trail. It can be fleeting and it can be enduring. Regardless of what success means to you or how you measure it you’ll never achieve it unless you try.”

His advice to someone considering getting into trail running or racing is to, “Jump in as soon as possible. I think most people, even the most introverted people like me, have a pretty easy time fitting in with trail runners. If you’re not ready for racing, find a friend or small group and spend some time on the trails. Being involved as a volunteer is another great way to get into trail running.”

Join Garrigan when he hosts the second High Cliff Ultra training run on July 14. “These runs are free,” offered Garrigan. “I love helping runners learn the trails and get a little experience on the course before the race.”

If you miss this month’s run with Garrigan, the High Cliff Ultra is August 4 and the Black River Trail Classic is October 20. Then there’s always the annual Black Friday Fun Run in November to celebrate the outdoors, run trails, and eat donuts.

The ATRA Trail Ambassador program is presented by CamelBak with support from adidas Outdoor, LEKI USA, and CEP Compression.

The post Meet ATRA Trail Ambassador – Mark Garrigan appeared first on ATRA.