Ryan Montgomery (he/they), who lives in Utah, is professional ultra-runner who loves to run far and fast. He’s a specialist in the 100-mile distance and loves the mental challenge that comes from ultras. As a well-accomplished queer athlete, Ryan community organizes to eliminate barriers for the LGBTQ+ community to access trail running and to find community. You can find Ryan drinking lots of coffee in the morning or jet-setting around the world for a running adventure.

For the past 30 years, running has been a central part of Rickey Gates’ life. Whether it be in the competitive realm of racing, the obsessive realm of curiosity, or a mindful space of meditation, running has long been the primary medium through which Rickey has interacted with the broader environment around him. In an effort to understand his country, community, and self, Rickey completed back-to-back running projects: TransAmericana (2017) and Every Single Street (2018). His current obsession is to paint a picture of North America through trails. 50 of them. He currently resides in Sante Fe with his wife and two children.

Cal (they/he) is a lifelong runner, health educator, poet, and sports inclusivity activist. They are transmasculine and have not always found their place in athletics, so they have mobilized to advocate for a running community that celebrates all runners. This summer, Cal became the first non-binary winner of Bay to Breakers and the San Francisco Marathon. Up next? More time outside, more miles, and more sports representation beyond the binary.

Callie Vinson wasn’t always a runner. In fact, she grew up despising it. But, thanks to a complete lifestyle overhaul that helped her lose 200 lbs, Callie discovered a newfound love for running, and all the places it allows her to explore. Now, she uses her story and experience to inspire others to chase their dreams, big or small, believing that running truly belongs to everyone.

Scott Traer is a trail and ultra runner, and founder of RunFastah—an endurance coaching business. Scott grew up just north of Boston and then spent most of his 20s and 30s exploring the world through running, hiking, cycling and climbing, absorbing the array of cultures Earth has to offer. Outside of running, he’s also a huge fan of electronic music and stand up comedy. If you can’t find him running, you’ll find him dancing or laughing.

Coree is passionate about East Coast running, coffee, and baking. At one point he ran 2:26 at Chicago Marathon, but he now much perfers longer, multi-day efforts. When Coree is not going for long walks in the woods, he is probably out searching for the best slice of key lime pie.

Grace is a runner, rock climber, and 2-time Paralympic cross country skier for Team USA. After being adopted from China at the age of 3, Grace grew up running up mountains in Alaska and fell in love with being outside. You can find her running, climbing, and skiing around her home in Bozeman, Montana.

Jeff Garmire has run and backpacked over 35,000 miles and set 20 different trail speed records over the last 12 years. His records include the Arizona Trail, Colorado Trail, Long Trail, and John Muir Trail. Jeff is the author of "Free Outside," and the subject of a movie with the same name. He is an advocate for mental health and emphasizes the importance of spending time in nature.

Mika started running in college. A few road races later, while looking for more adventure, she discovered trail running. She started entering 200+ mile races early on and has 13 finishes at the distance. Most days you can find her running on the Colorado front range trails or cycling on the mountain roads. A ceramicist by training with an MFA, Mika always has some project that she’s working on (or putting off).

Ashleigh Thompson (she/hers) is a member of the Red Lake Ojibwe and a PhD Candidate in anthropology at the University of Arizona. She believes being outside is paramount to healing and happiness, which she promotes through her writing and work. Find Ashleigh trail running among saguaros or climbing Mt Lemmon granite in Tucson, Arizona.