An RIDC Champion is someone who is actively doing the work of the mission and vision of our organization and is a living example of the goals we have.

Our next champion is Dirtbags Run, created by Kelsey Long and Rebecca Bowman. Both are members of the larger Dirtbag Runners community, which connects trail and ultra runners from around the world. Kelsey and Rebecca hosted an Instagram Live panel about diversity, equity, and inclusion in trail running and found fellowship with their panelists, with whom they decided to build a team, and so the smaller team of Dirtbags Run was born. Setting their sights on the Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run in November 2022, they opened up applications to other runners of color to create a full team and take on the challenge together.

Members of Dirtbags Run come from all over the country and support each other both in their personal goals as well as their achievements as a club. Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run was their first-ever group event, and they had 12 runners complete ultra distances! The smiles in their photos say it all. Having the support of a team can make the impossible possible. After such an amazing, successful first event the team has SO much more planned for 2023! We can’t even imagine how amazing it is to have a cheer squad show up to your biggest races so you have a familiar face in the crowd. Especially at races where spectators are often few and far in between. Be sure to follow them on Instagram @dirtbagsrun as they prepare for their next big team adventure!