The Running Industry Diversity Coalition’s First Sponsored Athletes, Mayra Garcia & Arthur Blue, Take on a 50K Trail Race!
The Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable running and outdoor space—one that uplifts diverse athletes breaking barriers in the sport. This year, we’re excited to introduce RIDC Athletes, a new initiative connecting RIDC community members with race organizers and brands to support their participation in events. Inspired by our work sending RIDC community members to industry events like The Running Event (TRE), this initiative expands our commitment to increasing representation on the roads, trails, and beyond.
We’re kicking off by supporting two incredible trail runners, Mayra Garcia, and Arthur Blue, as they take on the Chuckanut 50K—thanks to support from Patagonia!
Trail running is a sport that demands endurance, resilience, and grit. It’s also a space where representation still has a long way to go. Recognizing this significant room for growth, the RIDC and Patagonia united forces to send these athletes to the starting line and amplify their stories. We sat down with both runners to delve into their journeys, discover what inspires them, and understand what this opportunity means to them.
Get to know these incredible RIDC athletes and join us in cheering them on as they push their limits and show up strong for this exciting challenge!
Mayra Garcia
Age - 30-35
Reisterstown, MD
Nature lover, Run Streaker and Mother to an Amazing 4-Year-Old Daughter!
Strava: Mayra G.
Can you share what inspired you to start trail running and then what led you to tackle ultra distances?
I’ve always loved being out on the trails. Before I started my running journey I was an avid hiker so when I found out about trail running I was excited to try it out. I knew after running my second marathon in 2022 that I wanted to run further so I signed up for a 50k. That led me to start trail running and I found it very challenging but equally rewarding! After completing my first 50k I knew I wanted to run even further but it would be another year until I had the time to dedicate to training for a 50 miler. I completed my first 50-mile race in 2024 and I would like to keep pushing the distance to eventually be able to complete a 100 mile race.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced during an ultra trail run, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced was during a 55k race in the Oregon high desert. This race was very scary to me because I’d never run in that kind of terrain before and the elevation gain was double of what I had experienced in previous races. I knew going into it that it would be challenging but I had no idea it would be as challenging as it was. The race started out with strong winds and pelting rain with the temperature dropping dramatically and unexpectedly. I checked the weather the morning of and this weather was not forecasted so I was not prepared for it. As I got through the first 3 miles I was really struggling because I was extremely cold. Thankfully I saw my friend on the course at an aid station and she gave me her jacket, which saved me! The rain stopped after a couple hours but that left the trail extremely muddy. The type of mud that caked on to our shoes and weighed like 5 pounds. It felt like trying to run with ankle weights on. I was about halfway through when I was deep in the pain cave and wanting to quit so bad. I texted a friend and told her I wanted to drop out but she encouraged me to keep going since I had trained so hard for that moment. I kept going in between tears... there were lots of tears! lol this race really challenged my mental fortitude. Just when I thought I had nothing left to give I surprised myself by choosing to continue. I knew I hadn’t traveled that far just to drop out halfway so even though I was in a lot of pain I didn’t give up and finished in just under 10 hours, which was the cut off for this race.
How has the trail running community impacted your experience, and what advice would you give to help BIPOC runners feel more welcome and confident on the trails?
I’ve found that the trail running community is super supportive and friendly. When I started trail running and showed up to my first trail race I felt a bit intimidated because I did notice there weren’t a lot of BIPOC runners there but I pushed through knowing I deserve a place there too. I also noticed that when I did see a BIPOC runner, that made me feel more comfortable. This inspired me to keep showing up so that I could also be the representation I wanted to see.
If you’re considering trail running and ultra running I highly encourage you to get started! You will meet awesome people along the way. My philosophy is that the only way to deal with an uncomfortable situation is to go right through it and coming out of it will give you the confidence to keep showing up.
What tips would you give to someone just starting their journey in trail running?
If you’re just starting out, be patient with yourself. Trail running can feel really hard compared to road running. Due to the uneven terrain and typically higher elevation on trails, I recommend taking it easy and taking as many walk breaks as necessary. Additionally, having a good pair of trail shoes is key! I think the trail running environment is a lot more chill than road running in my experience. Your road running pace may be a lot faster than your trail running pace and that’s okay. Most importantly, take time to stop & appreciate the beauty around you!
Can you share what inspired you to start trail running and then what led you to tackle ultra distances?
My trail running journey began after completing a 250-mile hike with the South Korean Special Forces. I was hooked and wanted to explore the world of endurance sports and trail running. Additionally, I used trail running as an accountability tool to quit drinking.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced during an ultra trail run, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I've faced during an ultra was running on a fractured foot. I was in a tremendous amount of pain, and I had to break down the race by aid stations. Once I finished the race, I was extremely grateful for this experience. I was able to push past my limits and achieve the goal; complete the race. I’ve learned a hard lesson on the importance of slowing down and recovering in between training cycles.
What key training strategies or routines have helped you prepare for the physical and mental demands of a 50K? How's training going for you right now for this race?
I have implemented more mobility into my training cycle and kept strength training to three times per week.
What tips would you give to someone just starting their journey in trail running, especially those preparing for their first ultra-distance race?
The biggest advice I would give to beginners is to run your race. Do not get caught up in what people are doing on social media. Become familiar with your local trails and build a solid foundation. Do not overlook the importance of strength training because running up and down hills or mountains requires strong legs.
How has the trail running community impacted your experience, and what advice would you give to help BIPOC runners feel more welcome and confident on the trails?
My trail running experience has been positive overall. I would tell other BIPOC runners to find a trail running club nearby and start there. Start slow because trail running requires more focus and attention than road running. Whether it’s a 5k or 50k the work is the work and you should always respect the distance.
RIDC Athletes Mayra and Arthur take on the Chuckanut 50k on March 15th!