Introducing Faces of Trail Running a column where we spotlight community members from our beloved sport of running on dirt.
Instead of RACES this column is all about FACES! Race directors, back-of-packers, run club leaders, speedsters, individuals who have faced a variety of obstacles to eventually find their place on the trails– we want to shine light on the many faces and personalities that make this sport and community so special.
Do you know someone that we should feature? Email zrom@ultrasignup.com we’d love to hear from you.
Meet Tom Hooper, trail runner and race director. Tom is the founder of SIX03 a team of fun, healthy, and athletic people who share a passion for the outdoors and the social community.
Tom was first hooked thanks to the sub ultra distance and the desire to see how far he could push his body before it would stop. His first hundred miler and most powerful trail memory is the 2016 Leadville 100. “That new pain, that new excitement. It’s a feeling you can never duplicate.” When not running, you can find Tom in the gym doing CrossFit style workouts.
Your Why: The runs with friends on the trails are my happy place. I wouldn’t leave if I didn’t have to.
Favorite Event: Ragged 75 3-Day Stage Race
Favorite Distance: I think 100K is my fave. 100-miles beats you up and ruins your weekend. 100K is done in a day and you can move on with life.
Favorite Trail: North Conway, NH the Red Ridge Trail
Favorite Trail Snack: Pop-Tarts
Trail Wisdom: “Sprint the downs, walk the ups.”
After spending the night in a wet suit holding a rope on the historic Rucky Chucky river crossing at the Western States Endurance Run, Libby Jones was hooked on the ultra scene.
Jones has been running since 2005 and jumped into the ultra scene in 2011. She has completed a marathon (or longer!) in 23 states.
“Trail running is such a fantastic way to see lots of amazing scenery in a single day at an efficient pace,” says Jones.
Her love of trail running inspired her to found The Active Joe, an events company that celebrates the “average Joe” of most active people. Jones is particularly proud that female participation at her events hovers around 40%, almost double that of comparable distances events. Aside from her love of race directing, Jones says her connection to nature keeps her coming back to the trails.
Your Why: Making everyone feel welcome on the trails. “We have equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives for all sorts of underrepresented communities in the sport,” says Jones. “These groups aren’t just welcome; they’re actively invited and made to feel safe and special!”
Favorite Event: Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run
Favorite Distance: 50K
Favorite Trail: The Western States Run
Favorite Trail Snack: Peanut M&M’s
Trail Wisdom: “Don’t run faster than your body can analyze the terrain.”
My favorite local race director and the one I give the most volunteer hours to for all of her races. It’s the focus on underrepresented, often overlooked demographics that I really like to see from any business and she’s leading the way to ensure that those demographics are actively invited and engaged in her races.
Libby is the bomb! I’ve run many of her races, and she’s been a beacon in our community for many years. I appreciate that she actively supports underrepresented populations in her races. She was also one of the first to welcome nonbinary and trans runners, which includes a nonbinary category for finishes. She also welcomes aging athletes, athletes with disabilities or impairments, walkers, hikers, BIPOC athletes… she’s thought of everybody and has full respect for everyone as they are. Who can ask for more? The icing on the cake? Her races include a Land Acknowledgment, as well!
Libby’s is the perfect face to kick off this new column! I first met her at the Dinosaur Valley run a few years back, and now make it a point to look out for The Active Joe’s events. Keep up the great work!
I had to do a double take when I saw Libby Jones in the newsletter. So cool to see Libby make such a big impact in the running community in Dallas. My very first group run was in 2008 with the Dallas Running Club where Libby Jones was a leader so it’s no surprise that she has been highlighted.
I hope our paths cross again. Go Libby!
Libby is awesome! I highly recommend her races- they are organized and well run with a ton of people out cheering on runners!
Libby had my favorite race brief comment prior to the Rusty Crown. “If you find an abandoned sock on the side of the trail, it is probably best to leave it there.”
Hahahah! That is amazing! Very solid advice.