06/22/2026
Yesterday was TEAM-Boulder Running’s final day as Race Director of the Sunset Trail Running Festival.
Back in 2019, as this photo shows, alongside Maya MacHamer from Fourmile Watershed and trail running legend Joe Grant, I was asked to help rebuild an event following a challenging and tumultuous year. The transition wasn’t easy. As an outsider, the hardest part was earning the trust of the residents and helping them understand why we wanted to do the event in Gold Hill. Gold Hill is a place that values its peace, quiet, and strong sense of community, and many residents understandably preferred to be left alone. Building relationships, listening to concerns, and demonstrating respect for the town’s character became the foundation of everything we did that year and moving forward.
Fast forward to 2026, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together. Joe moved to Durango, Maya transitioned out, and Cat Price stepped in with the Boulder Watershed Collective. Through it all, the festival has continued to grow. Today, the town is engaged, supportive, and an integral part of the event. We’ve worked hard to create a festival that respects the character, history, and values of Gold Hill while giving runners the opportunity to experience the beauty and spirit of this special mountain community.
As I step away, I’m grateful for the trust that was placed in me and for the countless people who helped make the festival what it is today. Volunteers, sponsors, runners, residents, local organizations, and community leaders all played a role in shaping its success.
Most importantly, I believe I delivered on the promises I made when I first accepted the role: to listen, to build relationships, and to leave the event stronger than I found it.
The festival is in a great place, and I have no doubt it has a bright future ahead.
Thank you, Gold Hill. It has been an honor.
