The American Trail Running Association is pleased to announce the 15 recipients of the 2nd annual Better Together Scholarship program. The program provides funding for the 15 individuals to attend the US Trail Running Conference. Each recipient in the 2025 program will receive a free Conference registration and up to $1000 toward their travel and lodging for this year’s Conference to be held in Knoxville, TN, October 15-17.
Nancy Hobbs, Executive Director, ATRA said, “Last year was a test run for the program and it was a huge success. The attendees were enriched by the experience and returned home with tools to improve and grow their events. Our board was eager to continue the program in 2025 with a goal to help more individuals benefit from the Conference.”
Terry Chiplin, Director, US Trail Running Conference added, “This year’s scholarship offer ignited an unprecedented response, underscoring the immense talent and dedication within the race directing and event organizing community. Selecting the fifteen exceptional recipients was a privilege, and we are thrilled to empower them at the Conference with the resources and network they need to elevate their events. By amplifying these diverse voices, we will enrich the Conference discussions and, thanks to the invaluable partnership of ATRA, catalyze significant growth and innovation throughout the North American trail running landscape.”
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Ana Lucía Acuña – La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico – Don Diablo Trail Run
Meredith Beaton – Fountain Hill, PA – EcoEndurance Trail Running Expeditions
Kelly Donahue – Minneapolis, MN – The Loppet Foundation
Lisa Felder – San Leandro, CA – Ultra Fitness Beyond Imagination
Dan Hughes – Whitmore Lake, MI – Huron 100
Sau-Mei Leung – Clinton, MA – Merrimack River 10 Mile Trail Race
Kelsey McGill – Bend, OR – Alpenglow Endurance Coaching
Kirsten Mengden – San Antonio, TX – iRun Texas, Split Second Productions
Christi Myers – San Antonio, TX – San Antonio Road Runners
Anthony (Tony) Reed – Dallas, TX – National Black Marathoners Association
Zachary Russell – Carbondale, CO – Mt Sopris Runoff
Rajiv Shrestha – West Chester Township, OH – Pokhara Trail Series/Alpine Trail Race
Dan Vaughan – Taos, NM – Taos Ski Valley Up and Over Run
Chas Wagner – Pittsburgh, PA – Paper & Dirt
Dominic Wilson – Somers, CT – Shenipsit Striders
More info
The Conference is presented by Marathon Printing, Inc., and held in partnership with American Trail Running Association and Visit Knoxville Sports Commission. For additional details and to register, visit the US Trail Running Conference website, or contact Conference Director Terry Chiplin at Terry@ustrailrunningconference.com.
