ADVISORY COUNCIL
Welcoming the 2026 Broken Arrow Skyrace
Advisory Council
We are proud to welcome the second class of the Broken Arrow Skyrace Advisory Council for 2026.
What began as a bold step forward has become an essential part of who we are. This diverse group of athletes brings wisdom, candor, lived experience, and fresh perspective to our shared table. Their guidance helps ensure that Broken Arrow continues to reflect not only the community we are, but the community we aspire to be.
We’re excited to partner with our second class of Advisory Council members as we continue the work we began in 2024.
That commitment includes welcoming more than 20 run clubs representing historically underrepresented communities each year; launching our Trail Futures NTN youth event; providing lactation stations to better support new families; implementing a three-year pregnancy deferral program; and continuing to build new initiatives that make Broken Arrow stronger and more inclusive for all.
There is still more to do — and we’re grateful to be doing it together.
Our Foundation
Founded in 2016, the Broken Arrow Skyrace, presented by ACG (All Conditions Gear), set out with an ambitious but grounded goal: to reinvent the multi-day, multi-distance trail running experience in North America. From the beginning, we aimed to create a world-class, highly competitive, strongly branded event that also honored the old-school culture and values of North American trail running — where every runner matters. By celebrating professionals and back-of-the-pack runners alike, we have worked to stay true to that vision.
In ten years, Broken Arrow has grown into one of the largest trail and ultra-running events in the country and is now mentioned alongside the iconic international races that first inspired us. We are humbled and deeply grateful to everyone who has supported this journey.
Who We Are
In 2024, we became aware that some believed Broken Arrow was owned by a large, faceless race management company. The reality is much simpler — and much more personal. Broken Arrow has always been independently owned and operated by three passionate individuals: Brendan Madigan, Ethan Veneklasen, and Geoff Quine.
All three partners live in the community where the race takes place. We each have full-time jobs. Broken Arrow is, and always has been, a passion project — supported by our families, our friends, and an extraordinary team of volunteers who together make this event possible. Teamwork truly makes the dream work.
Our North Star
We have always believed that people — that is to say, you — are the most important part of this sport. Whether you finish first or last, at Broken Arrow, you are a rockstar. That belief is not a slogan. It is the standard against which we measure every decision. Your presence and your experience are our North Star.
And still, we know we can do better. We are not perfect. There is always more to learn. Always more work to do.
Why the Advisory Council Matters
We believe we have a responsibility to evolve — and to share what we learn with other independent race organizations who hold similar values. The Advisory Council exists to bring new voices and perspectives into the room. To challenge us. To sharpen us. To help us see what we might otherwise miss. To ensure that Broken Arrow continues to grow in ways that serve all runners.
To our 2026 Council members: thank you for stepping forward.
We’re honored to do this work together.
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MEET THE COUNCIL MEMBERS
ARI BACKHOLM
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I’m Ari Backholm, originally from Finland, now increasingly a Tahoe local. I joined the Broken Arrow community through the 11k "gateway drug" in 2023— an experience that transformed the event into a vital annual family gathering for my wife, Jenni, and our two daughters. This bond has only deepened through the incredible friendships we’ve built hosting some of the world’s kindest athletes through the Elite Housing Program.
On the Advisory Council, I wish to represent and provide encouragement to all of us who may have missed trails and sports in our peak years while focusing on a career and family. I’m here for those who were "burning the candle from both ends", but now refuse to admit that they would be too old for a new adventure.
By day, I balance life as a CTO and an entrepreneur. By early morning, I am an athlete and off-trail adventurer, and my own self-trained coach and sports data scientist, obsessing over every detail from nutrition to sports psychology. On weekends, you may find me promoting wilderness safety through the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.
Since turning the half-century mark, I’ve been proud to set Masters 50+ course records for the Broken Arrow 46k and 23k as well as the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail “FKT", among others. My goal is to still keep getting faster and stronger every year, push deeper into the high country on new adventures, and climb the overall rankings to keep “youngsters” honest along the way. Join me in refusing the slowdown and continuing to chase the mountains, regardless of the number on your bib or your birthday.
ANA BRAGA-LEVAGGI
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Ana Braga-Levaggi is a native of Brazil, who has lived in Marin County for more than half her life and is a respected leader in the local fitness and running community. An accomplished ultrarunner, Ana has competed in distances ranging from 50K to 100 miles. She has completed eight 100 mile races, including four finishes at the prestigious Western States Endurance Run.
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With decades of experience as a fitness professional and coach, Ana now serves as the head coach of Dipsea Kidz, where she mentors youth athletes with a blend of detailed guidance, enthusiasm, and genuine care. She is known for inspiring young runners to build healthy habits, grow their confidence, and discover the joy of movement.
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Ana brings this same dedication into her everyday life. Together with her husband and their two grown children, she understands firsthand the challenge of balancing family, training, and well-being. Her commitment to fitness as a lifelong journey continues to motivate the children she coaches and the broader Marin community.
CAL CALAMIA
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Cal Calamia (they/he) is a trans marathoner, inclusivity activist, poet, educator, and community builder. After advocating for non-binary divisions globally, including in all of the World Major Marathons, they became the first athlete in history to podium in all six races. In addition, they are the founder of 2 Hot 4 Hoodies and non-binary+ run club, the author of the poetry collection San Franshitshow, and the star of "Out of The Dark: Cal Calamia." Cal is committed to increasing trans visibility and uplifting queer joy, and became the first ever Transgender Trailblazer award recipient in 2024 and a current Queerty nominee for the Sports Hero award. Follow along on Instagram @calcalamia.
JESSICA de LEON (JDL)
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Jessica de Leon (aka JDL) is a mother runner, community builder, and the founder of Hella Bae Running, an all-female running crew based in the Bay Area. Founded in 2019, Hella Bae Running's mission is to bring visibility to diversity and representation in the broader run community while inspiring members to take on challenges and reach goals in their own lives.
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Born and raised in San Francisco, JDL loves exploring the Bay Area through shared miles with the baes. Her first exposure to Broken Arrow was in 2025, when she completed the 18k—a moment made even more special watching her daughter participate in the kids race that same year. That experience deepened her passion for making trail running more accessible, particularly for women.
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As the newly appointed Executive Director for Running for a Better Oakland (RBO), Jessica brings her commitment to accessibility and community building to Oakland's youth. RBO is a non-profit organization that encourages Kindergarten-12th grade Oakland students to develop healthy lifestyles through running, helping them build confidence, set goals, and develop tools for achievement they can draw on in all areas of their lives.
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You'll often find her chasing her #minibae at local kids races, running stroller miles with her twins in the Peninsula, or planning the next relay/racecation for the baes. Connect with Jessica to follow her running journey, learn more about the Hella Bae Running community, and see how you can support Oakland's young runners with Running for a Better Oakland.
CALLIE DITTMAR
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Callie Dittmar (they/them) is an educator, coach, and trail runner based in Boulder, Colorado. They are passionate about expanding inclusion in trail running, with a focus on supporting queer, trans, and non-binary athletes. Callie co-leads the Boulder chapter of OutRUN and is connected to broader community efforts through organizations including Out Trails, NBRC, CUSS Running, and the Freestone Scholars program.
Callie competed in cross country and track at Williams College and is a two-time Broken Arrow finisher, placing as the first non-binary finisher in the 18K in 2024 and second non-binary finisher in the 23K in 2025.
Their professional background includes work in climate advocacy, where they focused on collaborative approaches to complex environmental challenges. Across their work in education, coaching, and sport, Callie is committed to advancing intersectional equity and belonging in trail running. They are excited to serve on the Advisory Council and help shape an inclusive and welcoming future for the sport.
ZACHARY FRIEDLEY
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Zachary Friedley is a professional trail runner and one of the world’s only above-knee limb difference “trailbladers” racing at the highest levels. Across 4 different continents he’s completed UTMB World Series races, has 2 finishes at famed race Sierre Zinal and made the summit of a 6000m peak (wearing a running blade) while also leading efforts to expand access and opportunity for Para athletes through racing, advocacy, and Born to Adapt.
KRISTINE VERA FUENTES
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Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, dog-loving Kristine Vera Fuentes, picked up running in her mid 20s and has not stopped since then. She lived in San Diego for over 7 years, and there she found her community through local run clubs. It was not until the world was locked down during COVID that she had a taste of trail running and fell in love with the outdoors. She stayed on the trails and eventually ran her first ultramarathon in Antelope Canyon.
Eventually, she had to move to North Bay in California and for a little while she was back to road running. However the mountains were calling. That’s when she was presented the opportunity to run at Broken Arrow Skyrace 18K in 2024. This paved the way to her finding women who want to try out trail running. Training for the race led to the creation of a trail running group, the Dirt G’s, that she co-founded with her friends. It has become an inclusive space for new and seasoned trail runners from the BIPOC community. Running and exploring different trails around the bay, Dirt G’s has grown and will be back at Broken Arrow with at least 12 participants this year. What a full circle moment!
Outside of trail running, Kristine is involved in stewardship and advocacy as an ambassador for Runners for Public Lands and and a core member of a shelter dog run program with The Humane Society of North at called the Ruff Runners.
Follow her trail adventures at @kristinevera.fuentes and the @dirt_gs.
GRISELDA GARCIA
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Griselda Garcia is a proud San Diego native, long-time educator, baker, reader, and runner. While her running journey began reluctantly with required miles during middle school P.E., she rediscovered the sport after graduating from college. Running started as an outlet for post-graduation life and evolved into a lifelong passion. In late 2020, Griselda joined the Santa Mujeres Running Club (SMRC), an organization dedicated to creating safe spaces and increasing representation for BIWOC in racing. She currently serves on the SMRC Board as a Committee Chair, where she focuses on helping others achieve their goals, just as the club helped her achieve hers. Griselda also serves as an ambassador for Runners for Public Lands (RPL), an organization that empowers runners to protect public lands. She uses her educational background to teach others about the importance of land stewardship and access to nature for all.
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ADAM MERRY​
Adam Merry is a father, professional trail runner for Nike ACG, and engineering leader who brings his whole heart, mind and commitment to everything he does. A biracial athlete from Monterey, CA who now calls Boulder, Colorado home, Adam is a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in trail running—using his platform to champion greater representation and access in the sport he loves. As an athlete, Adam competes among the nation’s best while balancing a full-time career in tech and raising a young family. His racing highlights include a team gold medal for Team USA at the 2022 World Mountain Running Championships in Thailand and earning a Golden Ticket at Canyons before going on to finish the 2023 Western States 100. His presence in the trail community is defined by authenticity, humility, and a belief that the outdoors should be welcoming to all. Adam’s multifaceted background allows him to bring a thoughtful and inclusive lens to the Broken Arrow Skyrace Advisory Council, where he's committed to helping foster a culture that celebrates both high performance and belonging.
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LAURO SILVA
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Lauro Silva is a Portland-based trail athlete, software engineer, and community builder. As the founder of Tierra Libre Run and race director of Cielo Running Co., Lauro is shifting the sport by treating access as infrastructure rather than a buzzword.
Tierra Libre Run began at Footprints Camp in 2024 and launched at Broken Arrow week in 2025. It is a technology and community platform designed to help athletes of color secure funding, find mentorship, and connect with races. Its flagship program, the BIPOC Athlete Fund, is a comprehensive, independent effort to create lasting access through funded entries and intentional community care.
Off the trails, Lauro builds equitable software for the outdoor industry. As a trail athlete with a deep connection to Broken Arrow, Lauro is honored to serve on the Advisory Council, committed to building a start line that reflects everyone who loves these mountains.
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JEREMY STROM
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Jeremy Strom is a trail and mountain running coach, performance educator, and Founder of Satori Endurance, a coaching platform focused on developing resilient, adaptable, and purpose-driven endurance athletes. With more than 25 years of coaching and fitness education experience, his work integrates endurance science, neurofunctional strength, breathwork, and cognitive performance to support athletes in reaching their full potential.
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His philosophy is rooted in the idea of satori, moments of clarity and self-discovery often found through the challenges of mountain and trail running. Jeremy’s coaching extends beyond mileage and race outcomes, placing equal emphasis on mental resilience, movement literacy, nervous system readiness, and long-term athlete development.
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A central driver of his work is his commitment to “Futures” mountain runners. Raised by a single mother, Jeremy pursued the sport with promise and passion, but without the coaching guidance or support system he now provides. That experience continues to fuel his mission to ensure young athletes have access to the mentorship, structure, and belief he once lacked.
Through Satori Endurance, Jeremy works with Futures, U23, and elite athletes worldwide, equipping them with strength, skill, confidence, and purpose. His coaching develops not only faster, stronger runners, but more capable and resilient humans, on the mountain and in life.
JAY TINSLEY
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Jay Tinsley || I’m a Northeast transplant who currently resides in the Valley of the Sun with my beautiful wife and kids.
While I’m a financial aid administrator by trade I prefer to be known by my passions: youth sports coach, community builder, and mediocre endurance athlete. And between coaching my kids’ teams, being heavily involved in Black Men Run and TURF (Trail and Ultrarunning Fanatics), and running almost daily, I somehow manage to regularly exist at the intersection of my passions.
Last year running the 18K was my first time participating in the Broken Arrow Skyrace and I loved it. The event showcased the things I hold most dear about trail running: beautiful scenery, immaculate vibes, and a vibrant community made up of all different types. I’m looking forward to seeing how I can contribute to the continued enhancement of this event and the community at large.
ARMANDO TORRES
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Born and Raised in Bell Gardens (Los Angeles County) and now a San Francisco resident for the last 30 years. I grew up in a Mexican household where Baseball/Dodgers was life. I still recall the one time a year our team would run 5 road miles before Thanksgiving Week. It was absolute misery but here I am 30 years a Latino Run Community leader and co-founder of the Nth Degree Athletic Club based out of San Francisco.
The Nth has created a healthy space to challenge each athlete to constantly redefine their athleticism, will, and potential. Proud of the Diverse Community we’ve built over the last seven years.
2025 was my first Broken Arrow experience and it was memorable. I went up with the Nth Degree AC to run the 11K. I met so many amazing and welcoming trail enthusiasts. I got to meet Priscilla from the Santa Mujeres RC and the trail enthusiast from the Black Men Run.
So excited to contribute to the growth of latinos/BIPOC at Broken Arrow and Trail community. Follow me on IG @mondoblues and the @nthdegreeac.
NICHOLAS TURCO​
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Nicholas Turco is a professional mountain runner competing at the highest levels of international trail racing. In 2025, he qualified as one of three U.S. athletes for the Golden Trail World Series World Final and ranked among the top 26 athletes worldwide in one of the sport’s most competitive global circuits. A former NCAA Division II National Podium Team member (3rd place, 2019 National Championships), he brings both elite performance experience and a deep respect for mountain culture to his role on the 2026 Nike ACG Broken Arrow Sky Race Advisory Committee.
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Alongside his athletic career, Nicholas works within the United Nations system to help mobilize the power of sport in support of human rights, humanitarian action, and sustainable development. Serving in the Executive Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, he contributes to initiatives that connect elite athletes with the UN’s life-saving mission and support partnerships with global institutions. His academic background in international humanitarian law and neuroscience-informed peacebuilding informs his belief that sport can strengthen dignity, trust, and cooperation across communities worldwide.
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Nicholas is also an openly gay athlete and is committed to using his platform to encourage others and demonstrate that everyone’s dreams belong in every space. Through sport and advocacy, he seeks to help create a culture where all people feel welcome, represented, and empowered to pursue excellence.
VERN NEZBEGAY VOLKER​
Verna NezBegay Volker is from the Navajo Nation, originally from New Mexico and currently living in Minnesota. She belongs to the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitterwater) and Hashtl’ishnii (Mud People) clans. Verna is the founder and Executive Director of Native Women Run, a nonprofit established in 2018 to empower Indigenous women through running. Since 2018, her work in the running industry has focused on elevating Native communities and creating inclusive running spaces around the world. Under her leadership, Native Women Run has hosted community races, connected Native runners across the U.S, and supported trail advocacy initiatives globally.
