High Country Trail Shoe
Meet the Adventure Crew, a group of seven ultrarunners who are just as passionate about building community as they are about chasing adventure. From podiuming at ultras to leading local run clubs, each brings a love for the trails, a spirit of connection, and an enthusiasm for getting more people to go outside. Throughout the season, they'll be crewing one another through their biggest race goals, representing rabbit at Trail Tour events, running side-by-side with our community at the Javelina Jackass 31k, and creating welcoming spaces wherever the trail takes them. Get to know the crew and follow along on their adventures.
HELEN PAYNE
Santa Barbara, CA
IG:
@hellandpayne
Helen started running in elementary school, and over time it’s grown into a huge part of her life. She’s passionate about long-distance trail races in the mountains and loves the sense of adventure and community they bring. She’s also involved with Runners for Public Lands, where she helps support stewardship, education, and policy that connects runners to the trails. Some of her race highlights include Fat Dog 120, High Lonesome 100, and Mammoth 200, and she’s especially excited to take on the Leadville 100 this year!
ART HURTADO
Brownsville, TX
IG:
@ youngmountain_art
Art rediscovered running years after high school when a friend convinced him to sign up for a local race. It wasn't long before he fell in love with the trails and ultrarunning community, diving headfirst into the sport by registering for a 100-miler before ever completing a 50K. Since then, he's won multiple ultras, set several course records, and finished both HURT100 and Leadville 100 as a member of the rabbit Elite Trail Team. This year, he's taking on his first 200-mile race. Off the trails, he is an avid nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, and Chief of his local ocean lifeguards, a role that keeps him appreciative of the world’s natural wonders.
JON SUTHERLAND
Santa Barbara, CA
IG:
@jonrob20
Jon discovered running in 2017 after watching videos of 100-mile races and was inspired by the idea that pushing those limits could change what felt possible. A full-time carpenter, musician, and all-around sports enthusiast, he has since completed multiple ultras, including two 100-milers. During Burrito League 2026, he ran more than 500 miles in 23 days, highlighted by his first-ever 200-mile week. These days, you'll find him chasing long trail days with friends, dreaming up FKT-style adventures, and hosting community runs.
ESTHER SUTHERLAND
Santa Barbara, CA
IG:
@babynessie
After moving to Santa Barbara in 2023, Esther discovered running thanks to her brother and fellow Adventure Crew member Jon, and quickly fell in love with the freedom and fun it brought. Just as passionate about crewing friends as she is racing herself, she's become a familiar face supporting the local trail community. Inspired by those around her, she completed her first ultramarathon in 2025 at the Tierra Redonda Mountain Trail Run, tackling 50 muddy, rain-soaked miles. When she's not on the trails, she enjoys camping, visiting the local zoo with her nieces and nephews, and caring for her community through her work at Cottage Hospital.
GRISELDA GARCIA
San Diego, CA
IG: @grizzzgarcia
Running wasn't always part of Griselda’s life; in fact, she dreaded the weekly mile in high school P.E. It wasn't until after college that she rediscovered running as a way to navigate life post-graduation, and what began as one-mile neighborhood runs eventually grew into a passion for ultramarathons. Today, she's chasing big goals while giving back to the trail community through Runners for Public Lands, the Broken Arrow Advisory Council, and the Santa Mujeres Running Club. Off the trails, Griselda teaches a classroom of fifth graders and happily embraces her homebody side, spending time cooking, reading, or enjoying a good movie.
JULIA ROMERO
Boulder, CO
IG:
@juliar0mer0
Julia’s running journey began on the soccer field, where she joined cross-country in high school to build endurance for her soccer games. Drawn to longer distances, she went on to run several road marathons before discovering trail and ultrarunning after moving to Boulder for graduate school in 2020. She loves the simplicity of spending hours in the mountains and is currently training with a coach for her first 100-miler. Off the trails, she is completing her PhD in machine learning and AI at CU Boulder and is looking forward to celebrating a successful thesis defense by spending the summer running in the mountains.
PHOEBE CHIANG
Pasadena, CA
IG:
@phoebesjchiang
By day, Phoebe helps businesses take control of their finances and truly understand their numbers as a Controller. Outside the office, she's an expert jogger with a love for big trail adventures, including completing the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim of the Grand Canyon with the rabbit team fluffle. Running fulfills her physically, mentally, and socially, and has shaped who she is today. Whether she's logging miles or sharing them with friends, she believes the lessons learned on the trail extend far beyond running.