Allen, Texas – Race production and running outreach company The Active Joe moves into its third year as a sponsor of the Western States Endurance Run and is excited to announce Michael Wagner of Denver, CO as its 2016 sponsored athlete.
The Western States Endurance Run is the oldest and most well-known 100 mile race in the United States, running along the Western States Trail from Squaw Valley, California, to end in Auburn, California. The Active Joe owner Libby Jones attended and volunteered at the 2012 race and fell in love with the event. A race producer herself, Jones was also impressed with the mission of the non-profit Western States Endurance Run Foundation. In addition to helping set standards in the organization of 100-mile endurance events, they promote trail stewardship and emphasize their role through maintenance and support of the Western States trail. The WSER Foundation also supports a lot of medical research into ultrarunning that helps the sport and the community.
As part of the sponsorship, The Active Joe chooses a sponsored athlete each year from the qualified runners who apply to the lottery, and the chosen individual receives an automatic entry. For 2016, Michael Wagner of Denver, CO, will be representing The Active Joe.
Although always a runner, Michael ran his first marathon in 2010. But he is still relatively new at the ultra distance, earning his first podium finish at Run Rabbit Run 50 miler in 2014 with 3rd place. This year, Michael ran his first 100 miler at the Salt Flats 100 and won it in a time of 19:14. To qualify for Western States, he turned around 6 weeks later and ran the Bryce 100, finishing 7th place with a time of 23:40. When not running, Michael shares his life with his wife Erika and their two dogs. He is a wilderness guide and outdoor administrator. He has led youth down rivers and up mountains in Colorado, Utah, and Alaska. This past summer, he, his wife, and their dogs hiked the Colorado Trail for 500 miles from Denver to Durango, Colorado. Two days later, they caught a plane to Costa Rica to surf, hike, and snorkel. Get to know Michael better...
Why is Michael a great representative of The Active Joe brand? Why is he this year's "The Active Joe"? "Because he embodies the passion for life we like to encourage everyone to have," says Jones. Michael adds, "Life is precious, and I believe every day counts. Love, travel, adventure, food, family, culture, art, and wilderness fill my life and inspire me to live each day to the absolute fullest. Sharing this inspiration is my ultimate goal."
“I’m happy that we can continue to support this historic ultrarunning event and therefore support the sport as well,” Jones said.
“I can't wait to see Michael line up at the start line on June 25, 2016 and give it his all!”
Info on Past/Future Sponsored Athletes:
June 2019 event: Kelli Coleman of Dallas, TX
June 2018 event: Pam Smith of Salem, OR
June 2017 event: Jess Mullen of Seattle, WA
June 2016 event: Michael Wagner of Albuquerque, NM
June 2015 event: Robert Lopez of Seattle, WA
June 2014 event: Jennifer Kimble of Dallas, TX
The Active Joe was founded in 2008 with the mission of providing running outreach to the local community. The organization produces the Big Cedar Endurance Run 100 Mile, 50 Mile, and 50K (November), as well as road events that cater to 7,000 participants annually. All events are located in Dallas, Texas or the suburbs north of Dallas. Owner Libby Jones has been an active member of the leadership of the Dallas-Fort Worth running community for many years and is an avid ultrarunner herself. For more information go to www.TheActiveJoe.com.
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