The Zepke's Middle Creek Flyathlon Fundraiser!

We're so excited to pair our love of trail running and fly fishing to support conservation efforts of the Rio Grande Cutthroat trout!

On August 1st, 2026, we will gather in the San Luis Valley of Colorado with conservation-minded Flyathletes from around the country to compete in a 7 mile trail race (with some fly fishing along the way) to celebrate and to benefit the incredible Rio Grande cutthroat trout. These unique fish are an essential and beautiful part of the Centennial State’s past and present, and with your support of Running Rivers through our campaign, you are committing to ensure a flourishing future for our fishy friends!

Conservation Through Recreation!

In July of 2025, Running Rivers staff partnered with Trout Unlimited and the National Park Service to salvage the adult Rio Grande cutthroat trout pictured above (and 40 of its friends) from the Medano Ditch within Great Sand Dunes National Park, in which the water was being shut off for the season. These beautiful fish, which currently occupy less than 15% of their historic habitat, were relocated to the nearby Medano Creek where they will reproduce and thrive into the future! This project, as well as many others benefiting Rio Grande cutthroat trout, was largely supported by donations made through past Middle Creek Flyathlon events. 

Thank you for supporting us, our love of the outdoors, trail running, conservation, and the protection of native fish through our Flyathlon campaign!