2nd Annual Vermejo Park Flyathlon

The end of a warm and dry winter can mean only one thing, the fishing season is fast approaching. Anglers far and wide are shaking the dust off their waders, taking inventory of their flies, and timidly asking their spouses if they can go on a week-long fly fishing expedition instead of their 4 year olds daycare graduation ceremony.  I hope you all fall into this category; somebody has to catch those fish, might as well be you!!

I wanted to reach out again about an interesting and impactful organization I learned about last year, Running Rivers. Running Rivers is a non-profit that seeks to conserve and restore native fish ecosystems, and accomplishes this through education about thoughtful recreation, informed philanthropy, and impactful projects.  A friend of mine who works as an engineer for Trout Unlimited has collaborated with Running Rivers and told me about a fun fundraising project Running Rivers does annually, called a Flyathlon. 

The Running Rivers Flyathlon combines fishing, running, and beer drinking into one event, all designed to raise funds for Running Rivers projects to protect native fish throughout the country. Last year I participated in the Middle Creek Flyathlon in Saguache, Colorado. While I came in first in the race, my fish (attached) earned me a second place overall finish. This year I will be competing in the Vermejo Flyathlon in Northern New Mexico. I am still not much of a runner and since this year's course is 4 miles longer than last year's course (10 miles total) I will be forced to drink a few extra beers at the starting line to help me get to the finish line.