Run. Fish. Save Native Trout.

This July, I’m representing Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited in the 2nd Annual Vermejo Park Flyathlon: a wonderfully ridiculous and genuinely important conservation race that combines trail running, fly-fishing, and cold beer in support of native trout.

The format is simple: run roughly 10 miles through Vermejo Park Ranch, catch and release a Rio Grande cutthroat trout, then hope my legs, lungs, fly selection, and questionable decision-making were all working in my favor.

But the real goal is bigger than the race.

The Vermejo Park Flyathlon raises money for coldwater conservation work benefiting Rio Grande cutthroat trout here in New Mexico. These fish are more than just beautiful. They are part of the ecological and cultural identity of northern New Mexico. They belong in cold, clean, connected headwater streams. They tell us something important about the health of our watersheds. And like so many native trout across the West, they need active, sustained conservation work to keep their remaining strongholds intact and restore habitat where they can thrive again.

That is where this fundraiser comes in.

Hosted by Running Rivers, the Flyathlon is built around a simple idea: get people out on the land and water, connect them directly to the species and habitats we are trying to protect, and turn that energy into real funding for conservation. Runners commit to fundraising before the race, then compete not only on the trail, but also in the fundraising standings.

Which brings me to the other important point: I want to win this thing.

This year, several Trout Unlimited runners are competing on behalf of different New Mexico chapters, and we have turned it into a friendly but very real competition to see who can raise the most money. Pride is on the line. Bragging rights are absolutely on the line. Most importantly, our native trout and coldwater habitats stand to benefit.

One more personal note: this race falls on my birthday weekend. Apparently, this is how I am choosing to celebrate: running through Vermejo Park, trying to catch a Rio Grande cutthroat trout, and asking friends, family, and fellow conservation-minded troublemakers to help raise money for native trout.

So, in lieu of birthday gifts, I’d be grateful for a donation to this fundraiser. Less stuff, more trout. Fewer things, healthier streams. A contribution of any size is a great way to help celebrate and put real conservation dollars on the water in New Mexico.

Please make a donation to my Vermejo Park Flyathlon fundraiser and help Truchas show up big for Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Whether you give $25, $50, $100, or more, your support will help fund coldwater conservation work and help us make a strong showing in the friendly TU competition.

And yes, it will also help me talk a completely unreasonable amount of trash after the race.

Thank you for supporting native trout, healthy watersheds, and one very determined birthday-weekend Flyathlete.