Randy Whorton

Randy, tell us a little bit about yourself...

I've been married to Kris for 14 years, not nearly long enough. We are both from Boulder Colorado and have lived in the south for 11 years and Chattanooga for 5 years. You couldn't pay us enough to move back west. I manage an environmental company focused on bringing more vegetation to city life with green roofs, living walls, community gardens, Eco paving and commercial landscaping installations.

Why are you interested in trails?

I have been running trails and dirt roads fairly consistently for more than 30 years. I really don't understand why runners would chose roads if they have trails available. More than the trail advantages of softer and uneven surfaces, the connection with nature adds an element to running that is unequaled. Also, long trail runs with friends adds an element of adventure that leads to long lasting friendships that few activities can equal.

Why are you involved in Wild Trails?

Kris and I have been thinking of starting a trail running club for more than a decade. Just about every city has a road running or track club, with little or no focus on the trails. Organizations with a focus on running, preserving, promoting and protecting trails are just not popular. I could never understand why. We wanted to change that in Chattanooga, perhaps the finest "trail" city on the planet.

Why is involvement in this type of work important?

There is so much focus in the typical running community on simply training and then running the next race. I believe that running on trails, in the woods, mountains, prairies, and deserts provides so much more than physical health. Trail running provides a perfect opportunity for people to get to know themselves on a level that few places or activities compare.

What outdoor activities do you enjoy the most?

Outside of running, I rock climb, golf, kayak, road bike, slackline, trampoline, springboard dive, cave explore, and if there is a better juggler in town I would like to meet them.

Tell us something interesting about yourself...

I was a springboard diver in college for several years. This led to me dropping out of school to join a globe roaming band of high diving performers for four years...yes, it was like the circus, but I eventually did come back to reality, finished college and did get a real job.