Meet the Runners: RIDC Freedom to Run: Back Outside – Building a New Path Into Trail Running
The Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) is thrilled to announce the final selection of runners for the 2025 Freedom to Run: Back Outside case study, a bold new initiative aimed at breaking down barriers to trail running.
Selected from 275 submissions, these Freedom to Run: Back Outside participants are taking their first steps onto the trail with us, joining a growing movement to break barriers and open up new pathways for more runners to experience trail running across the country. While we've hosted trail running panels and supported individual runners in the past, this marks our first dedicated cohort, and a deeper commitment to building long-term access to trails.
RIDC is focusing on increasing access to and participation in trail running by addressing key challenges identified in our research—everything from gear and safety to accessibility and technology. The Freedom to Run program is a direct response to what we've learned: that many people in our communities are eager to try trail running but face systemic obstacles that make the sport feel out of reach.
It was extremely hard to narrow down the final selection. Today, we proudly welcome 14 new trail runners into the RIDC family!
We look forward to offering more opportunities like this to more runners.
Stay tuned to the RIDC website and newsletter for updates.
Meet the Freedom to Run: Back Outside Runners
Congratulations to:
Gabe Marrero - Old Hickory, TN
Kayla Caughell - Sacramento, CA
Karla Estudillo Fuentes - Atlanta, GA
Jerri Kriz - Tracy, CA
Eduardo Villanueva - Brooklyn, NY
Sam Soundarajan - Minneapolis, MN
Romona Kelly - Belmont, NC
Kat Phan - Brooklyn, NY
Blake Tucker - Chicago, IL
Elisabeth-Monique Tossa - Burnsville, MN
Richard Bui - Dallas, TX
Barbara Reyes - Austin, TX
Maribel Garcia - Los Angeles, CA
Antoine Haugabook - Nashville, TN
Training has officially started, with all eyes on the finish line: a trail run or race this Fall that marks not just the end of a training cycle, but the beginning of new possibilities for these runners, and for the industry as a whole.
With that said, let us introduce you to the Freedom to Run: Back Outside Coaches helping them along the way!
Meet the Freedom to Run: Back Outside Coaches
Thank you to coaches Athena Farias, Becky Croft, Jared Ervin, and Yasmin Boayke for your guidance throughout the program!
Stay tuned to RIDC’s channels as we follow these trailblazers on their journey. We’ll be sharing updates, training milestones, and honest reflections about what it really takes to get “back outside.”
This is more than a program. It's a movement to ensure every runner—no matter their background—has the freedom to run.