October Newsletter

Dear RPL Community: Wookie Kim

Dear RPL Community,

As runners, we know the power of being present in public spaces—from a neighborhood park to a forest trail to a remote mountain ridge. We often describe public lands as belonging to all of us, but the reality is that access has never been equal. For too many communities, systemic barriers make these spaces harder to reach or less welcoming.

That's why raising our voices matters. As a civil rights lawyer, I've seen how inequities persist when they go unchallenged. Speaking up—in the courtroom, at the legislature, or (as I recently did) in a public comment about the Roadless Rule—is one way to hold public lands to their promise: shared, protected, and welcoming for all.

At Runners for Public Lands, we're building a community that understands that protecting the places we run cannot be separated from ensuring equitable access to them. When we join and lift our voices together, we protect both the land and the people who deserve to experience it.

Thank you for running, speaking, and standing with us.

In stride,

Wookie Kim

Board Member

In the final installment of his Run for Our Lands series, Oscar Ponteri journeys 165 miles along Colorado’s Collegiate Loop, weaving together the region’s striking beauty, Indigenous history, and the community effort that keeps its trails alive. From encounters with volunteers of the Colorado Trail Foundation to reflections on federal funding cuts threatening public lands, Ponteri underscores the importance of collective action to protect these wild places. Through stories of endurance, connection, and awe, he captures how time in the Rockies transforms both body and spirit, reminding us that every step on public lands is an act of gratitude and stewardship.

Read the full blog post here.

Over the past few months, we’ve asked you to take action on critical issues affecting our public lands and the communities that support them. Each week has brought new challenges, yet we remain inspired by how our community continues to show up. Your voices, comments, and advocacy make all the difference.

Government Shutdown

During the ongoing government shutdown, Runners For Public Lands has been instrumental in keeping race directors informed and supported as they navigate this very challenging time. If you are a race director with a race that may be impacted by the shutdown, please fill out this form to receive updates and resources.

Government shutdowns harm both ecosystems and communities. Federal employees go unpaid, resources to manage federal land become strained, access to parks and forests become uncertain and the gateway communities and economies that rely on tourism revenue may suffer. Runners can help by being self-sufficient, recreating responsibly, and embracing the ethic of being a partner to public lands during this vulnerable time.

As the government shutdown continues, expect more variability in different locations. Every park and forest is different, some may see state or nonprofit support while others don’t have those partners or relationships to lean on. Regardless, runners can personally protect these cherished landscapes by being self-sufficient, recreating responsibly, and going beyond the Leave No Trace principles to leave the places we love better than we found them.

Note: this situation remains fluid, and the information is subject to change quickly. Visit our blog for updates as they become available.

Roadless Rule: RPL Board & Community Comments

Last month, Runners for Public Lands brought together 92 race directors—representing nearly 550 running events across 34 states—to sign and submit a joint letter to the administration opposing the USDA’s proposal to weaken the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Board and community members also submitted individual comments in defense of these protections. These roadless landscapes protect some of the country’s most scenic and runnable terrain, including portions of iconic trail races.

Next Steps: The administration will consider these comments as it develops a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), expected by March 2026, followed by another public comment period. In the meantime, we’ve joined organizations nationwide in urging Congress to pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act (H.R. 3930 / S. 2042), which would permanently protect roadless areas and prevent future rollbacks.

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who spoke up and helped defend these places that make our running community possible. We’ll keep you updated on future opportunities to comment and encourage runners to contact their Members of Congress to support the Roadless Area Conservation Act.

Click on the below link to read our full Roadless Rule advocacy update, including excerpts from some of our team’s personal comments sharingw hy roadless areas in their communities are so meaningful.

Endangerment Finding

Runners for Public Lands recently submitted comments to the EPA urging them to uphold the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which allows the agency to regulate greenhouse gases and protect public health. This finding is the foundation for action on climate pollution—without it, protections that make running safe and accessible would be stripped away.

For runners, the stakes are high. Spending long hours outdoors means pollution, wildfire smoke, and extreme heat affect us more than most. These risks hit hardest for underserved communities, which already face limited access to safe outdoor spaces and the heaviest burdens from poor air quality. Protecting the Endangerment safeguards runners’ health, preserves access to trails and public lands, and ensures that everyone, now and in the future, can enjoy safe, runnable landscapes.

Next Steps: The EPA will review public comments, including those from Runners for Public Lands, before deciding whether to uphold or modify the Endangerment Finding. RPL will continue to advocate for strong protections, ensuring runners’ voices are part of the conversation on clean air, climate, and safe, accessible public lands. We will keep you updated on that decision and any additional opportunities to advocate for the protection of the Endangerment Finding.

Click on the below link to read our full Endangerment Finding advocacy update.

Mammoth Trail Fest Recap

The Buzz Podcast

Event Recap: Pocatello Round Mini Film Tour

Photo Courtesy of Brayden Stephenson

Photo Courtesy of Brayden Stephenson

Upcoming Fly-In with Outdoor Alliance

On October 20-22nd, Kat will travel to Washington, DC with Outdoor Alliance and RPL Ambassador, Austin Corbett, a second grasstops collective member of Outdoor Alliance, to discuss public lands issues with Members of Congress. During these meetings, she will present postcards to lawmakers from RPL members.

Upcoming Events at RPL

We hope to cross trails and paths with you sometime this year. See our October events and activities below.