• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Run
    • Point Mariah Trail Marathon
    • Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race
    • Castle Peak 100k
    • Group Runs
    • Snowshoe Loans
    • Code of Conduct
  • Join
    • Membership Cost & Benefits
    • Race Discounts
    • Join Us
  • Volunteer
    • Be a DPMR Volunt(HERO)!
    • Aid Station Volunteers Needed!
    • Trail Stewardship
  • About
    • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
  • Calendar
  • Store
    • Shopping Cart
  • Donate
  • Your Account

Donner Party Mountain Runners

Inform Inspire Connect

  • Member Highlights
  • Race Reports
  • Newsletter
  • Webinar Videos

Member Highlight: Jon Murchinson

November 29, 2019 by Jenelle Potvin Leave a Comment

Jon Murchinson has been an active club volunteer since 2014, DPMR Board Member since 2017, the main force behind the DPMR Instagram page for the past few years, and is also going on three years of serving as chair of our Retail Committee (thanks for all the awesome swag, Jon!). When not volunteering for the club, you might find Jon running the trails of Truckee or Marin, or volunteering at any number of other races. Jon’s smile and energy are contagious – one of my fondest Jon-sightings was during a low point for myself at the Marin Ultra Challenge – he just popped out of nowhere, jogged with me for a bit and totally brought me back to the reason I was out there. If you ran Castle Peak 100k this year you may have seen Jon – he both pre-ran a section of the course and then worked the night shift in the Palisades. Jon’s volunteered as a sweep for Western States for the past three years (read about his experience from 2018 here), and has also been a tremendous help to our monthly newsletter contributing Member Highlights (alternating with Renee), regular race reports and more.

Jon’s enthusiasm, energy, smile, encouragement for fellow runners, and his eagerness to share his love for our community through his photographs, writings, and endless hours of selfless volunteer work are just a few reasons I think you should get to know Jon a little better, as this month’s Member Highlight.

~

Where are you from and where do you live now? I’m originally from Scarsdale, NY. My wife, two kids and I live in San Francisco.

Betsy Nye and Jon sharing a cold frosty beverage at the Julia Milon Memorial AS at High Camp during the 2019 Broken Arrow Skyrace.

When did you begin running and/or long-distance running, if that applies? Why? I started running short distances after I moved to NYC following college. I had signed up for the Chilmark Road Race and needed a consistent way to train so I started by running the reservoir loop in Central Park, moved on to the Outer Loop and then started running NYRRC events. I focused on 5Ks and 10Ks for several years with my longest race being the Cherry Blossom 10-miler, when I lived in DC. I had no interest in long distances at the time such as what I considered to be self-inflicted punishment of running a marathon.

Do you race? Does racing motivate you? If not racing, what motivates you? I do like to race and having a race day goal is motivating but haven’t done so this year beyond the Broken Arrow 26K. What also motivates me is enjoying nature and friends while on the trail.

Do you have any dream races (either hoping to qualify for or get selected for)? I ran Sierre-Zinal in 2018, which was my first experience racing in Europe. My family and I vacationed in Courmayeur afterward and the atmosphere, terrain, scenic beauty and people there were enchanting. So all of this is a long way of saying that I would love to run one of the UTMB events one day.

Do you have a favorite on-trail food or nutrition strategy? Favorite post-run meal or beverage? I swear by Huma gels and Tailwind when on the trail but my nutrition “strategy” for races is not exactly a science. I try to supplement those two items by eating solid foods (PB&J, potatoes, chips, etc.) for as long as possible. In the later stages, I’ll add in Mountain Dew or Coke if (when) my energy is flagging.

Jon and the rest of 2019 WSER Sweep Team 2 at Red Star Ridge.

What was your favorite running experience this past year? My favorite running experience of the past year was sweeping Western States. I’ve been on the WSER sweep team for the past three years and it is always an inspiring and humbling experience. This past July I swept from Red Star to Robinson Flat and in previous years I have done the section of the course from Robinson to Devil’s Thumb. Regardless of the segment, I always enjoy the camaraderie of my fellow sweepers and the perseverance and determination displayed by cutoff-fighting runners who are far removed from the glamour and spectacle of the leaders. I’m grateful for the privilege to volunteer for States.

What was your most challenging/ character-building experience this past year? I developed a Baker’s Cyst behind my left knee in 2018 that has caused me to significantly reduce my running mileage. This has presented me with physical and mental challenges as I am not able to get out and run with the frequency I’d like to do so and has caused me to feel less connected to the trail running community. Thankfully the cyst has subsided considerably with rest so I’m hoping that 2020 will be my comeback year!

What are your upcoming racing/adventure plans? I’m entering the TRT 55K lottery when it opens on December 1 so wish me luck.

What do you do for a living? Is it hard to fit in time for training? I work in executive communications for software company SAP. The thing that makes finding training time difficult is having two school-aged (14 and 11) kids who both have lots of activities! I coach my son’s lacrosse team from late January to early June so that obligation takes time away from running adventures on Saturdays and Sundays but of course, it is a trade I’m more than happy to make.

Jon during a Ninja Loop outing on SCA Trail overlooking the San Francisco Bay.

What led you to join the DPMR? Back in 2014 I needed to get myself into better shape so I started running in Golden Gate Park. We have a house in Truckee and I was interested in running in the area. I stumbled upon the DPMR site on-line and attended my first event – the Roller Coaster Half Marathon – on a whim. I was 100% certain that I would not be the type of runner who even considered distances of marathon length and beyond on a trail (I hadn’t even run 13 consecutive miles at that point) but I was game to try anything once. I was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming and remarkably self-effacing people that I met that day. I spent most of the morning running with Diana Schlaff (we went 13+ with some bonus miles tacked on when we got lost) and it was a great introduction to DPMR and led me to the realization that maybe these ultra running folks could be my people.

What has been your favorite DPMR experience so far? My favorite DPMR-related experience was pacing DPMR member Dan Brounstein at the TRT 50 miler in 2017. It ranks as my favorite due to the combination of the strikingly beautiful course, the number of familiar faces (runners, pacers, crew, and volunteers) seen during the event and the fact that he finished the race, due of course to expert pacing!

Favorite local trail? My favorite local trail in the Bay Area is the Ninja Loop. It is a beautiful, hilly loop that rewards runners with a gorgeous view of the bay at the end.

What other outdoor or indoor interests do you have? After trail running, alpine skiing is my other true outdoor passion.

Any interesting facts about yourself you would like to share? I once overslept and missed a flight on Air Force One.

 

Filed Under: General, Member Highlights

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Become a Member Today »

Subscribe to our email newsletter & announcements!

2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

trail race logo
Join us on Aug 5, 2023!
See race details

Connect in Person

Dec
12
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Dec 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Dec
19
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Dec 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Dec
26
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Dec 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Jan
2
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Jan 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Jan
9
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Jan 9 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML

Connect Online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

See us on Instagram

dpmrunners

Did you know that volunteering at a DPMR aid stati Did you know that volunteering at a DPMR aid station = chance to win a free race entry! 🎉. We are very pleased to announce that Conor Drewes has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 100M TRTER entrant representing the Diamond Peak Aid Station.  
 
Congratulations Conor! Very excited to see you take on one of our favorite 100M courses. We will be cheering you on! #dpmr #unafraid #trter100 #volunthero
🌟✨ Exciting News: Our Volunt(hero) Program Wi 🌟✨ Exciting News: Our Volunt(hero) Program Winner is Casey Strong! 🌟✨
Hey DPMR! We are thrilled to announce Casey Strong as the winner of our volunt(hero) program.  Casey's unwavering commitment to our cause has been nothing short of inspiring. Her tireless efforts and enthusiasm have made a tremendous difference, and we are truly grateful for everything she’s done. 🙏❤️ As our winner, Casey will receive a year of free racing (valued up to $1000)!!! Congrats Casey!
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank every single volunteer who has been part of our journey. Your support and passion have been the driving force behind our success, and we just can't do it without you. 🤗
Thank you, everyone, for your hard work, commitment, and for making our club and our community a better place. 🌍💪 #dpmr #volunthero #CongratulationsCasey #unafraid
Instagram post 17907662195775865 Instagram post 17907662195775865
Donner Party Mountain Runners exists to inform, in Donner Party Mountain Runners exists to inform, inspire and connect mountain runners in Truckee-Tahoe. This would not be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunt(hero)s.  This past year, we had 104 volunt(hero)s join us to help with race aid stations, trail stewardship, and various club events.  We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every volunt(hero) – you are all truly amazing! 🙏🏻 We are thrilled to announce  the top 10 volunt(hero)s who logged the most hours in 2023 and will have the chance to win our grand prize. The lucky recipient of this drawing will enjoy a fantastic reward: free race entries for an entire year, with a value of up to $1000. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner, which will take place during the festivities at Alibi Truckee starting at 4 pm today. Thank you for your incredible support and dedication!
 
Top 10 Volunt(hero)s (🥁 roll please!): 
Bill Hunter
Casey Strong
Krissi Polentz
Owen Macy
Bruna Bradford
Lesley Dellamonica
Leslie Lane
Pam Goodley
Stephanie Jacobs
Jenelle Potvin
Join us this weekend for a fantastic time you won' Join us this weekend for a fantastic time you won't want to miss! Our much-anticipated annual pub run is taking place this Sunday, October 22nd. What makes this year's event truly special is that we're celebrating the launch of our exciting new beer collaboration with Alibi called "Winter Picnic," a scrumptious red ale that's sure to be a great post run brew. The run kicks off at 8 am. Our fantastic release party begins at 4 pm at Alibi Truckee, where every member will be treated to a complimentary beer – so head on over to our website and sign up or renew your membership today!  Bonus - running the pub run is NOT a requirement for coming out to the release party! Checkout our links in our bio for more info on the run, membership, and more! #dpmr #unafraid #winterpicnic #redale #alibialeworks
Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plen Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plenty of fun)!

📍 : @donnerskiranch 
⏰ : Saturday September 16th, 8am
🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ : Judah Loop and continue on the PCT.
Run the Judah loop for ~6 miles, continue to Anderson peak for ~13miles (or further on the PCT if you want to go longer)
🗺️ : https://www.strava.com/routes/3135724872218937730
🎉 : Rejoin at the Donner Ski Ranch Old 40 Bar & Grill after the run (and there may be some sweeeeet giveaways...).
🙋‍♀️ : The Judah Loop is a trail adopted and actively maintained by DPMR as part of @truckeetrails' Adopt a Trail program

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #lakesonoma #lakesonoma100k
Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOM Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOMORROW?!! DPMR is so excited to bring you this second edition of the race that promises to be bigger and better than last year! RD Chris Cloyd and team have been working so hard all week with final prep. The course is in great shape with some beautiful fun flowy singletrack. He said he'd love a few more volunteers so checkout the signup genius on our volunteer page, but otherwise wants everyone to please come hang out, cheer, and join the party! 
Unique to this race is the 5 segment course that utilizes a central aid station and can be done as a 2 person or 5 person relay, in addition to challenging yourself to run the whole thing solo!
Registration is still OPEN in person until 6pm tonight with bib pick-up at @tahoemountainsports with reg remaining open online til 1159pm. Race day bib pickup available in the morning 6-730am. No Race Day Reg. 

Thanks to our amazing sponsors this year, every participant will be eligible for a prize giveaway and get a pair of @darntoughvermont socks and @drinklmnt hydration.

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #trailmarathon #trailrace #pointmariah #pointmariahtrailmarathon
Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in th Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in the works.  We’ve been collaborating with Alibi Ale Works to release a co-branded beer (YES!).   Join us for a social run next Tuesday, where we'll have the pleasure of running alongside Alibi's head brewer, Matt Garcia! We'll hit the trails together, and afterward, we'll gather at Alibi to brainstorm the perfect brew that represents our club.  And since the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, we're adding some extra fun to the mix. We'll also be assembling course markings during the event. It's going to be an unforgettable night! Hope to see you there!
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Ent 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Enthusiasts! Join Us in Supporting the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
The Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, and we need YOUR help to make it a roaring success! 🌟 This incredible event brings together the running community and showcases the determination and passion of athletes from all walks of life. Now, we are seeking volunteers to be an essential part of this memorable experience!
📅 Event Date: August 5th
⏰ Volunteer Dates: Several different shifts available from August 2nd - August 6th
🤝 We firmly believe that it takes a village to organize events like these, and YOU can be a crucial part of this vibrant community effort! No prior experience is required—just bring your enthusiastic spirit, and we'll guide you every step of the way.
📍 Positions Available:
1️⃣ Course Marking: Help ensure that the runners stay on track and have a smooth route to follow.
2️⃣ Finish Line Support: Cheer on our amazing athletes as they cross the finish line and celebrate their achievements.
3️⃣ Course Marshals: Guide and assist participants at key points along the trail, offering encouragement and direction.
4️⃣ Timing Assistance: Play a vital role in accurately recording race times and ensuring accurate results.
... and more! There are plenty of opportunities to contribute to the success of the marathon.
🌟 Not only will you have a fantastic time being part of this incredible event, but you'll also have the chance to bond with fellow running enthusiasts, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
💪 Together, let's show the world the power of community and support in making this marathon an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR!
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! Link in bio.
Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at the Diamond Peak aid station this weekend at the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs.  Everyone out on the course really appreciated all of the support!!! Stay tuned, we will be posting the Volunt(hero) leaderboard soon!  In the meantime, we're seeking more incredible volunteers to join our team at the upcoming Pt. Mariah trail marathon, and we promise it'll be an experience you won't forget! 😄
Sign up today! No experience needed. Link in bio.
The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going strong with more than 60 volunteers out helping runners get through our various aid stations this year. What is the Volunt(hero) program? The top 10 DPMR volunteers with the most hours logged in 2023 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win free race entries for a year, up to $1000. We will be posting our leaderboard soon but only a few hours separate those at the top.  Adding a shift can catapult you in to one of the coveted top 10 spots to be included in the raffle.  So come and join us THIS WEEKEND out at TRT! There are still openings overnight, morning clean up Sunday, and sweeps for TRT (Double points for morning clean up).
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻 Link in bio for more info!
Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane h Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane has been a DPMR member since the inaugural year (2014).  She has been a board member for 5 years with the last 3 at the helm. Diane loves a good joke and believes life is a whole lot better if you don’t take things too seriously.  She also believes that trail time is best shared with dogs and friends. And friends with dogs.  Diane is a recovering graphic designer but will come out of retirement for a good race logo opportunity (thank the cosmic forces for that!). Diane will be out on the course for the TRT100 next weekend - so if you see her out there, give her a big hello and high-five! Good luck Diane! #unafraid #dpmr #girlboss #100miler #paincave #yougotthis
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

Run with Us

  • Group Runs
  • Code of Conduct

Race with Us

  • Point Mariah Trail Marathon
  • Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race
  • Castle Peak 100k
  • Discount Codes

Join Us

  • Membership Cost & Benefits
  • Join Us
  • DPMR Gear
  • Donate

About Us

  • About Us
  • Volunteer
  • Board
  • Contact Us

© 2023 · Donner Party Mountain Runners · Truckee, California · Website by Tahoe Web Works