New Year thoughts the DPMR Board President – Bruna

Dear DPMR Community,

I moved to the United States from Brazil at the end of 2018 to pursue a Master’s degree in Teaching. At the time, my best friend—now my husband—was living in Truckee, so I spent my weeks commuting between Auburn and Truckee. While everyone in my program was kind, my connections felt surface-level, and from 2018 to 2021, I struggled with deep loneliness. Aside from a few people I had met before moving here—who became my U.S. family—I had no real community.

In Brazil, running was never a solo activity. We ran in packs, shared meals, and built friendships through movement. Learning to run alone in a new country was incredibly hard—until Donner Party Mountain Runners changed everything.

Thanks to Steve Buelna, who was leading the Newbies (the beginner group) at the time, I was invited to join the club. I joined alongside Emily Lim, Emily Abrahams, Patty West, and Marcela Mar, and we instantly bonded. From that one invitation, countless friendships grew. These women remain my OG crew, and I will always have their backs.

But beyond those friendships, DPMR gave me something even bigger: a sense of belonging. I have never felt so welcomed, supported, and motivated by a community in my life.

That support showed up in extraordinary ways. During the snowiest winter in decades (2022–2023), the Tuesday Social Run didn’t stop—it continued week after week to support my training for my first marathon on January 15, 2023. Special thanks to Steve Woo, and Garret McCullough. On my peak training day, I had to run 20 miles on a treadmill because the snow was dumping so hard I couldn’t even drive down the mountain. When I finished, exhausted and emotional, I stepped outside to find my car completely buried. I was on the verge of tears when a fellow DPMR member, Brandon Miller, appeared as if he came from heaven, with a massive snow rake and dug my car out.

Moments like that define this community.

Through volunteering at races since Silver State 50/50 and Broken Arrow Skyrace in 2022 (yes, even at snowy High Camp), I became deeply inspired by the heart of DPMR: people showing up for each other, for the trails, and for the greater outdoor community. When I ran my first ultramarathon, Garrett ran alongside me as an informal pacer, listening to me talk for seven straight hours. That’s the kind of support you find here.

Today, it is an honor to serve as President of Donner Party Mountain Runners. My goal is to give back to the community that gave me so much by helping lead and organize free events that inform, inspire, and connect people. From year-round Tuesday Social Runs (rain, shine, snow—or “snow or shine”), to trail maintenance days, to volunteering at aid stations for major local races, DPMR exists to make the outdoors more accessible and more connected for everyone. Now with a walkers/joggers group joining the Tuesdays Social Runs too. 

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on our community to keep this work going. A $30 annual membership helps maintain local trails, support free events, give away prizes, and create meaningful outdoor experiences and connections throughout the year. But of course, if you want to donate more than $2.50 a month, you can also donate more to our community on our website.

If this story resonates with you—even a little—I invite you to join us. Your membership or donation directly supports the trails we love and the community that makes this place feel like home.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Bruna Bradford