GROUP LEADERS

Coach and owner of BB Trail Running. Dawna has been a trail runner/ ultra runner since 2003. A certified trainer and coach since 1996 Dawna’s commitment, knowledge, and enthusiasm to trail running is contagious. Get ready for trail fun!

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Learn more about my qualifications

• Head coach

• Race Director

• Race Team Coach

• Ultra runner

• Owner of Bush Babes & Bro's Trail Running

"My introduction to trail running came in 2012 when my fantastically fit 
female friends asked me to participate in the inaugural Whistler Tough 
Mudder with them.  I said “No thanks, running is not my thing.”, and 
they said “Sorry, no isn’t really an option here!”.  That got me hooked 
on obstacle course racing, predominately of the Spartan Beast variety. 
They then roped me into mountain biking, and the worst one of them all, 
skate skiing, or ‘time on the misery sticks’ as I like to call it.  The 
Bush Babes and Bro’s running group leaders, the fine group of people you 
see listed on this page, got me out of my comfort zone of short distance 
trail runs and into a deeper appreciation of long runs.  I haven’t 
tackled a 50K+ race yet… but perhaps no isn’t really an option here?"

• Team Leader

• Event Race Marshal Super Hero

A BB Trail Running clinic got him hooked on the sport.  He loves the outdoor adventures he’s had out on the trail and with the friends he’s made in the community of trail running.  If you want to push your pace in the clinic Eric and his team are the ones to get you there.

• Trail leader

• Ultra Runner

• Assistant events staging area manager

Hello my name is Brandy Martin. I'm so excited to be part of BB Trail Running. 

Let me guide you our in the trail and have some trail running fun!!!

• Trail leader

• Ultra Runner

• Event package pick-up coordinator

• Racer concierge

Running the local trails recreationally has become more of a passion for Michael enjoying new friends and all the beautiful Okanagan has to offer.

• Assistant Race Director

• Events are staging manager

• BB Race Team member

• Trail Leader

• Ultra Runner

• BB Race Team Captain

Hi, my name is Joy Cawley, I returned to my love of running in 2014.  My first step was to join a learn to run program which led to running road and trail runs and races in and around the Okanagan.  Never a fast runner, I still wanted to do the best I could and have fun out on the road and trails.  I enrolled in the BB Trail Running Clinic in the fall of 2018 because I wanted to improve my technique and endurance.  What I found was a knowledgeable, inspiring, supportive, energetic and fun group of people who have taught me so much.  My favourite quote sums up my feelings about trail running, “Into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”.

• Trail Leader

• Events Support Staff

Rick has a background in Athletic Training and Conditioning and hold a Doctorate in Chiropractic. Although an injury led me to step away from my Chiropractic career, my passion for helping others enhance their lives through running remains strong. As a lifelong runner, I’ve had the privilege of teaching “Learn to Run” and “Continue to Run” programs, guiding individuals from their first strides to long-term running success. My journey has taken me from the blacktop to the trails, where I’ve discovered the incredible benefits of trail running for both my body and mind. Over the years, I’ve also challenged myself with various distance and adventure races, which have fueled my love for the sport. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your running to the next level, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

• Trail Leader

• Events Team

Llona has been a dedicated member of our running community for the past four years, progressing from our Learn to Run program to successfully racing in 25km events. Her knowledge and enthusiasm shine through as she passionately assists others in reaching their running goals. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your performance, Llona is here to inspire and guide you every step of the way. Join us in celebrating her journey and the positive impact she has on our team!

• Trail Leader

Randi loves hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking and trail running. I've
been trail running for 13 years; 13 years of blisters, laughter, tears, more laughter, loads of wildlife, frozen water bladders, eating lots of bacon, great friends, incredible views, more laughter and the greatest feeling in the
world - exhaustion mixed with pride. It is so incredible to know that my body is
able and willing to do what my heart wants. I am so thankful that I have friends
adventurous enough to enjoy trail running and the outdoors with me!

• Team Leader

• Events Announcer 

• Event Support Staff

• Ultra Runner

Kevin has a long history in sports and coaching athletes at an elite level. Kevin's dedication to all levels of sport lends to being a great coach and leader.

• Team Assistant Trail Leader

• Events Support Staff

Lauren began running after her second child was born, first logging many kilometres running with a stroller on the road. Her love of trail running began after signing up for the Slay the Dragon 13k in 2019. She has since run several 50ks, both in a race and self-supported, with the Slay the Dragon 50k being her first (and absolute favourite) 50k race. Lauren loves meeting new run buddies on the trails!

• Team Trail Leader

• Events Support Staff

• Ultra Runner

Having grown up in Vernon, I have always enjoyed being on our amazing trails, whether running, hiking or mountain biking.  It was a goal of running a 50km trail race for turning 50 years young that had me sign up for my first BB&B Trail running clinic in the Spring of 2023!  I conquered that goal by crossing the finish line of my first 50km with Slay that Dragon that June!  With the knowledge - from technique, nutrition & fueling, to gear - and experience gained through the clinic - I was hooked! Accomplishing my goal was amazing, the community created by Dawna and the friends made sharing the trails was even more rewarding! Needless to say the love of being involved found me becoming a member of the BB&B team in the Spring of 2024!  Grateful for the BB&B community!

• Team Trail Leader

• Events Support Staff

• Ultra Runner

• Team Massage Therapist

 My running adventure began when a friend asked me to join them for the Melissa’s Road Race in Banff.  This was in 2012 and I have been addicted to running ever since!  I have participated in many running events and as rewarding as they all were it’s more about the journey that gets me to the starting line.  I feel so fortunate to live in the Vernon area with these great trails that offer challenging terrain and breathtaking views!  I love the energy and excitement from running with a new group of runners which is why I am thrilled to be a part of the Bush Babes and Bro’s running crew!

• Team Trail Leader

• Events Support Staff

I started running the summer of 2021 as a way to get fit, enjoy the outdoors, and once I tried trail running I was Hooked. Mark has participated in several BB&Bro's clinic ad is looking forward to supporting and inspiring fellow runners the beautiful trails of the Okanagan. Besides spending time with his 2 beautiful children, Mark enjoys paddle boarding, skiing, and getting our for a round or two of golf.

• Team Trail Leader

• Events Support Staff

I’ve been running since my high school track days and a triathlete later in life, but when I moved to Vernon from Ontario in 2020 and started trail running…it was like I’d finally come home. Nothing beats flying through the woods with friends! My trail racing has been limited as I am typically behind a camera rather than out on the course as a runner, but I sneak a couple in every season. When I’m not running, you’ll find me mountain biking, skiing, swimming, paddle boarding or sweating it out in my home hot yoga studio. 

• Team Trail Leader Bike Support

• Events Photographer

• Team Trail Leader

• Children's Events Support Staff

• Ultra Runner

I have been running with the Bush Babes and Bros since 2016, when I joined the clinic as a new participant. Having been a previous road runner, I quickly fell in love with running on the trails being surrounded by nature and fresh air. The best thing about joining this crew was the sense of belonging and friendship. I have enjoyed participating in various races and distances to have fun and challenge myself. Having faced various health issues over the years, I have always come back to running as a form of healing, exercise, joy, and camaraderie. Being part of the Bush Babes and Bros as a trail leader has been an incredible way to give back to the running community that has given me so much.

• Team Trail Leader

• Events Support Staff

• Trail Runner

• Lift Coach