ERS Community Leaders
Erica Bass
RACE TEAM
I discovered trail running and the South Bay Y group by chance in 2016 while searching for an outlet that combined my love of running, hiking, and the outdoors. Once I found the trails, everything clicked. That same year, I skipped the marathon distance and completed my first 50K, followed by my first 100-miler in 2019.
Trail running became much more than a way to challenge myself. Time in nature gave me space to process life, while the support and friendships I found within the trail running community became truly life-changing.
Today, I run for the joy of it, chase goals that fit into my mom-life schedule, and look for opportunities to give back to the sport and community that have given me so much.
HOME LOCATION: San Diego
RUN CLUB AFFILIATION: South Bay YMCA
FAVORITE TRAIL: El Cajon Mountain
FAVORITE RACE(S): Sierra 50K (Tahoe), and Black Mtn Turkey Burner
YEARS WITH ERS: 6 years
ERS RACE RECOMMENDATION: San Pasqual Trail Race
Patrick Towne
RACE TEAM
My trail running journey started with a neighbor convincing me to give it a try. We would run from our neighborhood to the local trail, and honestly, I wasn't a fan. My gear was made for the roads, my neighbor was far more experienced, and I thought she was a little crazy.
A few years and life changes later, I was given a pair of trail shoes and started running with people from Run North County. Eventually, I met people who invited me to run at different local trailheads. I had never seen so many hydration vests—or so many people excited to run 20 miles! I had no idea that one week would completely change my running journey.
Since then, the trail community has talked me into countless adventures, local races, and even a few ultras. What I love most about trail running is the positive energy, friendships, and inclusive spirit.
HOME LOCATION: Carlsbad
RUN CLUB AFFILIATION: Ultrabuds
FAVORITE TRAIL: Daley Ranch
FAVORITE RACE(S): Carmel Valley 10 Mile, the Ranch 50K, Zion Ultra
YEARS WITH ERS: 5 years
ERS RACE RECOMMENDATION: San Pasqual Trail Race
Virginia Camacho
RACE TEAM
There were two things I knew, I loved to hike and I loved to distance run. I knew I wanted to be out on the trails and including folks that hadn't been out there before. What I didn't know was how exhilarating and challenging it could be.
The trails have given me a new true grit. There is nothing better than being in the fresh air and wilderness with good shoes and a trail.
HOME LOCATION: San Diego
RUN CLUB AFFILIATION: Santa Mujeres Run Club
FAVORITE TRAIL: Three Sisters Falls
FAVORITE RACE(S): South Bay 24 Hour
YEARS WITH ERS: 4 years
ERS RACE RECOMMENDATION: Coast to Crest 5K
(great way for new runners to experience the trails)
Marisela Montes
RACE TEAM
I started trail running when one of my friends invited me. I had run road for many years and wanted to try something different. I fell in love with the trails, the views and the community. I love the feeling of doing hard things I think I can’t do and inspiring/ supporting others to reach their goals.
HOME LOCATION: Perris (Riverside County)
RUN CLUB AFFILIATION: Riverside County Trail Runners
FAVORITE TRAIL: Daley Ranch
FAVORITE RACE(S): Del Dios Trail Race and San Diego 50
YEARS WITH ERS: 1 year
ERS RACE RECOMMENDATION: Del Dios Trail Race
Daniel Smith
RACE TEAM
I love trail running because it brings back that feeling of being a kid and simply playing outside. There’s a sense of freedom that comes with hitting the trails, exploring new places, and seeing where the path takes you. It’s a chance to step away from the everyday routine, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with the outdoors. Trail running reminds me that sometimes the best adventures are the simple ones just getting outside, moving, and having fun.
HOME LOCATION: Jamul (East County San Diego)
RUN CLUB AFFILIATION: Sa Diego Trail Runners
FAVORITE TRAIL: Proctor Valley
FAVORITE RACE(S): Black Mtn Turkey Burner and Noble Canyon 50K
YEARS WITH ERS: 9 years
ERS RACE RECOMMENDATION: San Pasqual Trail Race